A series of new traffic calming measures should make Port Moody’s Suter Brook Village neighbourhood safer for pedestrians and relieve congestion on some of its narrow streets.
The measures, devised by the city in collaboration with Onni Group that developed the area, will be considered by council at its meeting next Tuesday (Feb. 15).
In a report, Port Moody transportation engineer Geoffrey Keyworth said concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety in Suter Brook came to a head when Onni embarked on the approval process for building out its final parcel of land in the neighbourhood that would add two 26-storey condo towers and six-storey rental building to the existing dense mix of condos, townhouses, offices and retail.
During the public hearing for the proposal, several residents complained about the increased traffic congestion the project would bring to the area.
In an attempt to address their concerns, councillors and city staff toured the neighbourhood along with several residents and a series of solutions were identified.
Some of those were implemented in a temporary pilot program in 2019.
The improvements were estimated to cost about $500,000.
With construction of the new buildings nearing completion, Keyworth said Onni is now prepared to make many of the improvements permanent, at its expense.
Among them are:
- making Brew Street permanently one-way
- extending the median on Murray Street to prevent left turns from Murray into the neighbourhood
- removing the right-turn channels at Murray and Morrisey so traffic has to slow down when entering and exiting the neighbourhood
- raising intersections along Morrisey Road at Brew Street, Suter Brook Way, Capilano Road as well as at the intersection of Suter Brook Way and Brew Street
- constructing curb extensions at several corners to slow traffic and improve pedestrian comfort in the neighbourhood
However, an earlier recommendation to add a new traffic signal at the intersection of Ioco and Capilano roads won’t be built because of Capilano’s steep grade and its "S" bend that could create further safety issues for pedestrians.
“Through their comprehensive nature, these measures are expected to reduce traffic speeds, provide increased pedestrian priority and visibility and improve pedestrian safety and comfort,” Keyworth said.
If the measures are approved, construction is expected to begin next month and be completed by September.
