Town eyes intersection improvements

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town of Strathmore Council voted at the Jan. 12 regular council meeting to proceed with signalizing the Lakeside boulevard and Archie Klaiber trail intersection.

This is the action that was recommended to council by town administration, as the recent approval of the Strathpoint development indicated that upgrades to the intersection were necessary.

Ethan Wilson, with the Town’s infrastructure service department, presented the options to signalize the intersection, or to redevelop it into a single-lane roundabout to council.

“Lakeside boulevard and Archie Klaiber trail is an important intersection in the Town of Strathmore. It’s the entrance into town for many residents, it’s the primary access to Kinsmen Park, Town Hall and for many, the access to downtown,” said Wilson. “With these new developments, primarily the Strathpoint development, it was noted through a transportation impact assessment that the current four-way stop intersection will not be sufficient and is likely to provide an unacceptable level of service.”

Development permit 21-044 Strathpoint was submitted and approved earlier in 2021, which sees the demolition of the former Leroy’s motel and develops into a multi building development, which is anticipated to house commercial businesses, fast food and a gas bar.

With either option, a northbound-eastbound slip lane would also be added to reduce wait times.

Moving forward with signalizing, space would be available to have pedestrian crossings in all directions leading away from the intersection and the driving lane width would be slightly wider when compared to the roundabout. 

The roundabout option however, presented a slight advantage in terms of pedestrian crossing developments, as well as not requiring an annual signal maintenance fee. 

For reference, it was noted that over a period of 20 years, the signal maintenance fee would amount to approximately $25,000.

The financial cost of both projects was noted to be similar and either option would be able to accommodate semi-trucks and emergency vehicles.

Levies for either development would cover $263,000 and the remaining balance could be funded through grants acquired via agreement with a developer or through borrowing.

Councillors Debbie Mitzner and Jason Montgomery both noted early in the discussion they had concerns over a signalized intersection’s proximity to Highway One and whether traffic backups could potentially impact the other major roadway.

“I also echo the concerns around traffic volume, especially around certain times of day,” said Councilor Melissa Langmaid, who was also supportive of the roundabout. “I’m a little worried about backups there and the environmental impact of having a roundabout versus a signalized intersection is something that’s important to me too.”

Councilor Denise Peterson spoke in favour of the signalized intersection, citing previous, similar discussions had by council.

“I think that having a signalized intersection, as Ethan has outlined, and the timing of those lights can work (and) we know that it can work,” said Peterson. “I live two blocks away from that area and I also, of course, use that as the access point (and I’m) very familiar with the traffic flows there.”

She further suggested from a financial and safety perspective, she believed it to be the superior option.

The signalization won council’s vote over the roundabout in a 4-3 decision. No timeline has yet been indicated, nor decided for when that development will take place.