In late December and throughout January, we noticed increased traffic shortcutting through the Strathcona neighbourhood due to the Duggan Bridge closure at 107 St on Saskatchewan Drive. The closure is planned to last until late 2021.

This increased traffic has been creating significant hazards for pedestrians and people on bikes throughout the neighbourhood, in particular on 107 St, as well as at 85 Ave and 106 St (crossing the separated bike lanes).

Have you observed or experienced any near-misses or collisions in the neighbourhood? Let us know.

We contacted the project manager with specific requests and have seen some small changes and improvements to the intersection at 107 St and Saskatchewan Drive (including an east detour walkway, as well as pylons to discourage cars from driving on the sidewalk), but the high traffic volume trying to speed through the neighbourhood continues to pose a danger to community members.

We are calling on the City to implement stronger measures to discourage drivers from shortcutting through Strathcona. The official, signed detour directs drivers to use 109 St and Whyte Ave, but currently cutting through the neighbourhood is more appealing. Ensuring that Saskatchewan Drive is used only for local traffic during the Duggan Bridge closure is essential for the safety and comfort of this neighbourhood, especially as spring returns and more people are out walking and cycling.