City outlines plan to fix gridlock at N.W. intersection

The city unveiled its latest plan for the intersection at Bowfort Road and the Trans-Canada Highway near Canada Olympic Park at an open house Wednesday night.

Area residents have long been frustrated by having to wait as long as 20 minutes to get onto 16th Avenue (Trans-Canada) from Bowfort Road N.W. at peak hours.   

"It's way overdue for something," said resident Des Kary.

The city has talked about building an interchange since 1984, even drafting a preliminary plan in 2011. But the $100-million price tag put the project on hold.   

Justin Richter, who owns a restaurant at a strip mall near the intersection, said he is losing business because people don't want to get stuck in a traffic jam.

"Something needs to be done, absolutely. I'm not sure any of them is the ultimate best idea," he said.

As a temporary measure until funding comes through for an interchange, city engineers now plan to install additional left-turn lanes on southbound Bowfort Road and on eastbound 16th Avenue.

Area resident Julie Lockhart said the plan might improve vehicle traffic, but the area would still be dangerous for people on foot.

"There are pedestrians coming from the hotel, from the fast food outlets, it's a mishmash of people. There are no sidewalks on the side of the road. There are two 90-degree bends with a steep hill," she said.

City officials said they will take the feedback received at Wednesday’s meeting and incorporate any useful suggestions when the extra turn lanes are added to the intersection.