The Traffic Safety Project for School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) advocates for installing flashing speed signs in two school zones in Cranbrook, BC. Prioritizing the safety of school children, caregivers, and the general community, this initiative aims to promote the establishment of safe school zones, by increasing awareness among drivers. Flashing speed signs will serve as a tangible intervention to encourage drivers to adhere to safe speeds in school zones, aligning with Vision Zero's goal to eliminate severe injuries and fatalities caused by excessive speeds. Anticipated outcomes include a reduction in traffic speed, enhanced safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and a positive shift in community awareness towards responsible road behaviour. This project marks phase one of a two-year plan to enhance school zone safety at Cranbrook elementary schools, with the intention to extend the project to two additional elementary schools the following year.
The January 2023 traffic survey conducted by School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) staff, the RCMP, and the City of Cranbrook found four elementary schools in Cranbrook requiring traffic safety enhancements with regard to traffic speed. The preferred solution, based on feedback from stakeholders, is the installation of flashing speed signs. With the need for targeted investment and resource allocation, Pinewood Elementary School and Kootenay Orchards Elementary School were identified as having the most urgent need for traffic safety improvements. Flashing speed signs are an expedient and cost-effective solution to address the concerns raised by the school communities. The flashing signs will also raise awareness in the community about road safety and help foster a shared responsibility for creating safer road environments.
Pinewood Elementary School is a small Cranbrook school in a socio-economically disadvantaged area in an industrial zone. Pinewood's school community has raised several concerns about traffic safety. There is direct access to Highway 3/93, and an active rail line that runs parallel to this highway, which introduces unique safety challenges. This project recognizes the need to address traffic speed concerns in a context where highway and industrial transitions intersect with the school zone. Many students walk and bike to school along the road as there are no sidewalks. Students are also bussed from outlying rural areas, and the longer commute for these students increases their exposure to unsafe traffic issues. The main access road to the school is on King Street, the former highway to the city of Kimberley. It is an unlit, variable speed commuter route that accesses industrial areas, residential areas, and rural communities. Visibility of students is a major safety concern, especially in the early winter mornings based on the limited streetlights in the area. The flashing speed signs will be installed at either end of the school zone along King Street, as this is the main road of concern for the school population. The flashing speed zones aim to slow traffic, promote visibility and awareness of the school zone, and improve traffic safety for the whole community.
Kootenay Orchards Elementary School is at the southern edge of Cranbrook. The school serves a diverse community comprised of students from residential and rural areas and is across the street from a gated adult community. The primary access road, 13th Street South, doubles as a main street in the neighbourhood, creating a shared space for pedestrians, school buses, and local traffic. School, parent, and community feedback highlights the need for enhanced speed control along this corridor, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times. The project looks to address this safety issue by installing flashing speed signs in the school zone, enhancing the overall safety of students, caregivers, and community members. The flashing lights on speed signs improve visibility, ensuring that drivers are more likely to notice and respond to the need for reduced speeds. This is essential in this area where traffic congestion and competing road activities may distract drivers.
