The city is recommending a centre left turn lane be installed on Gordon Street between Edinburgh Road and Lowes Road.
Also being proposed is a bus bypass lane in the northbound direction at the Gordon Street/Arkell Road intersection, to prevent cars from getting backed up behind stopped buses.
The changes are part of the recommended option out of six alternatives studied by staff. A "do nothing" option was also looked at.
The preferred alternative carries an estimated price tag of $4 million. Final costs will be refined through a detailed design once the Environmental Assessment is complete.
The recommended alternative will be discussed at the Aug. 24 meeting of city council.
“Traffic volumes on Gordon Street continue to increase, causing issues with left-turning cars blocking through traffic,” explains Steve Anderson, manager of Transportation Services in a news release.
“Our proposed solution is to widen the road to add a continuous two-way left-turn lane between Edinburgh Road and Lowes Road, which will significantly improve mobility and safety on Gordon Street, a major north-south route and intensification corridor.”
The Environmental Assessment done by staff also recommends off-street multi-use pathways for cyclists and pedestrians on both sides of Gordon Street between Landsdown Drive and Lowes Road.
Six alternatives and a “do nothing” option were evaluated. Evaluation considered traffic capacity, operations and safety, the natural environment, socio-cultural impacts, economic impacts and public opinion. The alternative being recommended by staff was the highest scored and the most popular during community engagement.
Delegates are permitted at the Aug. 24 meeting.
If approved by Council, staff will complete the Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process by issuing a notice of completion to place the Environmental Study Report on the public record for a 30-day review period, and start detailed design for the preferred alternative.
