Transit priority signal, designated bus lane now operating at Main and MacNab streets: City – Hamilton
Hamilton’s transportation department is warning drivers that a new transit priority signal and a dedicated downtown bus lane are now operating west of City Hall. city.
The changes are at the intersection of Main and MacNab streets and are part of the city’s recent traffic reconfiguration project approved by the city council in July to enhance a safe approach. city road.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, a city spokesman said the new transit signal is a light with a white vertical bar on a black background that allows transit buses to cross the intersection before other traffic. .
Emily Trotta from the city manager’s office said: “Only public transit buses can continue to operate when the transit priority signal is displayed, all other vehicles must stop.
Crews have also added “Bus Only” pavement markings in the 85-meter section of Main Street between MacNab Street and City Hall, allowing buses to safely pull over to pick up passengers and attend Traffic returns via priority signal.
Drivers who wish to turn right on MacNab will have to move from the left lane of the bus-only lane.
Right turns are allowed only when the traffic light is green.
Pedestrians will also be given priority at the intersection using the leading pedestrian distance, allowing pedestrians to start toward cars approaching the intersection.
Hamilton’s acting transportation executive told Global News earlier this week that the changes at Main and MacNab are a first for the city.
Mike Field says lane reductions, a ban on right turns at red lights and more pedestrian countdown signals are just a few other changes that have been completed by teams on Main and King Street in four working sessions. overnight.
“Public transit priority signals allow the bus to move and exit the commotion before any other traffic moves through the intersection,” says Field.
Additional configurations include pedestrian padding on the south side of Main, designated left turn lanes at some intersections, and the opening of additional street parking on the north side, including parking. overnight in several locations.
Main will eventually become a two-way street as part of the city’s preparations for the upcoming light rail development.
Field said city staff will report to public works on the cost and timing of that initiative during the first part of 2023.
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