In 2013 the Town of Qualicum Beach adopted the Community Transportation Plan. A roundabout was rated highly in priorities, due to the significant safety benefits and the high volume of traffic and significant pedestrian activity
This project converted a T-intersection to a roundabout at the corner of Memorial Avenue and Highway 19A. Reconstruction of this intersection sought to increase public safety, calm traffic, improve service levels and reduce idling.
The Memorial Avenue and Highway 19A intersection was our highest crash site based on ICBC data. This area was also the site of a multiple pedestrian fatality in recent years. Pedestrian warning devices were insufficient and traffic lights are statistically more dangerous than roundabouts.
Transport Canada recommends converting signalized intersections to roundabouts wherever appropriate. Their findings, as well as many others, have concluded that countries showing fewer intersection collisions have implemented roundabouts. Statistics reveal the following:
- 75% reduction in collisions with injuries
- 90% reduction in fatality collisions
- 39% reduction in overall collisions
- At stop signs or traffic lights, the most serious accidents are right-angle, left-turn or head-on collisions. Roundabouts eliminate these types of crashes.