Crosswalk Improvements - Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB)

2024 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Program

Completed Works

Seven intersection crosswalks were upgraded with RRFBs this spring for heightened pedestrian crossing visibility and safety due to higher traffic volumes and visibility requirements. They are 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 at Hazel Street
• Yale Road at Kipp Avenue
• Young Road at Lewis Avenue
• Young Road at Reece Avenue

While City funds general pay for 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 and Kipp was installed with grant funding from the 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.

Locations of RRFBs: Downtown Chilliwack

Locations of RRFBs: S.A.Y. Lands

Future Works

The following locations are in the design stage for future RRFB installations:

• 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
• Yale Road east of Five Corners (across from District 1881)

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. 

Background

• The City of Chilliwack has made significant improvements to pedestrian crossings over the last few years and now has seven fully signalized pedestrian crossings and 34 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crossings. 
• See installation sites here
• Ongoing evaluations and the adding of crosswalk/crossing improvements will continue each year as the City experiences ongoing growth and the development of the Active Transportation Plan.

Education

• Visit our Safe Roads page to learn about the rules of using an RRFB.

For monthly updates on transportation construction projects, subscribe to our e-newsletter.