Pros & Cons

Benefits To The Two-Way Traffic Flow Within The Phase 2 Area

The project is expected to increase traffic circulation, improve pedestrian access and crossings and provide more Mountain access route choices for motorists.

• Improved traffic circulation and motorist way-finding through the area.
• Local traffic circulation will improve.
• Improved traffic circulation around St. Joseph’s Hospital.
• Reduction of cut-through traffic on Durand neighbourhood streets.
• More Mountain access route choices (Sherman Access/Cut).
• The new traffic signal at James Street and St. Joseph’s Drive will provide improved pedestrian access and street crossings in this area. 
• Improved traffic balance on James Street and John Street and also promote traffic opportunities provided in the Phase 1 Conversion to be realized.

Challenges Of The Two–Way Traffic Flow Within The Phase 2 Area

Staff have also identified some potential challenges presented by the two-way traffic flow within the Phase 2 area:

• Traffic will be moving slower and may result in more congestion, and increased time in vehicle trips.
• In some locations, the sidewalks and corner curb radii will be modified to accommodate vehicle turns.
• The removal of approximately 25 on-street parking meters will likely result in an estimated annual net revenue loss of approximately $30,000. Also the erection of No Parking and No Stopping Signs will likely result in concerns by abutting property owners/operators about the loss of parking and/or loading spaces. As part of the six-month post conversion review, the City will determine if metered parking spaces can be reintroduced in some areas.
• A higher level of service for winter maintenance and snow removal will be required on all the streets being converted to two-way traffic under Phase 2 since the pavement widths and number of traffic lanes must be maintained to ensure the functionality of the roadways.