Montreal intersection 'needs a redesign,' city councillor says after pedestrian death

A Montreal city councillor is calling for changes to an intersection in the borough ofRosemontLa-Petite-Patrie after the death of a pedestrian yesterday.

It happened at the corner of Beaubien Streetand Pie-IX Boulevard, which isamong the most dangerous intersections in Montreal.

At least 14 pedestrians were injuredthere between 2011 and 2014.

GuillaumeLavoie, a councillorforProjetMontral, saidthe intersection is ina high-traffic area with fast-moving vehicles, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross.

"Thisintersectionneeds a redesign," Lavoie told Daybreak.

"What I would like to see is a longer crossing time for pedestrians. That's number one. Second, make sure it's more visible."

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More generally, Lavoie said he's troubled by thenumber of accidents involving pedestrians. He saidthere's anurgent need forimprovements at intersectionsacross the city.

"We should not tolerate this anymore," he said.

"There are way too many pedestrians who get hit at intersections."

The 63-year-old man who died Monday has yet to be identified.

He was on Beaubiencrossingat Pie-IX when he was struck by the bus, which wasturning right from Beaubienonto Pie-IX.

The man was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. The bus driverwas taken to hospital to be treated for shock.

Safer in 2018?

Montreal does intend to completely redesign the intersection as part of a long-promised bus rapid transit (BRT) service alongPie-IX Boulevard. But construction isn't expected to begin before fall 2018.

"The City of Montreal has ensured that the BRT project will be conceived in a way to reduce the risk of accidents, particularly ofpedestrians and cyclists, all along the boulevard," saidMarie-Eve Courchesne, a spokesperson for the city.

"That includes the intersection ofBeaubienStreetand Pie-IX Boulevard."

The bus was transporting students from the English Montreal School Board'sNesbittelementary school. There were 11 students on board.

Angela Mancini, chair of the EMSB, said parents were notified about the incident on Monday, as was the "entire school community."

"We are trying to do the best that we can for the students," she said.