Watch the video above: problem intersections may frustrate drivers but certain criteria must be met before traffic lights are installed
SASKATOON – No matter where your daily commute takes you, there’s probably an intersection or two in Saskatoon that drivers dread or avoid entirely. According to area residents, one of those intersections is the corner of Wellman Crescent and Stonebridge Boulevard.
“Since the Co-op opened this is where we go to get our groceries at this end of the city,” said area resident Mike Murza.
“It’s a lot nicer than having to go all the way up to 8th Street and so it’s the only way in and out of (the) little business strip and when you leave you’re basically dashing across one of the busiest streets in Stonebridge and there’s no lights so it’s hard every time I come out to get groceries.”
While some residents choose to play the waiting game, others have just decided to detour around the corner altogether.
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“We usually go up the block to the lights and turn there, it’s a couple of blocks further but it’s a lot simpler,” said Larry McMartin.
At this point, city officials say the intersection hasn’t come to their attention and no formal complaints have been filed.
“I thought this would be something they would eventually address anyways because I live right near the corner of Clarence and Wilson and they eventually put lights there,” Murza said.
“That was really needed very badly once the Stonebridge business area got going so I assumed they would eventually notice that and address (it) but it’s in full swing now, I think they’ve been taking too long.”
As for a set of lights being put in the area as a solution to this problem, there are guidelines the city follows.
“We have a threshold that we use to determine what the appropriate traffic controls are so we look at the traffic volumes, the delays, pedestrians movements as well as collision history to determine what the appropriate controls are so in order for a traffic signal to be installed,” said Angela Gardiner, director of transportation with the City of Saskatoon.
“There’s a threshold that must be met, given a number of different factors before we recommend installation of a traffic signal.”
To voice your traffic concerns log onto the City of Saskatoon website, click “T” for traffic or phone City Hall to file a complaint.
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