Traffic and Pedestrian Signals
Completed 2025 Works
Keith Wilson Road and Garrison Boulevard
Due to the combination of the high number of pedestrians crossing Keith Wilson Road at Garrison Boulevard and the high volume of turning traffic, a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) in the traffic signal sequence has been implemented. This provides a head start for northbound and southbound pedestrians while all vehicle traffic is stopped, facing a red light. The advanced walk signal allows pedestrians to proceed part way across the crosswalk before the green light for vehicles allowing drivers to see them more easily. Experience indicates that this sequence typically reduces pedestrian-vehicle crashes by about 60%.
For more information explaining why LPIs are used and how they operate please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/transportation-infrastructure/engineering-standards-and-guidelines/technical-circulars/2018/t04-18.pdf
New Audibles and Push Buttons
Four push buttons and three audibles were completed this spring.
Push buttons were upgraded to a new style which requires less force to activate at the following
locations:
- Chilliwack Central Road and Young Road
- First Avenue and Young Road
- First Avenue and Broadway
- Chilliwack Central Road and Broadway
Audibles were upgraded at the following locations:
- First Avenue and Broadway
- Chilliwack Central Road and Broadway
- Yale Road and Kerr Avenue
Completed 2024 Works
Green Light Preemption Upgrades
Preemption overrides the normal operation of a traffic signal to provide a green light for emergency vehicles, including fire trucks. This allows better response times and improves safety by providing a red light to all vehicles, pedestrians and other road users.
Four intersections were upgraded with green light preemption upgrades in November:
- Hodgins Avenue at Mary Street
- Hodgins Avenue at Ashwell Road
- Young Road at Chilliwack Central Road
- Young Road at Cheam Avenue
New Traffic Signal at Evans Road and Commercial Court
The pedestrian signal was converted to a full traffic signal light at Evans Road and Commercial Court in April 2024.
This developer funded conversion included an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) system so that in the case of a power outage, the traffic signals have a backup supply of power. It also included a GPS Emergency Vehicle Preemption, which allows emergency vehicles to have a green light as soon as possible. This helps reduce the overall response time and creates safer travel for emergency personnel and roadway users.
Report a Traffic Light Concern
A traffic light concern is best reported right away to prevent accidents from happening. Please phone the Engineering Department at 604-793-2907 with the location of the traffic light.
If it is an after hours emergency, please call 604-792-2233.
Background Information
Routine maintenance and repairs to traffic signals are needed to ensure they are up-to-date and continue to work properly. This includes replacement of traffic controller cabinets and poles. A traffic controller cabinet is designed to protect the electronic controls from any sort of damage. Inside the cabinet are electronic devices that control the sequence of the lights depending on the time of day and the road traffic conditions.
Pedestrian signals at intersections are also upgraded. Upgrades can include new audibles and new push buttons. Audibles make sounds such as beeping or chirping to ensure pedestrians, including persons with sight loss, know when it is safe to cross the street. A push button allows pedestrians to activate signals at intersections.
Wanting to Know More?
If you have any questions about traffic signals, please contact the Engineering Department at
604-793-2907 or [email protected].
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