The City of Moose Jaw changed the traffic flow on First Avenue Northwest late last year, but the lack of painted lines to indicate the lanes has caused frustration among some motorists.
The municipality adjusted the traffic pattern there at the end of August by designating one lane going north and south, with a shared centre-left turning lane, starting at Manitoba Street and going to Oxford Street. Instructional signs were posted and lines were painted on the road. However, that paint faded and very little remains.
This has frustrated resident Steven Heidinger, who told the Moose Jaw Express that he accepted the traffic pattern change but questioned its timing, specifically, that it happened near the fall.
“Over the winter most drivers have reverted back to the old way, even though it conflicts with the signage,” he said. “Now with the paint gone, there is so much confusion out there with some drivers using old rules and some the new rules.”
This confusion hit home for the Heidingers’ oldest son, who failed his driver’s test twice because of the uncertainty with First Avenue Northwest. The first time, he drove by the old rules since that was what other drivers were doing. The second time, he told the examiner he planned to use the new rules; the examiner docked him points again.
“We then spoke with a driving instructor just recently and the instructor is telling everyone that the old rules are in effect,” Heidinger added. “There is a lot of confusion out there regarding the situation. The city has new signs, yet all the paint has worn off.”
The Express reached out to city hall for an answer.
In an email, communications manager Craig Hemingway explained the change along First Avenue Northwest was introduced as a safety improvement to address sightlines.
The change was planned for early 2019, but due to the late summer water main construction on Main Street, city hall did not want to cause further traffic disruption when many vehicles were already being re-routed one block west.
Lines are painted once a year using the current industry standard for road paints, he said. The liquid’s lifespan has decreased significantly, however, since lead has been removed from most paints.
Last year the municipality spent $117,500 to paint lines along First Avenue Northwest, with $42,000 related to labour costs.
“In 2020 it is our goal to implement Thermoplastics at key locations on First Avenue and around the city,” Hemingway added. “Thermoplastics-based paint have a lifespan of between four to six years, but these materials generally cost 10 times more to purchase and significantly longer times to install.”
Wendy Dreger, a driving instructor with Thomas Driver Education, explained that when she asked city hall about these changes, she was told this was a big city idea. However, she pointed out that since Moose Jaw is more of a small town, residents usually revert to what they know since not all change is good change.
“I suggested they send out a leaflet … when you change and make such a major change and the people can’t see the lines, send out a leaflet to everybody. Tell them what it is,” she said.
The confusion around which lane to use has made it difficult for Dreger when teaching her students. New students have caught on easily, while those who were already practising or who needed a refresher course became frustrated. However, she doesn’t believe driver examiners are using the centre lane and have attempted to stay away from that street.
“It’s new. We have to get used to it,” she added, “and I’m just hoping in the spring they paint the lines earlier enough so that everybody can say, ‘Oh, that’s what you’re supposed to be doing.’”
