John Laurie Blvd. and Edgemont Blvd./53 St. N.W. - Signal change

In December 2023, The City of Calgary changed the signal operation and lane use at John Laurie Boulevard and Edgemont Boulevard/53 Street N.W. to promote safer traffic operation and reduce operating costs.

Previously, the signal operated differently based on time of day. 

• During the morning peak on weekdays:
  • The northbound and southbound movements were completely separated. One direction of traffic moved through the intersection first, followed by the other direction.
  • Signage changes to allow dual southbound left turns from Edgemont Boulevard onto John Laurie Boulevard, by permitting left turns out of a lane that is normally meant for through traffic.
• During all other times of day:
  • The northbound and southbound movements operated at the same time.
  • A single southbound left-turn lane was provided. This was controlled by a flashing green arrow followed by a solid green display.

The City of Calgary changed the signal operation to remove the weekday morning peak operation and provided the same operation all day.

These changes included:

• Removing the separated movements for northbound and southbound traffic during the morning peak on weekdays and allowing northbound and southbound traffic to run at the same time all day.
• Removing the dual southbound left turn movement from Edgemont Boulevard to John Laurie Boulevard N.W. during the morning peak on weekdays.
• A single southbound left-turn lane to be provided all day. This is controlled by a flashing green arrow followed by a solid green display.

Safety

• Eliminates the risk of driver confusion because of the different signal operation throughout the day.
• Signage currently provided changes to show when dual versus single southbound turns are allowed. 
  • Removing the dual left turn movement removes the need for this sign and the potential risk if the existing sign should fail. 

Traffic efficiency

• Maintains typical day-to-day service levels.
  • While removing dual turn lanes may lead to longer southbound left-turning queues, traffic delays will remain about the same as current, including southbound left-turning traffic.
• Allows The City to respond to detours and incidents safely and easily, by removing restrictions on when specific timing patterns may operate. 

Cost effectiveness

• Promotes cost-effectiveness by implementing the signal operation change along with a planned hardware upgrade of existing signals equipment.

Signage will be provided to communicate the change in signal operation while drivers adjust.

Contact us by filling out the online service request below or call 311 for assistance.

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