FAQs
Safety
- The Province of Alberta’s Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC) prefers modern roundabouts
- They are generally safer, help traffic flow better, and cost less to maintain than traffic signals
- A roundabout reduces the stop-and-go traffic that traffic signals would cause on the intersection’s steep roads. This helps in winter conditions when traffic is already difficult
- This helps in winter conditions when traffic is already difficult
- The modern roundabout was specifically designed for this site
- It meets Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC) design and construction standards. Much research goes into creating the standards
The intersection is just below the crest of the hill
The sightlines in the eastbound and westbound directions are not ideal
The Level of Service (LOS) grades traffic movement, from A (best) to F (fail)
LOS A means free flowing conditions
LOS F means a breakdown or gridlock in vehicle flow
LOS F: the intersection’s peak AM usage for the eastbound and westbound traffic left/through/right movements. A worst possible grade score
LOS E: the intersection’s peak PM usage in the eastbound left/through/right
LOS C: the intersection’s peak PM usage for westbound left/through/right movements
Why are roundabouts safer?
There are a few reasons why a modern roundabout is a better choice than traffic signals for upgrading.
Is a roundabout on a hill safe to use in winter?
Yes, a roundabout reduces the stop-and-go traffic that traffic signals would cause on the intersection’s steep roads:
Why did this intersection get a failing grade?
This intersection has had collisions and near misses over the years, including a serious accident where a STARS air ambulance was called. In 2022, engineering consultants analyzed the intersection and found the intersection got a failing grade for safe traffic movements.
Why is this intersection dangerous?
What is Level of Service Grade?
What were the intersection’s grades?
- It travels along the north side of Memorial Trail from Ryders Ridge Boulevard (Town of Sylvan Lake), across Highway 20 and then east onto Township Road 384 (Red Deer County)
- It is expected that future trail connections will lead north along the highway
- The trail plans are also future-ready, as we are proposing it is built to accommodate Highway 20 twinning
- Traffic will flow around construction using a bypass/detour road along the west side of Highway 20
- We are proposing that the bypass will work like the bypass on the roundabout at Highway 20 and Erickson Drive
- Access to Highway 20 from Memorial trail will be a right-in/right-out
- No left turns will be allowed from either direction of the detour road
- Township Road 384 will be closed near/at the highway junction
Who is managing the project?
The Town is managing the project on behalf of the Province of Alberta. The Province of Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC), the Town of Sylvan Lake, and Red Deer County are collaborating on the project.
Who is paying?
The Town developed and paid for the engineering work including the design. The Province is funding the construction. The Town and Red Deer County will likely share the cost of a possible multi-use trail.
Can farm vehicles use the roundabout?
Yes! Customized farm vehicles can drive over the inner truck apron and median splitter island. Upon consultation with Red Deer County, the design farm vehicle is an Air Seeder Unit Tractor with a 32 metre (105 feet) auger and tractor with tank and seeder.
Is the roundabout future ready?
Yes! The dual-lane roundabout design can be connected easily when Highway 20 and Memorial Trail are twinned. The twinning won’t happen for about 20 years, but we’ll be ready.
Are walking trails part of the project?
Yes! Trails are part of the project. We are proposing a 2.5 metre wide paved trail.
What about traffic during construction?
There is a plan in place to make sure traffic keeps flowing:
What are you putting in the middle of the roundabout?
The plan for the centre island feature is not finished, but the Town prefers a low-maintenance design that is not distracting.