The Forks is piloting a project along Israel Asper Way to increase pedestrian safety and slow down the flow of traffic. (GOOGLE STREET VIEW)
WINNIPEG — The Forks is trying something new by widening a boulevard near the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to calm the flow of traffic.
It’s a way to allow pedestrians to safely access The Forks and slow vehicles to keep those on foot safe.
“We are always monitoring the site and how the public uses it, and we were noticing that the current pedestrian crossing wasn’t being respected,” said Paul Jordan, CEO of The Forks.
“It’s like having a four-lane highway in the middle of our site, which doesn’t create a safe space for those trying to experience The Forks on foot.
The boulevard is located on Israel Asper Way between the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the FNP parkade, causing traffic to merge from two lanes of traffic into one in each direction. By redirecting traffic, it enables foot traffic to become the priority instead of cars.
The project is a temporary demonstration and will operate until the end of October, at which time it will be reviewed.
Large planters and safety cones outline the space, along with giant chickens painted on the road to remind visitors that “if the chicken made it to the other side, they can too.”
