A city councillor is pushing for a thorough evaluation to address various safety concerns regarding signal timing on the Valley Line LRT. Ward Karhiio Coun. Keren Tang plans to propose a motion at the upcoming council meeting for city administration to conduct an assessment on signal timing and optimization for the Valley Line Southeast.
Tang expressed the need for a comprehensive review of the entire line instead of addressing issues individually. Following her participation in a full Valley Line LRT corridor inspection with city transportation engineers, Tang emphasized the importance of maximizing intersection efficiency and reducing delays while maintaining safety and prioritizing transit.
The assessment will focus on ensuring schedule reliability, minimizing corridor delays, managing peak-hour traffic queues, optimizing intersection capacity, and guaranteeing safe pedestrian crossing intervals while reducing wait times at busy intersections. Tang mentioned that since the line’s opening in November 2023, her office has received feedback from residents, drivers, transit users, and pedestrians regarding recurring challenges at intersections along the line.
During the corridor inspection, Tang observed issues at various stops, including the intersection at 28th Avenue and 66th Street, where adjustments were made to accommodate senior residents with mobility aids. LRT rider Chris O’Neill expressed concerns about the absence of barriers along the Valley Line, leading to impatient drivers and increased risks on the road.
Tang highlighted the importance of optimizing signals and traffic flow for the successful operation of a low-floor LRT system within the city. She emphasized that the shift from TransEd to ETS and upcoming budget discussions present an ideal opportunity to address these issues. By taking a comprehensive approach to the Valley Line LRT, valuable insights can be gained for future LRT expansions in Edmonton.