Two serious incidents in three weeks at the controversial intersection of 10th Avenue and Dunbar Street have forced the City of Port Alberni into action.
A pedestrian was struck in the intersection Thursday afternoon (May 1), prompting response from two ambulances and several police cruisers. At least one person was loaded on a stretcher into an ambulance and taken to West Coast General Hospital for assessment.
On April 10, a cyclist was hit at 10th and Dunbar early in the morning and airlifted to a trauma centre.
Friday afternoon the city announced it will be closing both northbound and southbound left-hand turn lanes on 10th Avenue. As materials arrive, city crews will install temporary barriers to prevent motorists from turning onto Dunbar Street.
“It breaks our collective hearts to hear of yesterday’s accident at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Dunbar Street. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected,” said Sharie Minions, mayor for the City of Port Alberni.
“We take road safety very seriously and are deploying all possible resources to review the intersection in question and determine further, more permanent measures to enhance safety in the area,” she said.
In 2018 another cyclist was hit and killed in the same intersection, and a white "ghost bike" affixed to a post serves as a reminder to cyclists killed or injured by vehicles.
The intersection has also been the scene of more than one vehicle failing to make the turn and crashing into a house or fence.
Because of the infamous reputation of this particular intersection the city in 2021 engaged transportation engineering experts Urban Systems to review lighting, traffic controls, geometry and traffic patterns at that intersection. The city chose to get rid of the northbound left-turn lane on 10th Avenue and shorten the pedestrian crossing.
In 2024 the city created distinct bicycle lanes at the intersection, improved lighting and created a more pedestrian-friendly crossing.
“While the recent enhancements were an important step in improving safety at the intersection, it has become clear that further measures are needed to ensure the safety of all road users,” stated Mike Fox, chief administrative officer for the City of Port Alberni.
City officials will look at a permanent solution once the citywide Transportation Master Plan is completed later this year.
