Albert-Transitway crossing called a 'zoo' for pedestrians, cyclists
The under-construction crossing on Albert Street at the Transitway is being criticized as a danger to pedestrians and cyclists, while lengthening the commute for bus riders.
Construction on the north side of Albert Street has forced foot and bike traffic to use a single crosswalk, delaying buses as they yield to pedestrians.
Pylons, thin rope and orange signs surround what used to be a median in the middle of Albert Street to separate traffic from the turning lane.
Michael O'Keefe, who lives nearby, said "eventually someone is going to get hurt" at the intersection.
"The pedestrians, I think, are the ones taking their lives in their hands. You never win a pedestrian-car crash," he said.
"It's a dangerous intersection. It's one where a lot of people are tempted to cross without the light because it's so long. And it's even more dangerous now that it's under construction like this."
Pat Frappier said the intersection is a "zoo" that has added 20 minutes to his bus commute downtown from Barrhaven.
"When I go through that intersection, I'm glad I'm in the bus and not walking… the bus drivers are good for the most part but the field of vision can go," he said.
"It's busy and it's a long intersection with a median in between — it's not safe."
The city's construction page says work is scheduled to be completed by the end of August.
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