The verdict is in for the new lane configuration for the lights at Huntmar and Maple Grove.
Councillor Shad Qadri wrote in his weekly newsletter that he’s asking City staff reconfigure the northbound lane markings to allow for a dedicated left-turn lane plus a shared straight/right-turn. The bike lane will be removed. (Lanes in the other direction stay the same.)
Qadri had asked residents to pick between one of three options provided by city staff. Feedback collected by the Fairwinds Community Association showed that 71% of respondents didn’t like any of the options presented.
“The majority of the comments received from these responses indicated that they would like the northbound approach painted with a dedicated left turn lane and a shared right turn/straight through lane,” wrote Qadri.
“Given the majority support for this recommendation I have requested that the Traffic Staff to take the necessary steps to make this modification which will also include the removal of the dedicated bicycle lane. I have requested staff undertake this work as soon as possible and am currently waiting for a timeline as to when this work can be completed.”
Qadri also said that he is working with City staff to see if Huntmar Road can be widened to four lanes (between Maple Grove and Palladium) sooner than originally planned. Under the current Transportation Master Plan, the road won’t be widened until 2026-2031. The next opportunity to revisit the timeline is in 2018.
Earlier this month, the Fairwinds Community Association wrote a letter to Qadri and the City outlining concerns about the options and the process.
“Residents are concerned about the amount of time it has taken for the City to propose options and that this intersection will become increasingly unsafe under winter driving conditions,” they wrote.
We’d like to hear from our readers. Is this the right choice for the intersection? Add your comments below or email feedback@stittsvillecentral.ca
StittsvilleCentral.ca’s editor is a member of the Fairwinds Community Association board of directors.