The painting style of a 3D crosswalk, such as this one in the Montreal borough of Outremont, creates an optical illusion that makes the lines appear to float above the ground. (Ryan Remiorz/ The Canadian Press)

By Charlene Tebbutt

Carlton Crosswalk

City looking at 3D upgrade for Carlton crosswalk

May 3, 2019 | 8:20 AM

More paint and some creativity will soon be added to a busy crosswalk near Carlton Comprehensive Public High School in an effort to make it more visible.

Prince Albert city councillors voted this week to convert the 6^th Avenue crosswalk next to the school into a 3D crossing. Ward 6 Coun. Blake Edwards introduced a motion on the issue Monday night and said a 3D crosswalk will make the area safer for local high school students.

“It should bring more attention to the crosswalk,” Edwards said this week. “Drivers are more distracted unfortunately, in today’s world, so hopefully this will catch their attention.”

The crosswalk near Carlton has raised safety concerns in the past. The city says several other options have been reviewed, including lights at the crossing, but they would impede traffic flow.

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A 3D crosswalk, also known as a Zebra crosswalk, involves painting a multi-dimensional illusion onto the roadway to make it more visible to drivers. The crossing involves alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface.

The crossing design is similar to the one famously depicted on the Beatles’ 1969 iconic cover for their album Abbey Road.

The cover for the Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road features a design similar to a zebra crossing. (The Beatles.com)

Local councillors weren’t sure exactly how the work would be done, but Edwards said it doesn’t seem too difficult.

“If I look at this on Google, I could probably YouTube it and figure it out,” he said. “This isn’t the answer of all answers, but it will help for sure.”

Councillors suggested this week that it’s not just drivers who need to be more aware, saying students and the local school board also have to be part of the solution.

“It’s not just about putting lights there,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “It’s not just a light issue, it’s a behaviour issue.”

Edwards said the 3D option is a simple way to improve the crossing.

“I believe the students, they need to watch as well, certainly, but this is a cost-effective way to help increase safety,” he added.

Zebra crossings can be found in several countries around the world, including China, India, the United States, the U.K. and Iceland. They are less common in Canada, but can be found in cities like Halifax and Montreal.

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Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt