Chatham-Kent council agrees to modify controversial Wallaceburg crosswalk

Chatham-Kent council has agreed to modify a controversial crosswalk in Wallaceburg.

In September, a four-way stop at Murray Street and Reaume Avenue was replaced by two stop signs and a flashing, pedestrian-activated crosswalk signal. A study of the area found that traffic volumes did not warrant the four-way stop.

Concerned residents have been protesting at the intersection since, holding placards and helping children cross the street, as the crossing guard position for the intersection was also eliminated.

"Within the first two hours of them taking the four way stop signs down, there was two accidents," Wallaceburg resident Krystal Gyuricaza told CBC News.

"Some people are stopping and some people are going through. The kids are [activating] the flashing lights and people are not seeing them, because they're just two small bars on the light poles."

Chatham-Kent councillor Carmen McGregor tabled a motion calling for the flashing yellow crosswalk signal to be replaced with a pedestrian-activated stop light.

Council agreed with the motion Monday, voting 16-2 in favour of installing a red stop light.