City transportation officials plan to add a "gradual merge" for through drivers at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Third Street SE, but nearby business owners are concerned it will take up roadway that currently comprises two parking spots.--News Photo Collin Gallant
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City traffic planners are defending a plan to give drivers a clearer path through a busy downtown intersection, while nearby business owners say it will eliminate spots badly needed for parking.
The intersection of Third Street and Sixth Avenue SE is “an intersection of concern,” city staff told Thursday’s meeting of the development and infrastructure committee.
They presented for the second straight meeting on the downtown parking situation after committee members called for more information at the request of Kollective Cycle owner Sabrina Moore.
She said adding a longer “soft” merge across from her business on the 300 block of Sixth Avenue is unnecessary, and not worth losing two on-street parking stalls.
City staff say they are adding one other and keeping one previously deleted, but collisions at the site are serious enough to require changes.
“It’s been an intersection of concern for several years and there has been a lot of analysis, which has determined that something needs to be done,” said city engineering director Stan Nowakowski.
Since 2011, there have been 41 collisions reported to Medicine Hat Police at the intersection, including 15 considered severe.
That makes it No. 25 in the city’s highest collision locations in terms of total, but No. 13 when the amount of traffic at each is factored in.
About 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles per day travel along Third Street and Sixth Avenue.
Nowakowski also explained that Sixth is too busy to eliminate one driving lane approaching the intersection from the north. It is the route many drivers take to reach S. Railway Street from Maple Avenue.
Adding a whole lane of parking would be the preferred option for Moore.
“It seems like every other business on Third Street is closing its doors and the city is really piling on” she said, citing roadwork that closed Third Street last summer, though sidewalks were kept open.
She says customers attending businesses downtown want adjacent parking due to safety concerns, especially for those like hers which open early and close late.
“They’re continuing to take away spaces, when I think there are opportunities to add some.”
Coun. Shila Sharps, who pressed the issue and called for a better explanation, was unable to attend the meeting of the committee, which she is chair. She is delayed returning from vacation in Southeast Asia by the recent earthquake.
Coun. Andy McGrogan said the issue has become “a great topic of debate,” and a better explanation of the changes and attempt at greater pedestrian and traffic safety should be explained.
The main problem with the intersection is for southbound drivers approaching Third Street, said Nowakowski.
Through drivers need to set up in the right-hand lane but once through need to move left, while it’s common for drivers in the left lane (left-turn only) to proceed straight.
“It requires drivers to do a quick jog right,” he said. “We need to create a gradual traffic merge.”
The modified plan would give a dashed line directing drivers, including buses, but traffic standards require it extend for the length of two stalls.
“People seem to believe that people at the city are just making these decisions without any (basis),” said Coun. Alison Van Dyke. “I’m not going to question federal traffic standards.”
