St. Vital intersection where boy was killed could be getting safety upgrades

Safety upgrades could be coming to a St. Vital intersection where a young student was killed earlier this year.

A report at city hall is recommending two types of warning lights be considered at Varennes Avenue and St. Anne’s Road.

The report says a low mounted flashing light for $500 or rectangle shaped flashing beacons for $40,000 could make pedestrians more visible.

Right now the intersection has an overhead flashing crosswalk structure.

The report’s recommending the changes be made for the next school year.

Trees in the area would also be pruned to make cross walk signs easier to see.

In February an eight-year-old boy, Surafiel Musse Tesfamariam, was hit and killed by a vehicle on his way to school while using the existing crosswalk.

His parents, Musse Meles and Adiam Weldeyohannes, released this statement in regard to the recommendations:

“We are relieved to hear that the city is recommending changes at the intersection, that Surafiel was hit, that will improve the safety of children before next school year.

We find relief in being able to contribute to prevent future accidents and make sure that the children of a wonderful community are protected when walking to school.”