With the City of Lethbridge continuing to grow, more and more neighborhoods are being developed increasing the amount of traffic through out.
The city is trying to alleviate traffic pressure by adding modern roundabouts.
“When you have traffic signals or stop, everybody has to stop and go and that is not sustainable in terms of environment sustainability. You have to consume more gas and in return you also emit more gases in the environment,” says Ahmed Ali, the Transportation and Engineering Manager with the city.
For residents in communities like Legacy Ridge, traffic circles are part of their everyday commute, but residents like Dan Macdonald say not all drivers know the in’s and out’s of a roundabout. “There’s not a lot of problems at traffic circles other than people’s lack of understanding of how they work and how to use them properly. Who’s turn is it to go, who has the right of way, they just don’t seem to be versed on the etiquette.”
With the popularity of traffic circles in Canada growing over the last decade, Lethbridge is staying ahead of the curve, not only using the modernized intersections in new areas, but older parts of the city where they would be a good fit.
“We have a regular program of monitoring intersections, if we feel that something needs to be done, first thing we consider is, can we have a modified type of roundabout. So, you’ll see a new round about at Jerry Potts and Red Crow Boulevard soon,” adds Ali.
City officials say traffic circles reduce the number of collisions in intersections by 37 per cent, increasing safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
But, with not all drivers knowing the rules of the road, it could take some time for residents to navigate their way around.
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“I don’t know if it will be embraced but over time it will be accepted,” adds Macdonald.
With more and more roundabouts coming to Lethbridge, officials are doing what they can to educate the public. A pamphlet will be delivered by mail on the proper uses of traffic circles.
For information on roundabouts you can visit:
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