Crosswalk Improvements - Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB)
Did you know? The City of Chilliwack currently has more than 40 crosswalks enhanced with RRFB equipment!
The City has dedicated funding each year for the design and construction of 3 to 5 RRFB upgrades for existing crosswalks. Crosswalks that would benefit from RRFB upgrades are prioritized based on several factors such as:
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Depending on the location, some installations require more civil works to accommodate the RRFB crossing or to further improve traffic calming measures.
Feedback and persective from pedestrians and motorists are helpful for the City. Inquiries on RRFBs may be directed to the Engineering Department via [email protected] or 604-793-2907.
Future Works
There will be 4 new RRFBs installed in early 2026 at the following locations:
- First Avenue at Williams Street
- Reece Avenue at Williams Street
- Tyson Road at Mt. Slesse School (the overhead flashing amber lights will change to an RRFB)
- Yale Road at Victor Street (including lighting improvements at this location and the Yale Road and Fletcher Street crossing)
A fifth location is being installed as part of the current Knight Road multi-use project.
RRFB designs at 4 crosswalks began in September 2025 for the following locations:
- Hope River Road at Kent Road
- Gibson Road at Yale Road
- Menzies Street at Macken Avenue
- Yale Road at the Lickman Park & Ride (works will include the addition of curb bulges for traffic calming and to reduce the crossing on the roadway)
Installation at these locations will proceed when funding becomes available.
2024 RRFB Installations
Eight intersection crosswalks were upgraded with RRFBs this year for heightened pedestrian crossing visibility and safety due to higher traffic volumes and visibility requirements. They were part of the annual priority based installation program.
The locations of these RRFBs are:
- 7256 Chilliwack River Road (S.A.Y. Lands Office)
- Chilliwack River Road at Edna Lane (next to Yakweakwioose)
- First Avenue at Nowell Street
- Yale Road east of Five Corners (across from District 1881)
- Yale Road at Hazel Street
- Yale Road at Kipp Avenue
- Young Road at Lewis Avenue
- Young Road at Reece Avenue
While City funds cover the majority of the project costs, the City could not complete these projects without generous support and funding from several of the City’s partners.
- The RRFBs fronting S.A.Y. Lands, both located on Chilliwack River Road, were funded by Fraser Health and Coordinated and partially funded by S.A.Y. Lands.
- The RRFB at Yale Road and Kipp Avenue was installed with grant funding from Fraser Health through the Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant program.
- All RRFBs were also supported with additional grant funding from ICBC’s Road Improvement Program fund.
What is an RRFB?
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) are rectangular in shape and have lights that flash in a rapid flickering pattern once activated. They have been shown to significantly improve driver compliance at crosswalks.
Unfamiliar on how to use an RRFB? Learn more here.
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