HIGHWAY Intersection Study

2019 Highway Study

• Background

  A traffic analysis using MOTI approved methodologies was completed for the seven kilometre stretch of Highway 1 from Edgelow Road South/Thicke Road to Grouhel Road. It looked at several measurable standards, including: the volume of vehicles, vehicle class, operating speed, time of day, collision data and pedestrian crossing demands.

  A reduction in the posted speed limit of 70 km/h and 90 km/h along the highway corridor was not recommended in the report.  The study concluded that because of the low compliance with the speed limit, a further reduction could result in more serious collisions. The study proposed approaching the RCMP to conduct more enforcement.

  The study also examined collision from ICBC for 2011-2015 as well as MOTI data gathered from RCMP reported incidents between 2012 and 2016.

  A Level of Service grade was assigned to both signalized and unsignalized intersections based on standards set out in the Highway Capacity Manual.

  Traffic signal warrant analysis was also completed, also using MOTI standards, for Highway 1 and Grouhel Road as well as Highway 1 and South Davis Road.

• Short Term Proposed Recommendations

  • Close the eastbound left-turn out lane at Grouhel Road at the Trans-Canada Highway, helping to improve traffic operations and safety;
  • Install posted speed limit signage for highway before Grouhel Road for motorists travelling southbound on the Trans-Canada Highway;
  • Only allow the Trans-Canada Highway and South Davis Road intersection to be used by motorists for right-in, right-out turns and left-in movements.This proposed change means motorists could no longer turn left from South Davis Road into the northbound highway lanes. The consultant performed a ‘signal warrant analysis’ at the intersection and found data does not presently support the need for traffic lights. This analysis also assumes an average annual growth rate of 2%.
  • Paint guiding turning lines for motorists making a left turn at the Trans-Canada Highway and Ludlow Road/First Avenue intersection;
  • Implement signal timing improvements at the Trans-Canada Highway and Ludlow Road/First Avenue for motorists making an eastbound left turn;
  • Install median fences on the Trans-Canada Highway near Buller Street to help direct pedestrians to the closest marked crosswalks at Roberts Street;
  • Install additional signage with posted speed limits down from North Davis Road for northbound highway traffic to alert them to the speed transition from 90 km/h to 70 km/h;
  • Look at installing a sign alerting motorists to active congestion ahead for those vehicles approaching the intersection at the Trans-Canada Highway and North Davis Road
  • Install No Right Turn signage on the west approach of the Trans-Canada Highway and Edgelow Road South/Thicke Road intersection;

• Mid-Term/Long-Term Proposed Recommendations

  • Geometric design changes at the intersection of Highway 1 and Ludlow Road/First Avenue and the intersection of Highway 1 and North Davis Road for noticeable traffic operations improvements;
  • Consider a grade-separated pedestrian crossing facility near Highway 1 at Buller Street that is compatible with the designs in the Town’s Waterfront Area Plan;