Davis Drive traffic primer: Tips for drivers, pedestrians on how to navigate revamped road

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 11, 2015
By Chris Simon

Pedestrians and drivers need to be vigilant and perceptive as they get used to the new flow of traffic along Davis Drive, says the person overseeing the project for the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation.

From delays during construction to the implications of reduced traffic flows on areas businesses, there's no doubt the landscape of one of Newmarket's busiest streets has changed dramatically in recent years, but as paving continues, and the rapidway nears completion in time for a mid-December opening, a few safety-related changes have been implemented recently.

Whether you are a pedestrian navigating the sidewalk to get to a store or a commuter driving to work, help prevent collisions by becoming aware of several traffic flow-related alterations, said Christopher Scott, the transit corporation's Davis project manager.

"Be patient and concentrate on the surroundings," he said, standing near the Davis and Barbara Road intersection last week, while watching a car make a legal U-turn. "We do everything we can to ensure we do the best job possible in making sure this is a safe place for people to come. Hang on, because we're going to be open later this year."

Perhaps one of the most noticeable traffic changes will be the encouragement of U-turns. To access mid-block entrances on the other side of the road, motorists must make a U-turn at a signalized intersection.

While U-turns are generally permitted at any intersection in Ontario, unless otherwise posted, most drivers do not take advantage. To make a U-turn on Davis, motorists will have to wait in the left-turn lane. They get the right-of-way once the left-turn signal turns green.

There is a notable exception to the rule, however. On a four-lane roadway, the vehicle making the U-turn must round into the left lane - leaving room for right-turning motorists to make a safe turn into the right lane.

"It's designed so you can make that movement," transit corporation chief communications officer Dale Albers said. "U-turns can be made almost anywhere, with a few restrictions. It's going to take a little bit of education. It's not just 'look to the left'. It's left, ahead, right, like we learned in driver's ed.

“As drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, you need to be fully aware of your surroundings, because this is a busy urban corridor. By introducing the signalized U o-turn movements, it actually increases the overall safety of the corridor and improves flow. Before, there was the middle turning lane and people would inch through traffic."

Once the rapidway is complete, motorists will only be able to turn right into and out of all side streets and driveways in the area, and the final traffic configuration will allow drivers to only turn left at a traffic light when the left-turn arrow is illuminated.

Residents must also be aware of the two-stage pedestrian crossing design setup throughout the rapidway. There will be a centre 'safe zone' platform available for slower travellers who cannot cross the entire roadway in a few seconds - elderly residents or parents with young children, for example - however, most people should be able to cross the entire width of the road before the light turns.

Pedestrians must push the crossing button to get the signalized go-ahead.

"We think the majority of pedestrians will be able to cross in one go," Albers said. "Everyone has their own sequence of events to follow. It's important not to jump the gun."

Other elements, such as the alignment of Longford and Parkside drives, audible and visual pedestrian countdown signals at intersections and three centre-lane Viva bus stations with PA systems, raised tiles for the visually impaired, motion-activated heaters and security surveillance should also improve safety along the roadway.