Langford sees red over proposed changes to gridlocked highway intersection

Proposed “small changes” that could “result in big improvements” to traffic flow at a busy Langford intersection are drawing mixed reactions. Draft versions of the city’s Transportation Master Plan and Active Transportation Plan suggest congestion could be eased at Veterans Memorial Parkway and Peatt Road by restricting northbound access on Peatt – allowing only buses to travel north from the Brock-Peatt roundabout up to the intersection. Consultants hired by the city say the current signal timing favours the dual left turns from Peatt Road onto the highway, which often leads to those vehicles blocking the intersection – especially during peak periods when highway traffic is already backed up. The draft proposal also recommends limiting movements from Strandlund Avenue, which meets the same intersection, by only allowing vehicles to exit to the right onto Veterans Memorial Parkway. “The reality is that this intersection is too close to the Millstream overpass, and with full turning movements in every direction, it bogs down the system,” says the city’s Transportation and Active Transportation survey. “As we grow to a population of 100,000, we will have to reduce turning movements to improve traffic flow through this intersection.” While the proposed Peatt Road closure would change the driving habits of residents of Langford’s downtown core, redirecting them to Massie Drive, Goldstream Avenue or Leigh Road, the draft plan argues the change would ultimately reduce congestion across the city. “… but it will also mean that you won’t be stuck in your driveway until the morning traffic clears,” says the survey. “These changes will improve travel times and prevent gridlock on local roads in Langford in the future.” These ideas are among several options put forward by consultants, which are still under development and not yet approved. Without changes to traffic patterns and signal timing, the consultants warn that the long-standing frustrations along Veterans Memorial Parkway are likely to worsen. But some locals disagree, with debate spilling onto social media. “It may alleviate some hassle around the overpass, but creates havoc elsewhere,” wrote one local on Facebook. “They’re pushing all traffic onto Goldstream and VMP, which is already overflowing,” said another. “This plan also looks a lot like a page out of Victoria’s playbook.” “Traffic is stupid already,” cried one Facebook user. “Just leave it alone – it’s so hard to get around in Langford.” “Maybe before they make all these changes, they change the timing in the light(s) and do a ticketing blitz on people who block the intersection?” suggested one person. Mill Hill residents are also not happy, raising a number of concerns about restricting access to the neighbourhood via Strandlund Avenue, saying it forces drivers onto alternative access points at Six Mile Road and Hoffman Avenue. “This is going to be a huge inconvenience and increase in my commute as the 1,000 or so residents in Mill Hill try to exit out of Hoffman every day,” said one Facebook user. “Try driving out of Hoffman when school is out,” said another. But not all comments have been negative. “This actually makes a lot of sense,” one local wrote. “Currently, due to the timing of the lights, cars on Peat Road get priority when turning left and often leave no room for cars on VMP. The intersection gets blocked by Peat Road red light runners and no one is having any fun.” Both the Transportation Master Plan and Active Transportation Plan are still in the draft phase, with the second round of public engagement and consultation underway. Feedback gathered will help the city refine key recommendations and priorities. “Council will review the draft later this winter, and the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback before any decisions are made,” said a city spokesperson in an emailed statement. “At this time, no changes have been implemented.” Folks are encouraged to have their say by taking part in the online survey. The city has extended the deadline to Friday, Nov. 21, giving residents additional time to share their input: www.letschatlangford.ca/transportation [http://www.letschatlangford.ca/transportation].