Edmonton Scramble Crosswalks on Whyte Avenue Face Removal Over Traffic Delays
City administration in Edmonton is moving forward with plans to eliminate the diagonal "scramble" crosswalks along Whyte Avenue, despite reservations from some council members and the mayor. The decision stems not from safety concerns but from the significant delays these intersections are causing for both drivers and pedestrians.
Why the Scramble Crosswalks Are Being Removed
According to city officials, the three scramble crosswalks implemented in 2021 at Whyte Avenue intersections with Gateway Boulevard, 104 Street/Calgary Trail, and 105 Street are consuming too much time. A technical analysis revealed that the longer traffic signal cycles required for these crossings are creating bottlenecks.
Natalie Lazurko, Director of Transportation Planning and Design, emphasized that the crosswalks are not unsafe. "Scramble crossings are one of many tools the City has to achieve Vision Zero, and continue to be in place at strategic locations throughout the network," she stated. "Along Whyte Avenue, the existing configuration — including the scramble intersections — causes longer pedestrian crossing wait times and delays for buses."
Council Pushback and Ongoing Debate
The removal plan has sparked debate within city council. Ward Papastew Councillor Michael Janz has requested more data from administration regarding the impact of these crosswalks on proposed dedicated bus lanes. Mayor Andrew Knack echoed these concerns, acknowledging the safety benefits of scramble crosswalks while highlighting the need for efficient transit.
"I'm definitely a fan of the scramble crosswalks — we know they're the best overall for safety," Knack said. "At the same time, we want to move buses more quickly in our city, too. We don't want buses to be stuck in traffic. So is this the right trade off? I think it's still to be determined."
What Changes Are Planned
The city plans to rebuild all three intersections with the following modifications:
- Removing the diagonal crosswalks and extending curbs at the four corners to shorten pedestrian crossing distances.
- Updating traffic light timing controls to improve flow.
- Prohibiting right turns on red lights to enhance safety.
- Adding dedicated green arrows for left turns to reduce congestion.
These changes aim to balance pedestrian safety with the need for smoother traffic flow, especially as the city prepares a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) proposal for the upcoming budget. Whyte Avenue serves as both Edmonton's busiest pedestrian main street and a critical transit corridor, moving tens of thousands daily, making this a complex balancing act for city planners.
