TRAFFIC – Highland Road-Valleyview Drive intersection gets new signal

The intersection of Highland Road and Valleyview Drive will get a new traffic signal. City Hall said in a news release Monday (Dec. 12, 2022) the new signal will enhance the safety and capacity of the existing four-way-stop-controlled intersection as part of a larger infrastructure project in the area.

Upgrading the intersection from a four-way stop to a traffic signal was identified in the 2019 Valleyview Drive Corridor Safety Study and “is supported by national guidelines set out by the Transportation Association of Canada as the new signal is expected to significantly increase mobility and safety for all road users at the intersection.”

To help road users be aware of the new signal, it will start with a red flashing light in all directions for 72 hours, beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

During this time, drivers will still be required to come to a complete stop as they would at a four-way stop. After 72 hours, the signal will go into normal operation.

As part of the signal system installation, emergency vehicle pre-emption and vehicle detection will provide signal timing for varying traffic volumes throughout the day.

The City said signal operation and timing may require fine-tuning once the new signal is in operation, and road users may experience some congestion on their daily route while the adjustments are worked out.