The Cochrane Eagle is asking candidates an issue-based question each week leading up to the election that they will answer in their own words. If a candidate does not answer a question, we will include a bio box with a disclaimer saying the candidate did not respond. All candidates were given a limit of 185 words and questions will be edited to fit that length. Our third question is:
How do you plan to address the town’s growing traffic congestion?
With two provincial highways, federal railway, a river, plus fast-growing population, providing a quick fix solution is not easy nor inexpensive.
While solutions such as the 1A/22 interchange, bridge, expansion of Griffin Road, and eventually a multi-modal crossing at Horse Creek Road are in the works, these projects will see completion in the next few years. In the meantime, I believe we can make improvements in other ways which won’t break taxpayers nor take a huge amount of time to implement.
One said improvement would be a non-permanent sign that could be placed on our highways as an indication of traffic flow (example on Crowfoot Trail but not permanent). This sign could be used as an indicator of time but also as a rerouting possibility in the case of a collision or backlogged traffic. Giving residents choice rather than being stuck would be a huge benefit.
Better timing of lights, more advanced warning for heavy-duty truckers to gear down, and adding in transit/ride sharing additions will all help long term. Creating solutions to help with congestion and improve safety is what I am advocating for.
