Editor:
I am writing to express my growing concern regarding the persistent traffic congestion at the intersection of Railway Avenue and Bow Valley Trail, located next to the Shops of Canmore. This intersection has become a notorious bottleneck, leading to significant delays and frustration for both residents and visitors. Despite numerous complaints and discussions, it appears that no concrete action has been taken to address this critical issue.
The severity of the problem is well-documented in various sources. The Town of Canmore's official website outlines the current and planned projects in its transportation section. Unfortunately, none of these initiatives directly address the intersection in question. The Bow Valley Trail and Teepee Town transportation improvements plan focuses on the area west of the intersection, and the Railway Avenue plan primarily targets downtown redevelopment. The 2018 Integrated Transportation Plan intended to guide transportation improvements until 2030 seems outdated and insufficient in keeping pace with the Town's rapid growth.
Further evidence of the issue can be found in a past column from The Bow Valley Crag and Canyon and a Reddit discussion highlighting residents' frustration with the lack of progress. The congestion at the Bow Valley Trail is particularly alarming, with car lines reaching Moose Meadows as early as 11 a.m. on an average Thursday. This congestion is not merely an inconvenience. It has far-reaching implications for accessibility to essential services such as the Canmore General Hospital, grocery stores, postal services and Main Street.
The current infrastructure is simply not equipped to handle the volume of traffic, especially during peak times. As the primary entry point from the Trans-Canada Highway, this intersection should facilitate smooth movement for locals, visitors, municipal and commercial traffic. However, it lacks essential features such as intercept parking or dedicated bus lanes.
It is imperative the municipality acknowledge the inadequacy of the current solutions and considers innovative approaches to resolve this issue. Possible measures could include: adding a second lane to the intersection; converting the intersection into a large roundabout; constructing a tunnel or overpass to separate traffic flows; designing alternative service roads to access businesses within a 250-metre radius of the intersection and creating an exit from the Trans-Canada Highway to Benchlands Trail overpass, similar to the Banff Avenue exit.
The time for discussions and consultations has passed. It is crucial for the Town to take decisive action to alleviate the traffic congestion at Railway Avenue and Bow Valley Trail. By exploring and implementing innovative solutions, we can ensure this vital artery functions efficiently, benefiting residents, visitors, and the local economy.
Let us move from speaking to action.
Maxim Sayapin,
Canmore
