THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay is holding public meetings to consult on traffic circles or roundabouts. While the concept is popular in Europe and some other North American cities in Thunder Bay the idea has generated, on social media, a lot of debate and discussion.
In this video with footage from the Alberta Motor Association the ways, a driver can use a traffic circle are shared.
Is a traffic circle or roundabout a good idea for the City of Thunder Bay?
The proposed roundabout is a single-lane roundabout capable of accommodating all vehicles, including buses and large trucks. Pedestrians and cyclists will be accommodated through shared use paths and refuge areas. In addition, pedestrian crossover signals are proposed on the west side of the intersection for anyone travelling north-south across Victoria Avenue.
The existing traffic signals at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Lillie Street would be removed. These signals are not warranted based on vehicle and pedestrian volumes and would no longer be required to manage transit buses if the roundabout was constructed.
Additionally, Lillie Street would be converted to a One-Way Street. Traffic would be permitted to travel northbound only on Lillie Street between Victoria Avenue and Walnut Street. Additional traffic studies will be completed in 2019 to confirm any other required changes to traffic flows.
The City’s Engineering Division is suggesting constructing this roundabout at this time as Victoria Avenue, between Edward Street and Lillie Street, is scheduled for pavement resurfacing.
The Ford Street multi-use trail will be extended as part of this project and is proposed to be constructed in stages.
The City will be hosting two public education sessions regarding roundabouts:
1) Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, from 4 – 7 pm, at the Salvation Army Community Church, 2621 Victoria Ave. E.
2) Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, from 4 – 7 pm, at Mariner’s Hall, 2201 Sleeping Giant Pkwy
For more information on roundabouts, and to provide comments and location feedback, visit: thunderbay.ca/roundabout
