In a recent development, a concerned resident has brought attention to the hazardous conditions at the intersection of 13th Street S. and Ninth Avenue in Lethbridge, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures. This issue has been simmering for years, with the resident, Virgil Grandfield, advocating for changes since 2022. The intersection has seen a series of incidents, including a pedestrian and a cyclist being struck by vehicles within a two-month period, underscoring the criticality of the situation.
Grandfield's persistent calls for action have been met with resistance from the City of Lethbridge Transportation Safety Team. He argues that the team's approach is outdated, relying on 1960s methods and arbitrary classifications that exempt the intersection from certain safety regulations. The street was originally designed for horse and buggies and has since been widened into a four-lane road, creating a stark contrast between its historical purpose and its current function.
One of the key demands from Grandfield and other stakeholders is a reduction in the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. This proposal is supported by a two-day traffic report conducted in November 2022, which revealed that nearly 73% of vehicles were exceeding the speed limit, with some reaching speeds of 110 km/h. The high speed limits, especially during peak hours, pose a significant risk to pedestrians and cyclists, as evidenced by the recent incidents.
Ahmed Ali, the transportation engineering manager, counters that reducing the speed limit is impractical due to the street's role as a vital artery connecting the north and south ends of the city. However, this stance overlooks the fact that the intersection is just 450 meters from a school and is considered one of the higher collision areas within the city. Lethbridge police have acknowledged the intersection's challenges and have been conducting weekly traffic enforcement projects to address speeding.
The elimination of photo radar within the province has further exacerbated the situation, leading to an increase in speeding incidents. Despite this, the City's feedback signs are making a positive impact, with the 85th percentile of the road now at approximately 57 km/h. However, studies indicate that the fatality risk for pedestrians increases significantly at speeds above 60 km/h, emphasizing the need for more aggressive safety measures.
In response to the concerns, the City of Lethbridge is taking steps to enhance safety. Exclusive turning lanes and lights are being installed at the intersection, which will provide pedestrians with their own green time and reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally, the Transportation and Safety Team is exploring the conversion of the intersection into a roundabout, a project that requires capital funding and has an uncertain timeline for implementation.
In the meantime, Sgt. Tony Ramotowski of the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) advises pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to share the road responsibly. Cyclists are urged to dismount their bikes when crossing intersections, and all pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before crossing. These simple yet crucial safety measures can help mitigate the risks associated with this hazardous intersection.
The situation at 13th Street S. and Ninth Avenue highlights the ongoing struggle between urban development and safety. While the city's infrastructure may have evolved, the need for modern safety regulations and proactive measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists remains a pressing concern. As the city continues to grapple with this issue, the voices of concerned residents like Virgil Grandfield will play a pivotal role in driving the necessary changes to ensure a safer and more sustainable urban environment.
