Relief could be coming for Port Moody residents and businesses weary of rush-hour traffic cutting along Spring Street to avoid congestion on nearby St. Johns and Clarke streets.
A staff report to be considered by city council at its meeting Tuesday recommends implementation of a pilot project that would make parts of the narrow roadway one-way only. Blocks from Queens to Douglas streets would be restricted to west-bound traffic, as well as the stretch from Mary to Kyle streets, while the 2600 block from Mary to Grant streets would be reserved for east-bound traffic. A portion of the 2700 block to Moody Street is already one-way east-bound.
The new patterns will direct local traffic to signalized intersections on the busier commuter routes, allowing for safe turns onto those streets, said Stephen Judd, Port Moody’s manger of infrastructure engineering services.
Judd said the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in lower traffic volumes as more people work from home or are out of work altogether, making it the perfect time to put the changes in place and monitor their impact.
“The subject plan can be implemented and appropriate measures taken to advise commuters prior to traffic volumes beginning to return in the future as restrictions and closures ease,” he said, adding signs and temporary barriers for five intersections will cost between $8,000 and $20,000, while a communications plan to advise drivers will run less than $5,000.
Judd said the pilot project will also be a good dry run for the city’s long-term goal to turn Spring Street into a promenade that prioritizes use by pedestrians as the Moody Centre neighbourhood continues to redevelop.
