Port Alberni, BC – May 2, 2025 – Upon learning of the most recent pedestrian strikes at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Dunbar Street the city is taking immediate action to further enhance safety in the area. In the coming weeks, as materials arrive, city crews will remove the northbound and southbound left-turn lanes on 10th Avenue, installing temporary barriers to prevent motorists from turning onto Dunbar Street.
“It breaks our collective hearts to hear of yesterday’s accident at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Dunbar Street. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected,” said Sharie Minions, mayor for the City of Port Alberni. “We take road safety very seriously and are deploying all possible resources to review the intersection in question and determine further, more permanent measures to enhance safety in the area,” concluded the mayor.
The intersection of 10th Avenue and Dunbar Street has been the location of several separate incidents involving vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. In 2024, the city proactively implemented several improvements, including distinct bike lanes, improved lighting, and pedestrian-friendly crossings, following a comprehensive analysis by transportation engineering experts from Urban Systems.
“While the recent enhancements were an important step in improving safety at the intersection, it has become clear that further measures are needed to ensure the safety of all road users,” stated Mike Fox, chief administrative officer for the City of Port Alberni. “As part of our immediate response, city staff are finalizing plans to install no post barriers. These barriers will effectively prevent motorists from turning onto Dunbar Street, addressing safety concerns in the area. Additionally, we recognize that our ongoing review process will help us identify more permanent solutions, particularly in light of the broader Transportation Master Plan set to be completed in the coming months. Our commitment to improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers remains a top priority,” concluded Fox.
BACKGROUND
In 2021 the city engaged transportation engineering experts, Urban Systems, to review lighting, traffic controls, geometry and traffic patterns at that intersection. The improvements at that intersection were to consider vehicle turning movements/conflicts, speed, the steep hill known as “the Dip,” lighting, sight lines and pedestrian and bicycle safety. Two road configurations emerged from their research.
Option one: Removal of the dedicated turning lanes on 10th Avenue, allowing for a “tightened” road design that would reduce vehicle speeds, facilitate bike lanes through the intersection, and shorten pedestrian crossing distances. However, this option raised traffic implications at other intersections in the surrounding area.
Option two: Elimination of the dedicated northbound left-turn lane on 10th Avenue, which would streamline and shorten the pedestrian crossing.
This option was recommended and implemented as a first step until the City’s Transportation Master Plan is completed, which is set to be finalized in the coming months.
The Master Plan will assess past recommendations while also incorporating additional factors, including designated truck routes, turning radius constraints, and other roadway design requirements.
The provision of green painted bike lanes was recommended in both options to improve visibility and awareness of cyclists.
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for more information:
Communications Department
City of Port Alberni
E: communications@portalberni.ca
