The City of Pembroke is getting a new and improve Pride crosswalk. Between a partnership between the city, PBIA, Pembroke Pride and PFLAG Renfrew County the existing crosswalk at Albert Street and Pembroke Street West will be replaced using a durable, thermoplastic material. The upgrade will be done in three phases, with step one getting underway on Monday, June 17th.
Stage 1: Removal and Repaving
· On Monday June 17, the City of Pembroke Roads Department will completely remove the existing asphalt of the crosswalk at Albert Street and Pembroke Street West. Staff will be on site during removal and paving to carry out traffic control and minimize traffic disruptions and ensure pedestrian safety.
· A road closure will be in effect at Albert Street and Pembroke Street West. All businesses on Albert Street will be accessible from Lake Street.
· New asphalt will be laid down immediately following removals by our paving contractor – McCrea’s Excavating – to ensure a smooth and durable base for the new crosswalk.
Stage 2: Curing Period
· It is essential to allow the new asphalt to cure for four weeks before installing the thermoplastic crosswalk.
· This curing period allows the asphalt to settle and for the initial oils to dissipate, which is crucial for the proper adhesion of the thermoplastic materials.
Stage 3: Installation of Thermoplastic Crosswalk
· After the four-week curing period, on Monday, July 15 the new durable thermoplastic inclusive Pride crosswalk will be installed.
· A road closure will be in effect at Albert Street and Pembroke Street West for the duration of the installation. All businesses on Albert Street will be accessible from Lake Street.
· The installation process involves heating the thermoplastic materials to a high temperature, allowing them to bond effectively with the asphalt. This ensures the markings are more robust and longer lasting than traditional road marking paint.
· Once applied, thermoplastics cool and harden quickly, reducing the time needed for road closures and minimizing traffic disruptions.
“This will be the fifth anniversary of the Pride crosswalk in downtown and we’re excited we’re going to have this new technology in road markings that will allow it to have a longer lasting vibrancy,” says Bethea Summers, Pembroke Business Improvement Area Executive Director. “We’re grateful to the community, Pembroke Pride, and PFLAG for their ongoing fundraising efforts that make it possible to have this crosswalk in our downtown. It allows us to showcase that downtown and its businesses are welcoming and inclusive.”
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)