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Inglewood - 9 Avenue SE Bus Only Lanes
Starting on 2011 December 9, new bus-only lanes will be introduced in Inglewood on 9 Avenue between 8 Street and 15 Street S.E.
9 Avenue SE is a key connection to the east side of the city and it will see increased bus service along the corridor in the coming years. With much feedback from the communities during the recent Transportation Planning Study on 17 Avenue and Inglewood, there was a recommendation to have peak period, peak direction bus-only lanes along 9 Avenue.
This was approved by Council, and we are now proceeding with implementing the bus-only lanes.
Each weekday, 9 Avenue S.E. carries eight bus routes including the 302 and 305 BRT routes, carrying about 6,500 passengers at a rate of approximately 25 buses per hour during peak periods.
The design of the bus lanes follows the Council approved 17 Avenue S.E. Transportation Planning Study, Part B: Inglewood.
Source: S.E. 17 Avenue Project – Inglewood 2nd Open House Boards:
http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/Pages/Projects/Completed-Planning-Projects/17-Avenue-S.E.aspx
For the morning peak hours, the west-bound curb lane will be a bus-only lane.
During the afternoon peak hours, the east-bound curb lane will be a bus-only lane.
The new bus-only lanes will improve transit trips for the buses servicing the area, while increasing connectivity and transportation choices for Calgarians.
Cyclists are welcome to use the bus lane. Motorists are allowed to enter the bus lane in order to access driveways and alleys and to turn right at the next intersection.
There will be no changes to parking.
Traffic signal timing modifications are planned along 9 Avenue to improve the flow for motorists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is doing the work?
A: This project is a collaboration between Transportation Planning, Calgary Transit and Roads.
Q: Where is this change taking place?
A: The change will take place in the curb lanes along 9 Avenue between 8 Street and 15 Street S.E. in Inglewood.
Q: When will this be installed?
A: Implementation is tentatively set for December 9, 2011.
Q: Once implemented, when will the changes be in effect?
A: During peak periods or “rush hour”. During the morning rush (7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.), the westbound curb lane into the downtown core will be transit only (and bikes), and during the afternoon rush (3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.), the eastbound curb lane will be transit only (and bikes).
Q: Why is this new installation being done?
A: The design of the bus lanes follows the recommendation from the Council approved 17 Avenue S.E. Transportation Planning Study. The new bus-only lanes will provide enhanced transit service to the area, while increasing connectivity and transportation choices for Calgarians.
Q: What will it look like after installation?
A: The lanes will be designated with cantilevered overhead signage. Diamonds will be painted on the road (weather permitting).
Q: I see it’s a “diamond lane” – does this mean carpools can use it?
A: No. The diamond symbol designates a “reserved” lane. The signage specifies who is allowed in the lane – in this case buses and bicycles. For more information, see Chapter 2-Traffic Control of the Alberta Driver’s Handbook. Vehicles other than buses and bicycles can only enter this lane to turn right at the following intersection.
Q: What will be the impact of the bus lanes on motorists?
A: During the a.m. and p.m. peak periods, general traffic will be down to one lane in the peak direction. Traffic signal timings are being modified to improve traffic flow on 9 Avenue.
Q: What if I need to turn right?
A: During restricted hours, motorists can enter the bus only lane to access driveways, alleys and to make a right turn at the next intersection.
Q: What will be the impact on cyclists?
A: Cyclists are welcome to use the reserved lane.
Q: This lane doesn’t seem to have the same travel time advantage for buses as other bus lanes, like on Crowchild Trail – why implement it?
A: 9 Avenue is a key transit connection to the east side of the city and it will see increased auto traffic and bus service in the coming years. While buses are not experiencing excessive delays along this corridor now, a reserved lane will ensure buses can maintain their travel times in the future.
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