Rocky View councillors directed staff to work with the City of Airdrie to put up “Local Traffic Only” signs to limit traffic through the Sharp Hill area, Nov. 15.
The move is a result of concerns raised by residents of the acreage community just outside Airdrie about an increase in speed and volume of traffic. Several residents attributed the increases to drivers short-cutting through the community to get to CrossIron Mills mall.
“The Sharp Hill community has experienced a significant increase in traffic volumes since the development of the East Balzac area,” said Reeve Rolly Ashdown.
“After surveying the local community and conducting a traffic analysis, we are pleased to move forward with a plan to alleviate the traffic issues for Sharp Hill residents.”
According to the County staff report, the increase in vehicles on the road started in 2007, and most residents feel the main cause is the recent restriction for southbound traffic on the service road on the east side of Highway 2, preventing a left turn onto eastbound Highway 566.
County Road Operations conducted a traffic analysis in June and September of 2011. Staff also conducted a survey last summer, asking for feedback from the local community regarding options for traffic calming.
The survey, completed by 53 people, asked respondents which traffic calming measures they want implemented. The options included speed humps, rumble strips, a reduced speed limit, status quo or other measures. Sixteen per cent were in favour of speed humps, eight per cent wanted rumble strips and 14 per cent were in favour of reduced speed limits and 14 per cent maintaining the status quo.
County staff said adding speed humps, rumbles and reducing the speed limit would not deter traffic from short-cutting and would add to the inconvenience of local residents. Instead, staff analyzed the survey and presented councillors with a mitigation plan.
The plan is intended to enhance public awareness of the impact traffic has on the Sharp Hill community. It will also try to design traffic control measures for city and county roads to ensure southbound traffic destined for the mall area, eastbound Highway 566 and Highway 2 are provided alternate routes.
An immediate measure will be the installation of signs on the north and south entrances of Sharp Hill indicating “Local Traffic Only” to inform motorists the Sharp Hill roadways are intended for local residents.
