Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Crossing

Traffic Signal Upgrades - January 2026

Traffic signals across the city have been upgraded with new vehicle detection systems, enhanced communication networks, and advanced signal controllers. These improvements enable real-time traffic monitoring and reduce unnecessary signal cycles. New traffic management software offers advanced monitoring, optimized signal timing, corridor coordination, and better maintenance scheduling for improved reliability and performance.

As part of this project, traffic signal coordination has been introduced on three key east-west corridors:

• Arthur Street between Mountdale Avenue and May Street

• Red River Road between Junot Avenue and High Street

• Harbour Expressway between Golf Links Road and Memorial Avenue

On Red River Road, Arthur Street, and Harbour Expressway, signal timing will adapt to peak traffic flow. Eastbound drivers will see coordinated green lights in the mornings, while westbound traffic benefits from afternoon synchronization. Some corridors also feature overnight off-peak timing plans.

The City of Thunder Bay monitors the City’s intersections to detect changes in traffic volumes and adjusts signal times if required. There are 113 traffic signals; 4 are pedestrian activated.

Pedestrian Crossovers (PXO)

The City of Thunder Bay features 28 pedestrian crossovers, making it essential for both drivers and pedestrians to understand how they work to ensure everyone’s safety. Being crossover ready is key to promoting safe and efficient use of these crossings.

Pedestrian crossovers are different from crosswalks, as they are located at mid-block locations or intersections, where crosswalks are found exclusively at intersections.

Crossovers also work "on demand" and preserve traffic flow until a pedestrian needs to cross. This reduces wait times at empty red lights.

Pedestrian Crossing Signals

The "Walk" Symbol

The walk symbol will appear for a minimum of 7 to 10 seconds. This symbol looks like a person walking. When the walk signal is activated, pedestrians may begin to cross the intersection if it is safe to do so as they have the right-of-way.

The Flashing Don’t Walk Symbol

The walk symbol will change to the "don't walk" or "wait" symbol after the 7 to 10 seconds. The don't walk/wait symbol looks like a flashing red hand and will appear for 15 to 30 seconds, depending on the intersection. Pedestrians are not to enter the intersection to begin their walk if this symbol is showing. Pedestrians already in the intersection may complete their crossing as they have the right-of-way.

When the symbol stops flashing and becomes a solid hand, the pedestrian should have completed crossing and traffic now has the right of way to continue through the crosswalk/intersection.

Pedestrians Have Right-of-Way

As a driver, during the walk symbol pedestrians have the right-of-way to begin crossing the intersection on the crosswalk. If the don't walk or wait symbol starts flashing, they may keep walking.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals

Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) help traditional traffic control signals by assisting pedestrians with vision loss when they're crossing the road. You can activate the APS by holding the crossing signal button for 4 or more seconds.

APS Sounds

APS gives distinct noises for each direction of travel when it is safe to cross. The APS indicators are a "cuckoo" sound in the north-south direction and a "chirp" sound in the east-west direction. Some installations feature a "Canadian Melody" sound that includes multiple frequencies with higher harmonics.

Traffic Signal Questions and Answers

The EcoSuperior Eco-Tip video below does a great job explaining how pedestrian crossings work and what the different signals mean.
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