New sidewalk and first Pedestrian Crossover installed at Nelles Road South

The Town of Grimsby is pleased to announce the completion of new sidewalk construction along Nelles Road South and Dorchester Drive, just in time for the new school year. These improvements respond directly to community feedback and place a strong emphasis on pedestrian safety and accessibility.

As part of this project, a new raised crosswalk has been installed at the intersection of Nelles Road South and Kennedy Road. This crossing also introduces a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) — the first of its kind on Town roads.

“We heard from residents about the importance of safer routes for children, families, and all pedestrians. This project delivers on that need by adding critical infrastructure that prioritizes safety,” said Brandon Wartman, Director of Public Works for the Town of Grimsby.

What is a PXO?

A Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) is a designated location where pedestrians have the right-of-way. Drivers and cyclists are required to stop fully and remain stopped until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road. This is different from a standard crosswalk, where drivers must only yield until the pedestrian clears their lane.

The PXO at Nelles Road South and Kennedy Road is a Type D PXO, identified by:

• Ladder-style crosswalk markings
• Roadside signage
• Stop bars (white “shark teeth” yield markings)
• A raised crosswalk design to slow traffic

Benefits of PXOs:

• Safer for pedestrians because vehicles cannot move until the person is across.
• Provides pedestrians with legal priority outside intersections.
• Reduces risk of "multiple threat" collisions (when one car stops but another passes).

Key Reminders for Safety

For Drivers & Cyclists:

• Stop behind the “shark teeth” yield lines.
• Remain stopped until the pedestrian has fully crossed the roadway.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped at a PXO.

For Pedestrians:

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Indicate your intention to cross and wait until traffic has stopped.
• Cross only when safe.
• If cycling, dismount and walk your bike across.

Fines & Enforcement

• Drivers and cyclists who fail to comply with the rules of a PXO may be subject to a $1,000 fine and up to 4 demerit point.

This is a new feature for Grimsby, and Staff are encouraging all residents to use extra caution as the community adjusts. Please share this information with your household to ensure everyone is familiar with how a PXO works.

To help residents get familiar with how PXOs work, great resources and instructional videos are available at Active & Safe Routes to School, Niagara Region and Ontario.ca.

Together, we can make our streets safer for all.