Six-month project data shows improvement on Fourth Plain

Collision data on Fourth Plain Boulevard indicates a 24% overall decrease in
crashes and a 38% reduction in injury-related crashes during the first sixmonths
of the Fourth Plain Traffic Safety Project.

“The 38% reduction in injury-related collisions is particularly favorable when
compared to other roads in the city that only had about 27%,” stated city
engineer John Manix. “The results are very encouraging, but too early to
draw a final conclusion.”

Increased law enforcement along Fourth Plain is helping drive collision data
down and raise awareness of the project. Vancouver Police Department
reported a total of 750 contacts, 489 infraction violations cited, 15 suspended
drivers cited, 8 DWI arrests, 3 warrant arrests, and 235 verbal warnings from
January 1, 2005 - March 31, 2005.

Traffic engineering improvements on the corridor from St. Johns Road to
Vancouver Mall Drive include upgraded “piano-bar style” thermal plastic
crosswalks, the addition of stop bars to all side streets, upgraded street signs
from Grand Boulevard heading east, and the installation of red light indicators
at select intersections to help law enforcement identify red light violators.

In addition to these engineering improvements, the city plans to install new
LED pedestrian countdown signals. Last month, the Vancouver City Council
approved the purchase of 150 LED pedestrian signal modules.

The new signals, which let pedestrians know how much time remains to safely cross,
will replace existing pedestrian signals at 17 intersections along Fourth Plain
Boulevard. Installation is estimated to take place in the Fall 2005.

Signal funding was made available through a Hazard Elimination Safety Grant.

During the first six months of the project, committee members also worked
on a number of public awareness projects that included pedestrian safety
presentations to elementary and middle school students that live along the
corridor, bus advertising, and the distribution of traffic safety information to
the community.

June 10, 2005

PR Contact: Robyn Chastain

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