Highway 107 Upgrades (Burnside Expressway) | U/C

[Keith P.]

I have not seen this and likely will not for some time as I seldom visit that part of the Supercity (remember that term?) but based upon a few recent experiences with DTPW projects I have to think that it will be problematic. They seem continually challenged to be able to provide proper signage, and are very stingy with their use of lighting. I don’t understand why highway roundabouts are often unlit or have very minimal lighting. Even worse is the deficient signage used by DTPW generally.

This was illustrated last week one evening when I had to visit Bayers Lake and left by the Lacewood exit to get on to the 102. As I approached the traffic lights I fortunately knew what lane I needed to take to get to downtown. But I was struck by how utterly useless the road signs were. One indicated “Bedford”, the other “Clayton Park” along with Lacewood Dr., the street I was already on. That’s it. I immediately imagined myself being a visitor who had entered the BL shopping area from the 103 end and was unfamiliar. No signage indicating “Downtown” or Highway 102 inbound. It was quite ridiculous. They just seem to assume you would already know.

When I encountered the Burnside/Akerley roundabout last week I saw no signage at all except for one smallish directional sign. I presume there will be more prominent signage once it opens fully, but I’d be shocked if it is good signage. I recall getting very confused with the signage up the hill where Akerley becomes the 107. DTPWmust assume all road users are locals who know where they want to go.