New crosswalk coming to Dunkirk Drive and Fermor Avenue

A new crosswalk in Winnipeg’s St. Vital neighborhood could bring major changes for both drivers and pedestrians.

The pedestrian path opened Saturday at Dunkirk Drive and Fermor Avenue. Once activated, if someone presses the crossing button, drivers traveling south on Dunkirk will have to stop at a new red light for the first time in nearly 60 years.

“It’s probably only going to go off about four times a day,” said City Councilman Brian Mayes. “But it will allow people to cross safely.”

The light had been perpetually green since the 1960s, Mayes said, meaning the new light could catch some drivers by surprise.

“We’re not talking about the crosswalk as much,” Mayes said. “We want people to know, if they drive south, a slight change in bearing here after all these decades.”

The city also asks pedestrians and drivers to be alert for changes and keep their eyes on the road.