Residents of Maria Street rejected a city proposal to install traffic calming barriers and bollards that would reduce cut-through traffic on the street.
“Who wouldn’t want to live on a safer street?” asks Robert Dickieson, a cycling advocate who lives in the neighbourhood, though not on Maria Street itself. “Residents would still have access, but it would cut down on it being used as a cut-through street.”
In a report to Council, city staff relayed the results of its consultation with residents. The proposal was circulated to 105 properties along Maria Street. 19 residents responded directly to staff in opposition, and six responded in favour. 80 non-responses were assumed to be not in favour.
Maria Street is identified as a ‘Bike Priority Street’ in the 2014 Transportation Master Plan. Historically, the city has fielded complaints about cut-through traffic, speeding, illegal parking, and parking congestion on the street, much of it related to hospital traffic.
“It was a missed opportunity by the city,” says Robert Dickieson, “to convey the positives of the project. The letter that circulated just talked about restrictions.”
Enhancements to Maria Street were recommended to improve that segment of the active transportation corridor, which has been developed in phases dating back to 2019. This segment would increase connectivity between Germain Park and downtown.
The proposal was for temporary installation of traffic calming measures where Maria intersects with Russell, Mackenzie, College and Vidal Streets. It would have been a one-year pilot project with an estimated material cost of $2,500. It would have included the following:
1. Partial closure at the intersection of Maria Street and Russell Street North. This closure allows for bicycle and pedestrian passage while restricting westbound vehicle access. Vehicular traffic except authorized emergency vehicles will be prohibited to enter Maria Street from Russell Street North, but will be able to access Russell Street from Maria Street.
2. Right-in/Right-out at the intersection of Maria Street and Vidal Street North, Maria Street and College Avenue North, and Maria Street and Mackenzie Street North. Vehicles travelling eastbound on Maria Street will be required to turn right at these intersections, while vehicles travelling westbound on Maria Street will be restricted to travel through except for authorized vehicles. Left turns will also be prohibited for vehicles travelling northbound at these intersections.
3. Implementation of 30 km/h speed limit on Maria Street from Christina Street North to Russell Street North.
4. All intersections along Maria Street will have adjusted stop conditions for the duration of the pilot project.
Though city staff believe this project would have significant and positive impacts to the overall transportation network, no changes will be made to Maria Street at this time. Though the city may recommend advancing certain initiatives despite local opposition, in this case it was deemed not to be critical and will reconsider their approach based on local feedback.
It will remain designated as an on-street bicycle priority street, the route indicated by paint and signage between Russell Street and Christina Street. New on-street bicycle symbols and signage may still be provided within the approved Active Transportation capital budget.