Times-Chronicle Staff
Oliver town council is one step closer to implementing traffic improvements at the Fairview Road/Station Street intersection.
Council is analyzing a number of recommended enhancements to consider multiple travel modes with a focus to increasing pedestrian safety.
In his report to council, Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said there are growing concerns from the public about this intersection in terms of traffic flow, skewed geometry and safety for pedestrians.
According to TRUE Consulting,it has been determined that the traffic movements heading north and south along Station Street at the Fairview intersection operate at a level of service (LOS) rating of an F (for failure).
This is due to the length of the delay (the time the vehicles have to wait at the intersection for a break in traffic on Fairview Road) before making the intended movement (turning left, right or heading straight through).
However, Goodsell pointed out that collision rates at the intersection have been significantly lower than the provincial average and “do not indicate any significant safety issues” in this area.
Goodsell outlined a dozen potential mitigation options for council’s consideration. They include:
Widen south leg crosswalk.
Alter taper of westbound left turn lane to a larger radius.
Add centre median on the east leg of Fairview Road.
Install railings on the northwest corner to promote the use of the entire sidewalk and prevent pedestrians from cutting the crosswalk.
Implement a rectangular rapid flashing beacon crosswalk for the north-south movement of pedestrian crossing Fairview Road.
Add curb extensions on the northwest and southwest corners of the intersection.
There was previous talk of a roundabout at this location, but Goodsell said they are not cheap and require a lot of land.
Council will discuss the report at its meeting today (Monday).
