Memorial Drive lane reversal goes automated September 10

A permanent, automated lane reversal system will go into effect on Memorial Drive between 4 Street and Edmonton Trail N.E. Tuesday evening.

On Sept. 10, 2019 at 6 p.m., the new automated lane reversal system will become operational. It will provide dual westbound left-turns into the downtown core all times of day, except for Monday to Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., when dual eastbound left-turns will be provided to Edmonton Trail.

“It’s a big change that drivers need to be aware of,” says Pat Grisak, Senior Leader of Operational Improvements at The City.

“We are asking motorists to exercise caution while driving through the area, obey all traffic control devices, and watch for gates that will open and close the dual turn lanes by time of day.”

A temporary lane reversal on Memorial Drive was first introduced in 2016. However, it had not been in operation for over a year while maintenance crews worked on the Reconciliation Bridge.

Prior to that, The City’s field crews physically moved temporary traffic control devices around to open/close the dual turns by time of day.

“To make the transition easier and safer for drivers, we will continue to place traffic cones to augment the lane controls and signals until the end of this month,” said Grisak. “But starting October 1, the system will be fully automated with no temporary traffic control.”

Motorists are advised to use caution in the area and pay close attention to all traffic control devices. To learn more, visit the Memorial Drive at Edmonton Trail Improvements webpage.

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