Petition started calling for improved safety at location of fatal crash

Safety concerns continue to be raised about a crosswalk on Albert Street South, where a young woman was struck and killed by a city excavator on Wednesday.

As of 9 a.m. Friday, more than 5,700 people had signed an online petition calling for traffic lights or pedestrian signals to be installed at the crosswalk near Save on Foods.

The creator of the petition writes she is the victim’s friend and co-worker.

She writes that control at the intersection, which connects to a main thoroughfare in Regina, is inadequate.

“This intersection connects one of the busiest roads in Regina with an east and west service road. Currently there is one small black and white pedestrian crossing sign and one stop sign on each of the service roads connecting,” writes Ashley Gottselig.

“I, along with many other co-workers, have to cross this busy intersection twice per day to be able to get to our work place. There are many people who cross this intersection to get to the bus stop at the corner, as well as many high-school students who use this intersection every day on their breaks. ”

Gottselig also says she has experienced numerous near-misses with traffic.

“There have been countless times I have said out loud to my co-workers how I have almost been hit by a car, while I’ve had the driver make direct eye contact with me the entire time due to the fact that this is not a clearly marked pedestrian crossing,” she wrote.

On Friday morning, mayoral candidate Michael Fougere issued a media release saying if he’s re-elected, he’ll address the intersection.

“If given the honour to serve Regina citizens again, I will immediately begin the process to ensure a lighted crosswalk is installed in the area to protect pedestrians and drivers alike,” Fougere said.