Calgary drivers are urged to use caution with a new, permanent – and automated – lane reversal system on Memorial Drive starting operation Sept. 10.
The lane reversal system will be on Memorial Drive between 4 Street and Edmonton Trail NE, the city said. The system provides westbound left turns into downtown all day, except Monday to Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Dual eastbound left turns on to Edmonton Trail will be allowed at that time.
This system was originally introduced in 2016, but it hasn’t been in operation while the city did work on Reconciliation Bridge. This work is a part of the city’s Memorial Drive and Edmonton Trail improvement plan.
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Before, city crews would physically move temporary traffic control devices daily to open or close the dual turns. As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, that system will be automated.
“It’s a big change that drivers need to be aware of,” said Pat Grisak, Senior Leader of Operational Improvements at The City, in a prepared release.
“We are asking motorists to exercise caution while driving through the area, obey all traffic control devices, and watch for gates that will open and close the dual turn lanes by time of day.”
The city will continue to have the temporary measures to control traffic while drivers adjust to the new controls.
“But starting October 1, the system will be fully automated with no temporary traffic control,” Grisak said.
