Four-way stop at Baker Street and Highway 3A to be replaced with traffic lights
By Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Let there be light.
Traffic lights — the red, yellow and green variety — are set to be installed at the Highway 3A and Baker Street intersection at the west entrance to the city’s downtown, “improving safety and mobility for people travelling into and around Nelson’s city centre,” noted a press release from the Province.
“Upgrading the current four-way stop to a traffic signal will help traffic flow, improve safety for pedestrians and provide capacity for future growth in the Railtown area of the city of Nelson,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, in a press release.
“The addition of traffic lights and active transportation improvements at this key intersection will benefit Nelson residents and the many visitors to our beautiful city.”
The traffic lights will replace a four-way stop in order to improve vehicle flow and make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the intersection, with lighting and signage at the intersection also being improved.
In addition — along with the City of Nelson — some landscaping and esthetic elements will be included to help create a more appealing gateway into the city.
“With the upcoming intersection improvements at Baker Street and Highway 3A, we are working toward safer streets and harmonizing all modes of transportation,” said Mayor Janice Morrison. “This project is not only a much-needed upgrade but a further step towards realizing our Railtown Neighbourhood Plan.”
A $3.1-million contract has been awarded to Marwest Industries Ltd. of Castlegar for the work. The project will begin in summer and be completed in fall 2023.
