Pedestrian safety was the most common concern brought up by residents who recently provided feedback on a Main Avenue pilot project.
In the spring, town officials are proposing to erect temporary barriers along the outside lanes on Main Avenue, from Centre Street to 4th Street, to reduce the four-lane roadway to three lanes.
The two outside lanes would be designated traffic lanes and the middle lane will be a full-time turning lane.
Jon Allan, the town's economic development officer, asked for feedback on the proposal from residents after an open house held on Oct. 8. Of the 20 responses received by the cut-off date of Oct. 22, 19 residents said they were in favour of the project.
He presented the feedback to Sundre council during the Nov. 17 council meeting.
The most common concern brought up by residents was pedestrian safety, which is why they were in favour of the project, he said.
But residents also suggested officials set up barriers without doing any landscaping until it is permanently implemented – if that is the case.
Other suggestions included installing another set of traffic lights in town, as well as a pedestrian crosswalk with lights near IGA.
People expressed concerns with signage and lane markings once the pilot project is in place, as well as the ease of trucks travelling through town.
The one resident who was opposed to the pilot project said they did not wish to have traffic congestion in town.
More than 65 people showed up to the open house held at the community centre on Oct. 8, and town officials were expecting about 20. People were lined up out the door to express their thoughts on the project, both positive and negative.
The two-hour open house included a presentation and a chance for residents to ask questions or provide comments.
Town officials have been working with Alberta Transportation and the Sundre & District Chamber of Commerce on the pilot project.
Officials say the main reason for the pilot project is to create a safer place for pedestrians on Main Avenue. Part of the plan is to “beautify” the curb extensions with shrubs, flowers and trees.
Although Alberta Transportation officials turned down the town's request to reduce the 50 kilometre an hour speed limit on Main Avenue, officials believe the traffic will slow down by using traffic calming measures.
Officials believe Main Avenue has become an unsafe place for pedestrians since Alberta Transportation officials changed the two-lane avenue to four lanes about six years ago.
Sundre council recently granted $25,000 to the town's Corridor Enhancement Committee to hire a consultant to create blueprints for the pilot project.
Once the plan is completed, council will have final approval before it is presented to Alberta Transportation.
