CALGARY – The City of Calgary said Monday a five-month trial that turned 5 Avenue S.W. into a two-way street was successful, and it’s moving ahead with phase two next week.
The first phase of the project—between 7 Street S.W. and the west-end of downtown—helped outbound traffic leave the core during afternoon rush hour, said the city.
READ MORE: 5 Avenue S.W. lane reversal explained
September traffic counts showed more than 840 cars used the reversed lanes between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., including almost 470 vehicles during the 4:20 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. peak hour.
“This one-hour traffic volume represents over 60 per cent of the capacity of the lane reversal,” said the city in a release.
The second phase of the trial will start next Thursday, Oct. 15, and involve the following changes:
- 5 Avenue S.W. between 5 Street S.W. and the west-end of downtown will convert to a two-way street, except from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays;
- Motorists will be required to park facing westbound on the north side of 5 Avenue S.W. between 5 Street S.W. and 10 Street S.W. at all times;
- Morning and afternoon peak period parking restrictions will apply according to posted parking signs.
“During the lane reversal trial we heard from citizens that a two-block extension would make westbound travel on 5 Avenue more convenient,” said City of Calgary traffic manager Ravi Seera in a statement. “Allowing two-way traffic operations for most of the day will reduce congestion and provide better traffic circulation in the area using the city’s existing infrastructure.”
This phase of the trial will be evaluated after six months.
For more information visit Calgary.ca/5Ave.
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