The capacity analysis undertaken by Bunt & Associates confirmed that both of these intersections currently have critical movements that warrant improvements. However, signalization of both intersections is neither practical nor necessary. The intersections are separated by a less than ideal distance and both are located on a Provincial primary highway. This spacing is less than ideal and is unlikely to be supported by Alberta Transportation in any event. In Bunt & Associates opinion, signalization of one of these intersections is critical to the maintenance of good traffic flow in the vicinity.
Signalization of one intersection would also be expected to resolve the capacity issues at the other intersection as the presence of a signal would draw traffic from surrounding intersections to a location where access to or across Highway 12 can be made safely under the protection of a signal.
Bunt & Associates reviewed the opportunities for signalization at each location, and determined that a signal should be installed immediately at the Highway 12/C&E Trail intersection. This location was chosen over the 53rd Street location for the following reasons:
· C&E Trail currently carries more traffic than 53rd Street and therefore represents the more desired existing route to, from and across Highway 12.
· C&E Trail continues south of Highway 12 to eventually connect with Highway 2A. It therefore represents a more significant roadway network element.
· The hospital is located on C&E Trail south of Highway 12, and so access to this site warrants additional attention in terms of ease of access (both in terms of convenience and speed).
· The long term road network discussed later in this report promotes C&E Trail as a more significant north/south network element that 53rd Street.