- The advance green for left turns does not trigger consistently. The time length of the advance green light is additionally short, adding to the congestion of the intersection.
Staff attended the intersection last week to confirm the detection zones for vehicles. Crews then adjusted the areas in which vehicles should be detected to reflect recent traffic staging that the contractor has implemented at the intersection of Bank and Heron. They will continue to monitor the intersection operations moving forward to ensure that the detection zones are correct and that the left turn durations are appropriate for current intersection volumes. Once the weather allows us to re-paint the lines, this should help vehicles locate the correct spot that triggers the light change.
- Ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety
I am aware that when coming straight towards Heron on Bank, cars often ignore the signs indicating where to stop and pedestrians have to walk between the stopped cars. These faded lines have been flagged to the contractor, and they will be repainted as soon as the weather allows.
In addition, the right turn coming toward Bank and Heron is quite wide, so cars tend to accelerate quickly around the corner. When construction is complete this will be a protected intersection, which is intended to slow cars down. I have also asked staff to look into adding a sign here to watch for pedestrians.
- Is there an approximate date for when the Bank and Heron intersection will be complete?
The current utility work will be completed in March.
Finishing up the intersection – including sidewalk, cycle track, and traffic signal work – will continue into 2026 and will need isolated lane closures, likely for about a week at a time, through the year. There are planned impacts to Riverside Drive from May to September, but the contractor plans to work around that timing, so all lanes on Heron will open as an East-West route while Riverside is impacted.
- The left turn lanes going onto Bank Street appear to have been paved over, will this be permanent?
Although the existing right turn lane is temporarily closed, the number of lanes that are there now is the final configuration as designed.
- Why is there a lane closure on Heron Road at Riverside Drive?
The lane closure on Heron Road eastbound at Riverside Drive is related to an ongoing Federal Government project under the Energy Services Acquisition Program. The project involves upgrading the heating system from steam lines to a low-temperature water system at the Canada Post Complex and the Sir Leonard Tilley Building. Based on current information, it is anticipated that this lane closure will be required for several more months.