Downtown Trail sees lights replaced with four-way stop
By Tayla Scott
The traffic lights at the intersection of Bay Avenue and Farwell Street will be covered with bags today, May 13, to make way for a new four-way stop.
Andrea Jolly, Trail’s communications co-ordinator said, “Converting the traffic signal to a four-way stop is to be done on a trial basis. An additional traffic study would thoroughly monitor the results and observe driver compliance.”
This change is part of Trail’s downtown revitalization plan, which was endorsed in May 2012. The plan includes addressing parking and traffic flow issues.
“It is hoped the four-way stop will create traffic efficiencies and improve flow through the downtown core,” said Jolly.
The City of Trail has released a public notice, which can be found on their website. It states, “Strategic lane markings, barriers and stop signs will be installed in all directions.”
The alterations to the intersection aren’t permanent yet – The City of Trail will monitor the impact of the four-way stop for the next few months.
“In order to revitalize and continuously make improvements to Trail’s downtown, it is important we are diligent in implementing and monitoring change,” said Jolly.
“The two internal intersections of Bay/Farwell and Cedar/Farwell were evaluated to test the viability of converting from a signal to a four-way stop,” said. “An increase in the Level of Safety (LOS) rating for the four-way stop at both Bay/Farwell and at Cedar/Farwell was observed at both.
“It is assumed that if the intersections of Bay/Farwell is the busiest of these downtown intersections, and if it is able to function well operationally as a four-way stop, then the other intersections may function just as well.
“Converting the traffic signal to a four-way stop is to be done on a trial basis. An additional traffic study would thoroughly monitor the results and observe driver compliance.”
The City of Trail has posted four-way stop rules and reminders to keep drivers and pedestrians safe, as follows:
A four-way Stop is when there are stop signs at all corners;
The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection and come to a complete stop should go first;
If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right should go first;
If two vehicles are facing each other and have arrived at the intersection at about the same time, the one making a left turn should yield to the one going straight through;
If there is any doubt who has the right-of-way, or if there is any chance of an accident, it’s always better to yield the right-of-way to the other person;
There is more info about 4-way Stops online at www.icbc.com
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