TERRACE, B.C. – Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will notice significant changes on Kalum Street as crews begin reconfiguring traffic lanes to improve safety and traffic flow for all users. The project, which affects the stretch between Greig Avenue and Soucie Avenue, is based on the recommendations of a recent ICBC road safety audit.
The most substantial change will occur on Kalum Street between Davis Avenue and Greig Avenue. The current configuration of two traffic lanes in each direction will be converted to one lane in each direction, with a new centre two-way left-turn lane. This “road diet” is designed to reduce collisions and is the same layout Terrace drivers are familiar with on the 4600 and 4700 blocks of Lakelse Avenue in front of the Skeena Mall.
Other key modifications include the removal of some narrow turning lanes to create wider, dual-purpose lanes for both straight-through traffic and turns. Where turn lanes are being consolidated, additional parking spaces will be added.
For cyclists, the project aims to improve safety by adding painted buffer zones between bike lanes and parking lanes. This change is specifically designed to reduce the risk of “dooring,” where a cyclist collides with the suddenly opened door of a parked car.
Officials state the goal of these ICBC-recommended changes is to minimize the frequency and severity of preventable collisions, with a special focus on the safety of vulnerable road users.
During this transition period, drivers on Kalum Street are asked to pay close attention. As the work is underway, the single straight-through lane should also be used as the turn lane. The City has emphasized that the parking and bike lanes are not to be used for turning.
Residents are asked to please use extra caution in the area while these changes take place over the next few days. The new traffic flow should become clearer as lines and symbols are painted on the road.
