The twists and turns at Rawlins Cross will be given a second look after St. John’s city council deferred a decision on a traffic pilot project for the area.
Instead of approving the project, transportation lead Coun. Debbie Hanlon has opted to defer a decision until the Feb. 28 committee of the whole meeting.
Hanlon says she received 22 emails about the pilot project since it was first discussed, the most she’s heard about a single project since taking the portfolio.
The plan is to remove traffic lights from the area while changing some traffic flow to the area, effectively turning Rawlins Cross into a large roundabout.
Concerns from residents in the area mainly deal with pedestrian traffic. The removal of traffic lights would also mean removing pedestrian signals, which some people are worried would make the area more dangerous for pedestrians.
The next committee of the whole meeting will include an information session for council and the public about exactly what is planned for the area.
Hanlon says residents she’s heard from are divided on the issue, so she’s hopeful an information session will help alleviate concerns.
“I think there’s misinformation. I think if they actually looked at what we’re doing and were informed fully … sometimes people just look at one piece of it. This is a comprehensive plan for that area,” said Hanlon.
“I think if they actually look at it, they’ll be pleased with it.”
Mayor Danny Breen, who has opposed the pilot project along with councillors Jamie Korab and Wally Collins, says he still has concerns about the idea.
Breen says Rawlins Cross is just a difficult area of the city. He says he’s not sure if there’s any way to fix the traffic concerns in the area.
“I think the concerns being raised are quite valid. I don’t think there’s anything you can do to alleviate them. It’s going to be a significant issue for pedestrians,” said Breen.
“Overall, I don’t think you’re going to fix the situation. I just don’t see a big benefit coming from any changes there.”
Even though the idea has already been approved in principle by council, there will be an opportunity for councillors to bring forth amendments to the project.
Hanlon declined to get into details on Monday evening, but says some amendments to the idea will be introduced at the next meeting of the committee of the whole.
“It’s not like a roundabout, you can’t make it into a roundabout. It’s a collection of streets. The top of Prescott Street is a challenge. I don’t have any suggestion on how you can improve it. I think you’ll end up in a situation where if you solve one problem, you’ll create two more,” Breen said.
Breen has requested traffic data for the area to contextualize the traffic troubles at Rawlins Cross. He expects a report from staff this week.
Twitter: DavidMaherNL
