Trails

[danbrotherston]

The additional lanes at highland are just turning lanes but you are correct this could be simplified with a small diet by changing the two dedicated turning lanes into a centre turning lane. The left lanes into Tim’s and Evergreen plaza are probably needed to ensure that left turning traffic into these places doesn’t case the through traffic to block into highland. I don’t think I if this were developed today the entrances into Tim’s would be allowed.

I don't think a centre turning lane would work there. Fundamentally the problem is that the density of driveways is too high (e.g., drivers waiting to turn left into Tims would conflict with drivers turning left the other way--or at least I'm sure this is what the "traffic projects" would indicate).

I think a better solution would be to make the driveways right-in-right-out and disallow left turns entirely. This is something engineers in Canada are loathed to do, because drivers feel entitled to go however they please. But it is a very effective strategy for reducing the complexity of movements.

Now, doing so would take a rethink of the traffic flows in the entire area because there are other entrances to the plaza (which should also probably be RIRO, as left turns on the main road are dangerous---as it makes it a stroad). Of course, but even as is, limiting turning movements wouldn't be a problem, drivers can just proceed around the block. But if the 3 minute detour around the block is considered intolerable to drivers (which I'm sure it would be) then simply adding U-turn movements (or roundabouts) in a few strategic places could eliminate that entirely.

But of course, since safety is not the priority, that'll never happen. And of course, this is safety for drivers too...this is a dangerous road for drivers.