The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinalis taking a significant step to enhance pedestrian safety with the installation of three new Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs) at key locations in Spencerville and Cardinal. These modern crossovers are designed to provide increased visibility and improved safety for pedestrians at high-traffic areas, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can navigate our roadways with greater confidence.

New PXO Locations:

• County Road 44 (Bennett Street) at Henderson Street, Spencerville
• County Road 2 at Dishaw Street, Cardinal
• County Road 2 at Walker Street, Cardinal

The Township Council has listened to residents' concerns about safety in these areas and responded by taking action. These installations reflect the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal’s strong commitment to road safety and accessibility, reinforcing its efforts to build a safer and more connected community. RRFB crossovers feature high-visibility flashing beacons, activated when pedestrians press a button. This advanced system alerts drivers to stop and yield, significantly improving pedestrian safety—particularly in high-traffic areas where pedestrian and vehicle interactions are frequent.

How Pedestrian Crossovers Work:

• Pedestrians should press the button to activate the flashing beacons, wait for vehicles to stop in both directions, and then proceed cautiously across.
• Drivers must come to a complete stop when the lights are flashing and yield to pedestrians crossing. Vehicles cannot proceed until the pedestrian has fully reached the other side of the road.
• Cyclists must dismount and walk their bikes across the crossover to ensure safety for all road users.

The new pedestrian crossovers are set to be activated next week, with a target date of March 17, aligning with the return of school after spring break. This timely implementation will ensure that students, families, and all pedestrians benefit from the enhanced safety measures as daily routines resume.

These crossovers fall under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, Part X, Section 140, which establishes the legal responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians at designated crosswalks and crossovers. Drivers are required to stop and yield the entire roadway to pedestrians before proceeding. Failure to comply can result in fines and demerit points.
The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal extends its appreciation to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville for their support in this initiative. While the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal has fully funded the installation of these pedestrian crossovers, the crossings are located on county roads. This collaboration highlights the strong working relationship between the Township and the Counties in making meaningful road safety improvements that benefit all residents and visitors.
A Step Towards a More Liveable Community

This project aligns with the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, reinforcing its commitment to building a Liveable Community by enhancing road safety and accessibility. Investing in pedestrian infrastructure not only improves safety but also strengthens community connections by making public spaces more accessible and user-friendly. Furthermore, this initiative underscores the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal’s dedication to infrastructure improvements and fostering collaborative partnerships, ensuring that safety enhancements continue to be a priority for years to come.