Drivers can expect some delays and intermittent closures near Mount Baker Secondary School as the city realigns the 14th Avenue and 2nd Street North intersection.
Work will begin on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 1, with the city’s contractor removing the existing road lines from Baker Street to 4th Street North and Kootenay Street to 16th Avenue North.
This comes after the city decided to convert the intersection into a permanent four-way stop due to an electrical system failure in the traffic lights.
“Over the summer, the electrical controller at this intersection failed – it failed multiple times,” said Mike Matejka, Cranbrook’s Director of Engineering and Development.
“The amount of staff time and effort devoted to keeping this thing working was significant.”
Matejka said the conversion into a four-way stop will save the city money.
“By not replacing the signal light system, based on the recent cost estimates, we would save the city approximately $850,000,” said Matejka.
City officials said new lines will be pained to mark out the changed alignments for the four-way stop on Wednesday morning.
The City said the work is set to begin after Mount Baker Secondary classes start for the day to limit disruption to school bus schedules.
“We’ve seen that this temporary four-way stop has been working quite well,” said Matejka.
“This is a situation where the simpler solution is the safer solution. It’s also the most cost-effective solution.”
You can expect some delays and closures along 14th Avenue and 2nd Street North while work is underway.
Drivers are asked to slow down, watch out for road crews and obey all posted signs.
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