The new set of traffic lights at the intersection of Centre Ave and Hwy 1A is slated to be fully operational by mid-September.
The town anticipates that once the signals are functional, the east/west traffic flows at the intersection will vastly improve.
The hope is that the project will be a step in the right direction for Cochrane’s increasingly problematic traffic flow.
“Traffic modeling and intersection analysis indicates that the lights will lead to a safer and more controlled intersection that allows safe traffic maneuvers from all directions…” said Rick Deans, manager of infrastructure for the town.
“Part of the implementation is to coordinate the signal timing with the signals at Fourth Avenue, to gain efficiency and improve traffic movement during peak times.”
With a posted 50 km/hr speed limit along Cochrane Hill, Deans said drivers should be mindful to slow down and to adjust their driving to road and weather conditions.
“There is currently peak hour traffic congestion on both Centre Ave and Hwy 1A…traffic modeling takes current volumes into account and while this is not completely solving the congestion it will allow for better driver safety.
Deans said the town would continue to work with Alberta Transportation on better solutions to aid in better traffic flow at peak times.
“We will continue to monitor the traffic flow and evaluate for future requirements,” said Wally Hume, roads manager with the town. “Heavy truck traffic heading up (Cochrane Hill) in the winter months will require a higher level of snow maintenance on the highway.”
The province split the cost on the light installation at the intersection; the town’s portion is $125,000 based on current contract costs.
