THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay's Engineering Division will ask city council to approve funds for a new roundabout at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Ford Street.
The $350,000 project would create a single-lane roundabout capable of accommodating all vehicles including buses and large trucks.
Pedestrians and cyclists would be accommodated through shared-use paths and "refuge areas."
In addition, pedestrian crossover signals would be installed on the west side of the intersection for anyone travelling north-south across Victoria Avenue.
Installation of the single-lane roundabout would result in the removal of existing traffic signals at Victoria and Lillie Street.
City staff say those signals are not warranted based on vehicle and pedestrian volumes, and would no longer be needed to manage transit buses after construction of the roundabout.
Another part of the plan would see Lillie Street converted to a one-way route. Northbound traffic, in the direction of Hogarth Riverview Manor, would be permitted on Lillie between Victoria Avenue and Walnut Street.
"There are many benefits to installing a roundabout at an intersection," said Project Engineer Matt Miedema.
"Roundabouts are designed to maximize vehicle and pedestrian safety, minimize pollution and fuel consumption, and the maintenance costs are lower compared to traditional traffic signals," Miedema said.
The Engineering Division is recommending construction of the roundabout in next year's budget because Victoria Avenue is already scheduled for pavement resurfacing.
Officials say the Ford Street multi-use trail would also be extended as part of this project.
