New LRT road signs to be explained at April open house
Signs for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians popping up in advance of LRT testing
The Region of Waterloo is posting new road signs around town in advance of Grandlinq's plans to test the first light rail transit vehicle on the rails in late spring.
"A lot of times, motorists, pedestrians and cyclists tend to, you know... you sometimes miss new signs," said Brendon Simon, project engineer with the Region of Waterloo's ION team. "It's important that we start taking a look at the new signage that's up there."
- Road rules change as Ion LRT construction nears completion
- First ION LRT car has arrived in Waterloo Region: Take a look
- LRT Cambridge proposed route announced
He said the most important signs for motorists are yellow diamond caution signs that warn of LRT tracks either running alongside or crossing a roadway.
Another important sign hangs above intersections and lights up when an LRT vehicle is passing through, warning motorists that they are not allowed to turn either left or right.
Finally, Simon said its important for drivers to pay heed to the new reserved lane signs, which show a picture of an ION train pictogram and a white diamond on a black background.
"We ask that all drivers do not drive or park on LRT tracks, because it is a safety concern once these trains are in service."
Two other signs to pay attention to in the coming months include one for cyclists, which warns of LRT tracks up ahead, and another for pedestrians, which instructs them to look both ways when crossing LRT tracks.
Simon says all these signs and more will be on display at an open house to be held at 518 Dutton Drive in Waterloo on April 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The region's first LRT vehicle will also be on display at that event for the public's perusal.