Editor: Being a resident of Langley since 1983 I have certainly seen an increase in traffic generally in the community, but more specifically on 16 Avenue.
I currently reside in South Langley and cross 16 Avenue many times a day, a week and a month, as well as travelling along 16 Avenue in both directions.
The improvements over the years, such as left turn lanes and traffic signals at only a few major intersections along 16 Avenue, have helped to some degree and are appreciated.
It has helped, more specifically, with the traffic flow in both directions on 16 Avenue, in my opinion, but has created a significant problem with cross traffic.
The left turn lanes have resulted in the increased steady flow of traffic in both directions, resulting in an increased level of risk to motorists attempting to cross 16 Avenue north and southbound, specifically at the major intersections that have no traffic control signals.
When there are two vehicles wanting to turn left off 16 Avenue in both directions and there is a steady flow of traffic east and westbound along with multiple vehicles wanting to cross and/or enter onto 16 Avenue all at one intersection (which happens frequently) it is a recipe for disaster.
Drivers are waiting for traffic to clear in an attempt to cross and/or enter 16 avenue and are clearly getting frustrated, resulting in poor decision making.
With the proposed South Langley Trans Canada Connector through Langley this situation will only get worse. It is understandable that 16 Avenue is required as a major traffic corridor and an economic driver, however I believe the risks that are occurring now should be mitigated first before any expansion occurs.
Having looked at the short, medium and long term plans I believe that the first immediate short term steps should be to install traffic activated signals at all major crossings such as 208, 224, 232, 240, 256 and 272 Streets in Langley to allow for the safe travel of those motorists attempting to, most importantly, cross 16 Avenue, but also to enter it.
The installation of the traffic signals should be in advance of any medium-term plans and would address some very significant safety issues that are occurring now.
We nearly lost our daughter who was attempting to cross 16 Avenue several years ago when she was broadsided by a semi-truck. We are fortunate she wasn’t killed. Others haven’t been so lucky.
Peter Thiessen,
Langley