The traffic and detours resulting from the new city hall construction and hotel are, to say the least, an inconvenience to the local residents, but becoming the norm. However, the planning for the re-routing of traffic needs a bit of tweaking.
The northbound left-turn light on University Drive at 104 Avenue blinks to no avail, as there is no left turn possible with the road closed while the eastbound cars on University Drive opposite must sit in wait against the no-left-turn until the left-turn light turns solid. Surely there is technology to change the light sequence.
The new island on City Parkway that prevents a left turn into the Safeway parking lot changes the driving route from residence coming along University Drive. Either take a left at 105 Avenue to King George Boulevard, or drive along University Drive to U-turn back via 102 Avenue and then left at the light at City Parkway.
Currently there are flag persons out along University Drive and at times along 104 Avenue.
My reasons for writing is focused on the added congestion along 102 Avenue because of this re-directing. The two walkways along the small block fronting Central City Shopping Centre has always been a congested at peak points, but with the added cars on the new path toward the Safeway mall, it’s a parking lot of cars being held hostage by the pedestrians. Pedestrians come first, no qualms about that, however, would it not make sense to hire two additional flag persons for peak times to allow more than one car to travel past paths of relentless pedestrians? Patience only lasts so long when on your way home to dinner.
I sat for five minutes in the bottleneck and saw three cars looking for a quick way out of the traffic by speeding through the parking lot across from the mall to get onto City Parkway. That can’t be safe. Why not toss us drivers an olive branch and prevent unnecessary anxiety with two crossing guards?
Road rage is to suggest the least effect... at the most, someone is going to get hurt.
Ruth Zalm
Surrey