The City of Trail will investigate ways of slowing down traffic on Second Avenue following a presentation from a concerned resident.
Susan Gaskell, who lives in the 1200 block, told council she has witnessed an increase over the last five years of dangerous speeds, distracted driving, and associated noise.
Second Avenue is the main thoroughfare to the regional hospital and attractions like Gyro Park, the SK8 Park and the boat launch. But while the speed limit is 40 km/h she has witnessed it being “driven like a highway.”
“It’s a very long straight stretch,” she said. “I think over the last few years there is much more traffic because there’s much more use of the amenities around us.”
Gaskell said she counted 225 vehicles going by in an hour on an ordinary Tuesday, which works out to 1,800 in an eight-hour span. ICBC data compiled in 2021 also suggests vehicle volumes of 2,400 per day, just going north.
She canvassed neighbours, who agreed traffic volume and speed is a concern and significant improvements are needed to ensure compliance and safety.
Gaskell previously wrote to the city about the issue, which responded by painting the speed limit on the road itself near its intersection with Bailey Street and posting electronic speed reader boards a couple of times a year. But Gaskell said it has had a limited impact and she doesn’t think police enforcement, a reduced limit, or additional signage is the answer either.
She is instead asking for “traffic calming measures.”
“I had a few suggestions. Either bump outs on the sidewalks where they can narrow the street a bit to slow traffic down, speed bumps, or speed cushions. Anything that would work to slow traffic down for safety’s sake.”
Gaskell said her concerns were not prompted by any particular incident.
“I’d rather be proactive than reactive and not wait until there’s an incident before something gets done,” she said, noting there are crosswalks on Second at Goepel and Taylor streets that students use every day.
“I think it’s a matter of time before something does happen and would like to see some measures put in place not just for the safety of the neighbourhood residents but all the people who use the area.”
Councillors sympathized with Gaskell’s concerns. Councillor Bev Benson, who grew up in the area, said she wasn’t surprised to see the issue raised. Mayor Colleen Jones, who lives in Sunningdale, wondered if a flashing amber light could be added for pedestrians.
Council referred the matter to staff for investigation.
