LETTER: Too many road signs, dividers at Cougar Creek

Editor: Last fall, the Town of Canmore completed work on needed improvements along a small section of road at the north bridge over Cougar Creek. While these upgrades are appreciated, the placement of many signs, markers and concrete dividers in and along the road needs to be revisited. Having lived on Cougar Creek for over 20 years and crossed this bridge thousands of times, I don't believe that the current configuration of 28 signs and markers together with 11 concrete dividers along roughly 150 metres of road is necessary. Traffic volume at this location has not increased in many years and will not substantially change in the future. Vehicle speed is already limited by the roundabout, nearby street turns and bus stops, but yet despite it having far less traffic, this short stretch of road is more heavily signed and divided than virtually any road in Canmore other than the main intersections in town. Some signs and dividers are obviously desirable for safety and directing traffic, but too many is distracting to drivers who should be focused on potential hazards. In fact, the dividers move vehicles closer to the edges of the road at the crosswalks and funnel bicycles into narrower car lanes that add risk for pedestrians and cyclists. For these and a number of other reasons, I suggest that most of the dividers are not needed, and removing them would also eliminate several signs and markers. Standard crosswalks with clear pavement markings would serve the purpose at this location as they do elsewhere in town. With resurfacing work underway on Elk Run Blvd, now is an opportunity for the Town to reconsider the necessity and placement of these signs and concrete dividers in the road. Before the paving work is completed, let the Town know your thoughts on this issue. Lise Carter, Canmore