City plans on improving safety at confusing Donald Street intersection

The City of Ottawa is taking steps to deter vehicles from driving through a dedicated bike lane at the corner of Donald Street and St. Laurent Boulevard.

The area where the two streets meet was identified as a 'high collision intersection,' as part of the city's Safety Improvement Program. 

To help cut down on the number of crashes, the intersection was rebuilt as a 'protected intersection,' which is based on Dutch design. This east end intersection was given corner safety islands, forward stop bars, dedicated bicycle signals and also a dedicated bike turning lane. 

But drivers have complained that a right turning lane on Donald Street eastbound at St. Laurent Boulevard looks too similar to a regular sized turning lane. 

“It seems that Ottawa drivers aren't getting the message that that particular area of the intersection is not a place for their cars,” Healthy Transportation Coalition's Trevor Haché explained. “I think perhaps better enforcement is required because that is just another tragic accident waiting to happen.” 

Haché admitted there needed to be improvements made to the look of the intersection but explained that people sometimes know they are breaking the rules. 

“People know they're not suppose to park on sidewalks but I see pictures all the time on social media, where people are just doing it,” he said. “I think there needs to be a bit of a culture change.” 

The city, meanwhile, said that there is normally a period of adjustment when new facilities, like the protected intersection, are introduced. 

In a statement to 1310 NEWS, Acting Director of Traffic Services, Krista Tanaka explained that city staff are working to add in more safety measures including bike stencils and flex posts to help narrow the lane. 

The flex posts will be installed this week, while green thermoplastic may be applied to the lane at a later date according to the city. 

For more information about protected intersections, click here.