We're taking the first steps in a pilot project to address long-standing traffic safety concerns along Prior and Venables streets.
The pilot is part of a Council direction and will:
- Improve walkability
- Reduce vehicle speeds
- Increase street lighting levels
- Improve transit stop amenities
The pilot is expected to be in place for at least one year to capture the changes in travel patterns and seasonal differences.
We'll be monitoring:
- The impacts of potential traffic short cutting on local streets
- Vehicle speeds
- Impacts to transit and emergency vehicles
- Access to the industrial area and businesses
City staff are working closely with TransLink and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services to monitor and maintain service reliability and emergency response times in the area.
What's happeningStreet and traffic calming improvements
- Prior Street between Gore and Raymur avenues now have one travel-lane in each direction throughout the day including weekday mornings and afternoons. Previously, two travel lanes were available during peak times.
- A reduction in speed to 30km/h has been implemented adjacent to Strathcona Park between Raymur and Hawks avenues.
- Bus shelters have been upgraded to improve bus stop waiting conditions.
- Barriers and traffic bulges will be installed by spring 2021 to improve walkability.
- Street lights have been upgraded to LEDs to improve safety and visibility.
- Public art sculptures will be placed on Prior Street to encourage use of the parking lane.
- Road resurfacing and updated road paint, including custom coloured crosswalks, are planned to be completed by June 2021.
In February 2020, after some of the measures were implemented, we have observed:
- An initial decrease in traffic volumes of up to 20%
- A 10% decrease in speed
- A 5-7% increase in parking
Details
Pilot duration
January 2020 - 2022
