Kensington Road traffic safety improvements to begin this August

This month, we'll be installing temporary traffic calming measures to improve safety along Kensington Road from 14 Street N.W. to Crowchild Trail. The changes are expected to reduce incidents and near misses involving people who walk, wheel, drive and take transit with negligible impact on traffic flow.  

These changes include:

·       Reducing Kensington Road to a single lane in each direction;

·       Extending curbs, using temporary traffic calming curbs, along the corridor and most crosswalks;

·       Adding some parking on Kensington Road between 18 Street N.W. and 19 Street N.W;

·       Extending the existing 40 km/h speed limit; and

·       Installing rapid flashing beacon lights at crosswalks: one permanently at 16 Street N.W., and one only during the construction at 18A Street N.W.

Mobility Safety Coordinator Tony Churchill says the changes are in response to findings from a recent collision review and traffic assessment of the Kensington area. "We actively worked with organizations like the West Hillhurst Community Association and others to identify what changes would help address safety concerns we heard from the public and the data we received. By implementing these short-term measures, we are prioritizing a safer environment for residents until a permanent solution is established.”

Reducing Kensington Road to one travel lane in each direction may result in a slight change in traffic patterns but we do not expect increased congestion along the corridor. Narrower roadways reduce travel speeds, making it safer for everyone, especially kids using the crosswalks along the corridor to access the multiple nearby schools and amenities.

"The West Hillhurst Community Association welcomes the safety improvements on Kensington Road, a key neighbourhood street that passes schools, parks and businesses,” said Janice Paskey, transportation and mobility chair, West Hillhurst Community Association. “These measures will make the street safer and more welcoming for all users and especially children, families and seniors. We thank Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong and The City of Calgary for working with our community on this project."

Throughout the fall, we will be evaluating the changes and encouraging residents and businesses to share their experiences and thoughts on the temporary changes. The data we receive as a result of the temporary changes and public input will help inform the final decision for permanent infrastructure.

For more information on this project, including how to provide input, visit our Kensington Road traffic safety improvements web page or contact 311.