A diverter is being installed at the foot of Alberta Street to tackle concerns about excessive traffic and speeding on the Sapperton street.
Alberta Street residents have voiced concerns about the increase in traffic volumes and speeds since a light was installed at Alberta and East Columbia streets as part of the improved access to the Brewery District development.
A staff report states that recent traffic counts found that traffic volumes and speeds are generally consistent with an urban local street but noted there is likely some traffic from the lower Glenbrook South area that’s using Alberta Street to access East Columbia Street.
In response to concerns raised by Alberta Street residents, staff considered options to address the issue: changing the traffic signal at East Columbia and Alberta to a pedestrian-activated crossing to deter traffic from using the intersection to make left turns onto East Columbia or go straight through into the Brewery District; and installing a traffic diverter at Alberta Street at East Columbia, which only allows right-in/right out vehicle movements. Council has approved installation of the diverter on a trial basis.
Coun. Chuck Puchmayr said the city is “taking a bit of ownership” and trying to remediate something it didn’t anticipate by locating a traffic light at the intersection of Alberta and East Columbia streets.
Coun. Patrick Johnstone thinks the diversion is a good Band-aid solution but suggested a neighbourhood traffic plan may be needed for the upper Sapperton neighbourhood.
“We need to analyze how this is going to impact the adjacent streets,” he added.
Eugene Wat, the city’s manager of infrastructure planning, said it’s possible the diverter could result in “some displacement” of vehicles from Alberta Street to Keary and Simpson streets. He said staff is recommending the diverter be installed on a trial basis so the impacts can be monitored.
According to Wat, the diverter can be installed very quickly because it is a temporary device.
Coun. Mary Trentadue said she appreciates how quickly staff came back with a recommendation, noting residents have only recently appeared before council to express concerns. She expressed concern about trucks using Alberta Street to access the Brewery District.
Wat said it’s possible the trucks are using Alberta Street, rather than East Columbia Street.
Wat said the city anticipates significant traffic changes in Sapperton, as the Brewery District is complete and the Sapperton Green development and hospital expansion proceed.
