Highway 1 - North Cowichan Safety Improvements

A new median island along Highway 1 with fencing and landscaping will help mitigate mid-block pedestrian crossings.

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The North Cowichan Safety Improvements project will address immediate safety needs for pedestrians along a 700-metre stretch of Highway 1 through Duncan, where there are currently no existing mid-block crossings.

Pedestrian traffic has increased significantly since the opening of Quw’utsun Secondary School, with more than 1,100 students now in the area. A 1.8 m high pedestrian-exclusion median fence will be installed on Highway 1 between Beverly Street and James Street/York Road to help guide people to cross safely at existing signalized intersections and physically restrict pedestrians from attempting unsafe midblock crossings. Signage will be installed on the fencing indicating pedestrians are prohibited.

The median fencing will be 1.8 m tall and will not have footholds or a smooth top rail to help mitigate climbing.

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These short-term improvements will enhance safety along the corridor while the future of the  North Cowichan Active Transportation Overpass is being determined.

Renderings of the new median island and fencing along Highway 1 between Beverly Street and James Street/York Road showing adjacent businesses, the skatepark and the University Way intersection.

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Short-term improvements include:

• Installing a pedestrian-exclusion fence that people can’t climb
• Building a continuous landscaped median
• Closing all left-turn bays in the median
• Changing signals at Beverly Street and York Road/James Street to handle more pedestrians and to add longer left-turn lanes onto York Road
• Directing pedestrians to use existing crosswalks at York Road/James Street and Beverly Street

Status

• The median fencing detailed design is complete with the project proceeding to tender summer 2025
• Once the fencing is installed, ongoing monitoring will assess its effectiveness and to determine if additional measures such as enhanced lighting, signal timing, or more fencing—should be considered

Project benefits

• Improved pedestrian safety: Prevents unsafe mid-block crossings by directing pedestrians to signalized intersections
• Enhanced student safety: Supports safe routes for over 1,100 students attending the new Quw’utsun Secondary School
• Reduced risk of collisions: Median fencing helps separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic, reducing the chance of crashes
• Streamlined traffic flow: Closure of intermediate left-turn bays reduces turning conflicts and improves traffic flow
• Supports local businesses: Safer crossings and better traffic flow make it easier for customers to access shops and services
• Demonstrates commitment to community safety: Aligns with regional and provincial goals to create safer, more livable communities

Project map