As kids prepare for the start of school next week, some students on Wallaceburg’s south side will have a new crosswalk to contend with. 
Chris Thibert, Chatham-Kent’s Manager of Infrastructure Service says plans to convert the all-way stop at the intersection of Murray and Reaume will go ahead this Friday.
“The contractor is going to be coming in and initiating the pedestrian crossover and at the same time removing the all-way stop,” Thibert says. “We’re going to be updating the signs in that area identifying to the public that there’s no longer a four-way stop there and there’s a new pedestrian cross-over, we’re going to be on site implementing it and making sure everything’s running smoothly.”
Thibert says with the start of the new school year just a week away, they’re doing what they can to get the message out.
“We have been in coordination and contact with the local schools out there to ensure that they have all of the knowledge that they need to use these new crossing devices.”
Originally slated to be converted to a two-way stop with a pedestrian crossing last spring, the move was delayed until construction on Murray and McNaughton had wrapped up.
The municipality is also providing instructions for those who may not know how to properly use a pedestrian crossing.
Steps on how to use a PXO are as follows:
Press the crossing/push button to activate the flashing lights.
Indicate your intention to cross to drivers and cyclists on the road and make eye contact before you enter the roadway
Proceed with crossing when you feel it is safe to do so.
Drivers are also urged to pay close attention to the new rules and keep an eye out for pedestrians.
