Why not add a fourth lane to the Bow River Bridge?

The concept of an additional lane on the bridge was modeled as a part of the Transportation Master Plan. Unfortunately, the model showed it would have limited effect. While two northbound lanes may provide additional queuing storage, the limited capacity of Banff Ave/Buffalo St intersection will continue to cause backups. And we can’t tear down the buildings on the corner to build capacity. 

The addition of a fourth lane would require the sidewalks on the bridge to be narrowed on both sides from by one metre. This will negatively impact pedestrians and is contrary to council’s strategic priority of promoting sustainable modes of transportation. As well, a crash barrier between the sidewalk and driving lanes would likely be required with four driving lanes on the bridge leading to a further reduction in sidewalk width on a designated heritage structure. 

In the long term, traffic volumes are likely to increase beyond the capacity that fourth lane could provide. 

Show All Answers

1. Why not add a fourth lane to the Bow River Bridge?
2. Why doesn’t the Town build a new parkade?
3. Why don’t you limit the number of cars that cross the Bow River Bridge, similar to the concept of restricting vehicles on the Moraine Lake Road?
4. Why have scramble crosswalk intersections?
5. How come the pedestrian crossing time at the scramble intersection is 25 seconds long?
6. Why don’t you remove the mid-block crosswalks on Banff Avenue to eliminate traffic flow interruptions?
7. Why not use flaggers to manage traffic on very busy days?
8. Large delivery trucks block and/or slow traffic when backing into the alleys. Why doesn't the Town do something about that?
9. Is the Town going to install traffic signals at Buffalo St/ Bear St intersection?