Township councillors gave a green light to lights at four intersections along 16th Avenue, but must now seek TransLink approval.
On Monday, council approved installing the traffic signals at intersections along 16th Avenue, at 208th, 232nd, 240th, and 272nd Streets, subject to budget approval and a nod from the regional transportation authority, confirmed Mayor Jack Froese.
“We want to make sure that this busy road – which is only going to get busier due to road network modifications in neighbouring municipalities in the future – is made safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians,” he said.
The section of 16th Avenue running through Langley is part of TransLink’s Major Road Network and permission to construct any additions or improvements must first be received from TransLink.
Funding to design and construct the signals and accompanying left turn bays, along with pull-out bays where the RCMP can provide additional speed enforcement, will be considered in upcoming draft council budgets during the next two years, Froese explained.
“Staff have been authorized to seek the necessary approvals from TransLink, and we hope to enhance safety on the Township’s section of the 16th Avenue corridor through the installation of traffic lights, turning lanes, signage, and speed enforcement opportunities at these intersections,” he said.
Council expressed its support of the safety measures following a presentation by Township engineering staff and a consultant from McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd, which conducted a 16th Avenue traffic signals study in the spring.
The study looked at projected traffic volumes for 2018, including the increase in east-west traffic that is expected to occur when 16th Avenue is extended to Marshall Road in Abbotsford (the King Road Connector).
It also included an analysis to see if signals were warranted at the intersections, a geometric review which examined stopping sight distances on the approaches to the intersections, and a collision analysis that looked at the number of crashes that occurred between 2009 to 2013.
The 16th Avenue traffic signals study also looked at the number and length of available gaps between vehicles where other cars could enter the traffic stream, and the operational performance of the intersections during peak hours.
The study recommended the use of oversized intersection warning signs featuring upcoming road names, ongoing trimming of vegetation to enhance sight lines, and the continuation of the Township’s “Slow Down/Speed Kills” signage campaign, which was initiated in the summer.