Proposed downtown barrier could block business traffic

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star  Published: April 27, 2011 1:00 AM
 A major change to traffic patterns in downtown Vernon could leave motorists hitting a dead-end. As part of the ultimate 25th Avenue extension, changes will be made to the intersection of 30th Avenue and 28th Street this summer. A centre median on 30th Avenue will prevent left turns from 28th Street. “There have been some accidents associated with left turns,” said Amanda Watson, transportation technician, adding the goal is to improve safety.  Full support comes from Coun. Jack Gilroy. “That’s pretty scary in there some days, especially when they (vehicles) speed,” he said of trying to cross 30th Avenue.  However, Coun. Patrick Nicol isn’t convinced the plan is necessary.  “I’ve never seen anything happen there,” he said, adding that such a move could make it difficult for  the public to access adjacent businesses.  “Can’t there be any consideration for them?” Mayor Wayne Lippert is concerned that a median on 30th Avenue will force drivers to find other routes to get around, and the area at St. James School could become more congested than it already is.  “It’s imperative to have a light at 27th Street and 27th Avenue,” he said.  In a letter to council, Heirlooms Antiques and Collectables has raised concerns about the median and the ban on left-hand turns.  “Our business depends on a great amount of traffic from 30th Avenue,” said owner Taylor Saunders.  “To cut this access, cuts off business. Perhaps you don’t care, obviously as none of you shop here, but we care.”  Saunders doesn’t believe the median will enhance safety, particularly for pedestrians.  “A great amount of congestion will occur and with that, road rage,” he said.  “If this barrier does go in on 30th Avenue, it will not contribute to pedestrian safety but rather potential harm. The more barriers and signs there are in place, the more visual candy there. Therefore, they (driver) may not be taking note of the pedestrian.”  Saunders questions if the fire department has been consulted about the median and the narrowing of 30th Avenue at the intersection.  “If traffic becomes blocked due to these barriers and calmers when an emergency vehicle needs to pass, this may well result in a very sad situation indeed,” he said.
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Don Quixote Note: My concerns as stated at the Council Meeting: It seems to me that all traffic from East of 27th street that was going to the Library or to the new Legal Building would take the path of least resistance and make a right hand turn on 28th Ave (kitty corner to St James Church) and have to pass by the St. James School. Diverting traffic past a school seemed an unsafe practice to me and I could not support the median in this location. Changing of 28th st. to a right only turn on both sides where it meets 30th ave. would seem to me to be a more reasonable solution to the concern about  straight through traffic  or left turn traffic when exiting the new library or Legal Building on 28th st.

It was suggested by a fellow councillor (not staff) that my concern was incorrect as people coming from the East would make the right hand turn at 32nd Ave (Beside 7-11 ) and go left on  30th st etc. and then left on 30th ave etc to access Library.  (only time will tell who is right on the traffic pattern that will emerge.)