Three new crosswalks activated in LaSalle

Lights over a new pedestrian crosswalk on Front Road at Bouffard Road in LaSalle. Dec. 18, 2024. (Rob Hindi/AM800 News)

Three pedestrian crossings along Front Road in LaSalle have been activated.

In October 2024, council approved $475,000 to install the crossings at the intersections of Bouffard, Huron, and Boismier.

LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche says the lights are meant to address an increase in pedestrian traffic around the event centre at LaSalle landing.

"That's supposed to do two things: obviously give pedestrians a safe way to cross Front Road and also hopefully slow down traffic," she says.

She added they went with a different style of light.

"We did the different light as well because of the speed of the traffic that travels there and the four-laned highway," she says. "We want to make sure people are stopping for pedestrian crossings; that's why we went for a different type of signal."

According to Meloche, drivers will need to slow down and keep their eyes open.

"Obviously those things aren't going to be activated all the time. I know there were some concerns from residents thinking this is really going to delay traffic. They're only going to be initiated when there is a walker there. Keep your eyes out because we do have a lot of people who cross there," she says.

It's expected foot traffic in that area will increase even more once the new multi-use path opens later this winter at LaSalle Landing.