Additional Safety Measures at the Portland and Wilson Intersection

Sherbrooke, Tuesday, August 20, 2024 – In an effort to improve pedestrian safety, the City of Sherbrooke is redesigning the crosswalk at the intersection of Portland Boulevard and Wilson Street by installing a standard traffic light. This work is scheduled for 2025.

• The site has undergone several improvements since 2019 to bring the intersection up to standard and increase safety.
• A joint safety analysis of the crosswalk was conducted in 2023 by the Sherbrooke Police Service and the Engineering, Water, and Major Projects Department.
• While the study confirmed that the existing infrastructure meets current standards, it suggested short-term interventions to further enhance safety, some of which have already been implemented:
  • Increased police presence at the site, with approximately 1,300 tickets issued in 2023.
  • Launch of the “Bon pied, bon œil” (Watch Your Step) campaign at the Portland/Wilson intersection.
  • Public awareness efforts regarding pedestrian crosswalks.
• Additional solutions have been evaluated to further secure the site.
• A budget of $300,000 has been allocated by the council to carry out the following safety improvements:
  • Closure of the median.
  • Replacement of the overhead rectangular rapid-flashing beacons with a standard traffic light system.
  • Prohibition of left turns at the intersection.
  • Adjustments to the traffic lights to secure eastbound U-turns at the Lionel-Groulx Boulevard intersection.
• Westbound U-turns are permitted at the Portland/Lauzon intersection.

“The safety of Sherbrooke residents is an absolute priority. The investments and concrete actions planned for the Portland Boulevard and Wilson Street intersection demonstrate our commitment to making Sherbrooke even safer for all citizens who use our road and active transportation infrastructure.” – Évelyne Beaudin, Mayor of Sherbrooke.