Sturgeon Road Roundabout

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the project?

The 4-way stop at the intersection of Sturgeon Road, Silver Ave and Murray Park Road was replaced with a roundabout. The new roundabout was constructed within the current City right-of-way. The roundabout has been designed to safely accommodate traffic that has been estimated to be the result of development in the area occurring between now and 2031.

When was the project approved?

This project was approved by Council in 2014, following a review of the operation of this intersection and a report written in 2011 which recommended to the Assiniboia Community Committee that a roundabout be built. The preliminary design study, which took place in 2014, confirmed that a roundabout remains the most appropriate treatment for this intersection.

What was presented at the public information session?

A public information meeting was held on September 14, 2015 at the Heritage Victoria Community Club.

Here are the Information Boards that were on display at the meeting.

Why was an intersection improvement needed?

The 4-way stop intersection was experiencing traffic delays. The roundabout will improve safety and traffic flow as well as intersection geometry to better accommodate larger commercial and emergency vehicles.

Why a roundabout and not a traffic signal?

Reasons that a roundabout were chosen for this intersection include:

• Collision severity is generally higher for traffic signals as compared to roundabouts due to lower vehicle operating speeds for roundabouts.
• Roundabouts are more environmentally friendly; vehicle delays and stops are greater for traffic signals resulting in higher vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.
• Traffic signals result in higher noise levels associated with vehicles starting and stopping.
• Roundabouts offer opportunities for enhanced neighbourhood aesthetics and gateway features.

Are roundabouts safe?

According to the Office of Safety of the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, numerous traffic-related studies have shown significant safety improvements at intersections converted from conventional forms (4-way stop signs, traffic signals, etc.) to roundabouts. The physical shape of roundabouts eliminate crossing conflicts that are present at conventional intersections (e.g., T-bone conflicts), thus reducing the total number of potential conflict points and the most severe of those conflict points. The most comprehensive and recent study showed overall reductions of 35 per cent in total crashes and 76 per cent in injury crashes. Severe, incapacitating injuries and fatalities are rare, with one study reporting 89 per cent reduction in these types of crashes and another reporting 100 per cent reduction in fatalities.

Other studies have shown that pedestrian safety at roundabouts is increased. Roundabouts have advantages for pedestrians including the fact that crossings are shorter distances and less complex, traffic speeds are generally lower in a roundabout and drivers are more likely to see pedestrians.

Read more about roundabouts and how to drive, cycle and walk a roundabout here.

Will the roundabout impact my property value?

The City’s Planning, Property and Development Department advises that roundabouts installed in comparable areas have not negatively impacted property values in the area. Two similar roundabout retrofits, particularly with landscaping feature centre islands, have been seen as an enhancement to the neighbourhood.

Will trucks and emergency vehicles be able to use the roundabout?

The design of the roundabout incorporates a "truck apron", which is a portion of the roundabout that allows large vehicles to track over it as they go through the roundabout. Large vehicle activity is always considered as part of the design of roundabouts and the truck apron is always incorporated to accommodate a variety of vehicle sizes-from regular passenger cars to single unit trucks to tractor semi-trailers.

What about the grassland area? Was an environmental assessment done for this project?

Formal environmental investigations were not conducted on this project as it is an existing route(s) in an existing right-of-way. Potential damage to the grasslands within the right-of-way have been managed through a per-square meter charge to the contractor for damage resulting from the detour construction (encouraging minimization of the total damage). Funds collected from this will be used to restore the area. As well, our Parks staff have preserved many of the plants and seeds prior to commencement of construction.

Was a potential increase in traffic due to new development and CentrePort considered when a roundabout was chosen?

The roundabout has been designed to accommodate traffic that has been estimated to be the result of development in the area occurring between now and 2031.

What will happen to the sidewalk and bike path?

The sidewalk and bike path will be fully restored as part of the project. An active transportation detour is also being constructed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists during construction.

What is the timeline for completion?

Following the opening of the roundabout, landscaping will follow immediately thereafter.