Scariest spot to stand; Beta and Lougheed

As the photos and following video show, the most dangerous spot for pedestrians is the island on the northwest corner of Beta Ave and Lougheed Hwy.  Pedestrians wishing to cross from or to there are essentially offered no protection from unsafely driven vehicles.  I myself alone have witnessed several  near collisions of vehicles into the island and nothing prevents vehicles from going right through the island and killing anyone unfortunate enough to be standing there.

The photos below show broken parts of a vehicle that probably collided into the light or sign post there.

The only real solution to this hazard is the placement of short, evenly-spaced steel posts along the perimeter of the island with enough space for wheelchair access. The barriers may not prevent flying car parts from injuring pedestrians but would certainly prevent pedestrians from being run over by a car.

If you don't believe me, watch the video below of what happened during the heavy snow and icy conditions.

New intersections around Brentwood

As Phase 1 of the Brentwood Mall Redevelopment gets set to begin, new intersections are being added on Lougheed Hwy and on Willingdon Ave.  The traffic signals have already been put in place (but not yet activated) at a new intersection just north of Halifax Street.  On Lougheed Hwy, traffic disrupting work is being done at a newly forming intersection with traffic lights to come at Alpha Ave and Lougheed Hwy.

Brentlawn Drive needs stop signs

A common concern that unites proponents and opponents of major high rise developments adjacent to single-family neighbourhoods is the proliferation of automobile traffic.  I've previously pointed out the fact that many drivers already speed through Brentlawn Drive with absolute impunity as I've never seen police authorities place their already under-supported resources on enforcing traffic laws in Brentwood Park.  This problem will become even worse once the Brentwood Mall Redevelopment unfolds over the next 5 - 20 years.

The following video provides a brief glimpse into some of the perils faced by pedestrians at the intersection of Beta Ave and Brentlawn Drive.  This intersection has stop signs on Beta Ave but gives vehicles and pedestrians on Brentlawn Drive the right-of-way.  In the video, many pedestrians crossing the intersection are simply ignored by drivers as if they don't exist.  Many drivers approaching Brentlawn simply ignore the stop sign by rolling right through it even when there are pedestrians at the intersection with the right of way as they are on Brentlawn Drive trying to cross Beta Ave.  A solution to this would be to place stop signs on Brentlawn Drive and to install well marked crosswalks at the intersection.  Significant coloured markings on crosswalks are effective traffic calming measures as drivers are less likely to recklessly encroach onto a well marked, highly visible crossing without concern for public safety.

Brentwood Intersections: Gilmore and Dawson

On the western edge of Brentwood Town Centre is the neighbourhood around Gilmore Station.

Dawson Ave is beginning to develop into a "village street" as envisioned by the City of Burnaby Planning Department. The street-level businesses along Dawson Ave within 1 block of Gilmore Station now include:

Extreme Pita

Kita Sushi

Starbucks

Quiznos

Taco Del Mar

Dawson Dental Centre

Sun Lounge Tanning Studio

Total Therapy Rehabilitation & Wellness Centre

Trinity Salon & Spa

Enhanced Nutrition

Gold's Gym

Wells Fargo Bank

Gilmore Station (below) is the last station in Burnaby if you are traveling west on the Millennium Line into Vancouver.

Brentwood Intersections: Dawson and Beta

The intersection at Dawson Ave and Beta Ave is relatively new as it came into existence along with the recent building of residences that line the street. Dawson Ave will be extended eastward and connected to Douglas Rd. The extended portion of Dawson will eventually be lined with townhomes and condominiums, creating a residential corridor between the Holdom and Brentwood stations. The new corridor along Dawson Ave, Douglas Rd, and Goring St will allow for easier east-west pedestrian access than currently exists. Just south of this corridor lies the Central Valley Greenway.

Brentwood Intersections: Madison and Lougheed

A SkyTrain car passes overhead at the intersection of Madison Ave and Lougheed Hwy.

Save-On-Foods (below) is the first major grocery store to arrive in the Brentwood core to serve the growing population. Winners is also located in the same Madison Centre complex.