Cranbrook commuters will notice some traffic pattern changes today at the Kootenay Street North and 4th Street North intersection.
Starting Friday, October 20, the intersection is operating as a four-way stop, a new median has been added at the west end of 4th Street North to force traffic on 14th Avenue North to be right turn only.
Meanwhile, no left turns are allowed from 14th Avenue North onto 4th Street North.
The City of Cranbrook says these changes come following recommendations from a professional transportation engineer with a goal of improving safety for drivers and pedestrians.
See more information from the City of Cranbrook below:
Two important traffic pattern changes will be taking effect for the intersection of Kootenay Street North and 4th Street North starting on Friday, October 20, 2023.
First, this intersection will be changed to a four-way stop. Secondly, with the reconstruction of 4th Street North a new median has been added onto the west-end of 4th Street North forcing northbound traffic on 14th Avenue North past the Kinsmen Arena to be able to turn right only.
No left turns will be allowed from 14th Avenue North onto 4th Street North to connect with Kootenay Street North. This is the intersection where the Encore Brewing Company (former Juniper Lanes) building is located.
“We made this change because of several factors. Based on the volume of traffic, safety considerations for pedestrians and crash data provided by ICBC, we implemented this new traffic pattern which was recommended by a professional transportation engineer,” says Curtis Mummery, Manager of Roads and Infrastructure for the City. “This new traffic pattern will go a long way to improving sight lines, pedestrian and vehicle safety while making this unique intersection much more functional.”
All drivers are asked to please use caution and care when approaching or using this intersection for the next several months. There is always an adjustment period for drivers when new traffic pattern changes are made. Help keep our roads safe by driving safe.
Remember that when there are stop signs at all corners of an intersection:
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 vehicle making a left turn should yield to the vehicle going straight through.
– Article includes statement and image from City of Cranbrook
