The Connaught Heights traffic calming plan focuses on some quick wins – and some longer term gains.
City council recently approved the neighbourhood’s traffic calming plan and directed staff to allocate funding for the program as part of the 2019 to 2023 financial plan. A staff report stated the traffic calming plan has two components: quick wins that can be done immediately, and short- and medium-term initiatives included in the traffic calming plan.
“The intent of the project is to develop a plan to enhance the safety and livability of the Connaught Heights neighbourhood by managing the volume and speed of traffic using the local roads,” said the report. “This can be achieved by encouraging and facilitating improved sustainable modes of transportation, while maintaining adequate access and circulation for local residents.”
The quick wins include sidewalk and street lighting design for 21st Street (Seventh to Ninth avenues) and Eighth Avenue (22nd Street to the mid-block bus stop) and traffic circle designs at 21st Street at Edinburgh and 21st Street at London Street.
The city anticipates that some temporary measures included in the traffic calming plan can get underway this year.
“The installation of traffic-calming measures will likely be undertaken on a temporary basis to provide staff the opportunity to assess and fine-tune the geometric designs,” said a report. “After a monitoring period, temporary measures that are operating effectively would be installed on a permanent basis.”
The plan includes short-term (one to two years) and medium-term (more than two years) items, as well a long-term (more than five years) plan to rebuild traffic circles at various locations. Items included in the plan include: four-way stops (one at London and 23rd and another at Hamilton and 21st); curb extensions on the north and south sides of Eighth Avenue at 22nd Street; pavement and lane markings at a variety of locations; enhancements to the exit-only diverter on Dublin Street; and full closure for vehicles on London Street west of 20th Street.
