Highway 20 and Memorial Trail Roundabout
This project upgrades the intersection at Highway 20 and Memorial Trail. As our population grows, the intersection will get busier. The goal is to improve traffic safety and turning movements. Alberta’s government is funding the project and the Town of Sylvan Lake will build it.
Why a roundabout
- A cost-benefit analysis in 2019 recommended a roundabout over traffic signals
- The Town and Alberta Transportation agree that a roundabout is the safest solution.
Who created the preliminary design?
- The Town worked with Red Deer County, Alberta Transportation, Fortis Alberta, and other utility stakeholders
- We created a transportation model before completing the preliminary design&
- The preliminary design is complete
- The preferred upgrade is a dual-lane roundabout customized for this site
- The design of the intersection is about 60% complete as of May 31, 2022. Once the design is finalized, we’ll let you know on the project page news
Safety and industrial traffic
Their design meets safety standards and considers our important farming and oilfield vehicles.
We can’t leave the intersection as it is anymore. Growth means that the intersection can no longer remain the way it is due to safety concerns. A cost-benefit analysis in 2019 recommended a roundabout over traffic signals because it is the safest and saves tax dollars
Industrial traffic is considered. The new design meets standards for large vehicles and will be double lane. All new intersections must meet the Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors requirements. Those rules make sure large vehicles can safely use an intersection, and specifically include:
Heavy Hauler Low Boy Platform Trailer and
WB23 Semi Truck with Double Trailer
Designing for the hill. The new design also takes into account the steepness of the hill. The roundabout will have a grade adjustment to improve safety and sightlines. Speed limits will be reduced entering the roundabout to improve traffic flow and safety
Winter safety and maintenance: Some roads that run through Sylvan Lake are not maintained by the Town. Highway 20 is maintained by Alberta Transportation. If you need to report road conditions at any time of year, please call 1 877 875 3263
Roundabout safety research
Roundabouts slow traffic down and reduce the possibility of high-speed t-bone accidents. Slower speed accidents cause less death and harm than highway speed accidents. Here’s just some of the research:
“A four-leg single-lane roundabout has 75% fewer vehicle conflict points—compared to a conventional intersection.” (Exhibit 5-2., United States Department of Transportation)
Roundabouts have 75% fewer crashes than traditional intersections with lights, “International studies of intersections converted to roundabouts indicate a strong reduction in injury crashes, particularly for crashes with fatal or serious injuries.” (Evelien Polders)
"Roundabouts use curved approaches that reduce vehicle speed and oblige drivers entering it to yield right-of-way to vehicles already in the roundabout. The counter-clockwise flow of traffic around a central island also minimizes conflict points (i.e., opportunities for collisions). Lower speeds make it easier for drivers to yield to oncoming vehicle and pedestrian traffic because less stopping distance is needed. In addition, the circular shape greatly reduces the likelihood of angle or T-bone collisions which are common at intersections and which increase injury severity.” (Traffic Injury Research Foundation)
There’s another advantage to roundabouts, “They require less idling waiting for the green light which reduces vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.” (Traffic Injury Research Foundation)
Learn about the project
Ask questions about the roundabout project
Questions about the Highway 20 and Memorial Trail Roundabout project?
We are listening
If you have questions about Highway 20 and Memorial Trail Roundabout project , ask them here
We are doing our best to answer as quickly as we can
Have a question about something else?
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Share Will they be opening up a second entrance or exit from Victor Close as currently there is only one way in and one way out since they put up the concrete barricades. What happened to these residents when they’re is an emergency or fire? on Facebook Share Will they be opening up a second entrance or exit from Victor Close as currently there is only one way in and one way out since they put up the concrete barricades. What happened to these residents when they’re is an emergency or fire? on Twitter Share Will they be opening up a second entrance or exit from Victor Close as currently there is only one way in and one way out since they put up the concrete barricades. What happened to these residents when they’re is an emergency or fire? on Linkedin Email Will they be opening up a second entrance or exit from Victor Close as currently there is only one way in and one way out since they put up the concrete barricades. What happened to these residents when they’re is an emergency or fire? link
Will they be opening up a second entrance or exit from Victor Close as currently there is only one way in and one way out since they put up the concrete barricades. What happened to these residents when they’re is an emergency or fire?
Hello Jm,
Thanks for reaching out! We are grateful for Lakers who are concerned about the safety of their community.
There are currently several public roadways for vehicles to enter and exit the Victor Close area:
South through Vandurme Link, then Vincent Gate onto Ryder Ridge Boulevard
Through the laneway at the northwest corner of Victor Close. This lets vehicles enter or exit Victor Close through Valli Close and Ryders Ridge Boulevard
Through the laneway at the southwest end of Victor Close heading west that would take you to either Vincent Gate or Vali Close and onto Ryder Ridge Boulevard
These access points let residential and emergency vehicles enter and exit the area in an emergency. See the below image for the routes:
Let us know if you have any other questions,
Sincerely,
Eric Boudreau, Project Manager
Engineering Services Manager, Public Works Engineering Department -
Share "Growth means that the intersection can no longer remain the way it is due to safety concerns." This seems like an empty, vague claim meant to justify the roundabout construction. What are the safety concerns? Have there been any accidents in this intersection? Personally, I think this is a bad idea and it won't work well. Despite the copy&pasted answers given, the roundabout will be on a hill and heavy trucks will cause a lot of backup congestion on both north and south sides. Even with two lanes. Think about it. Roundabouts usually have signs that warn people not to even enter the roundabout when a semi is going through because of their turn radius. And have you seen how people use roundabouts here in the first place? Drivers treat yield signs like stop signs and are too scared to enter the round about with oncoming traffic - even when the traffic is far enough away that they could safely enter and keep the flow of traffic moving smoothly. I witness this several times a week on the two roundabouts north of the Shell down the road. They also don't know how to signal lol. I know this is only a question section but I wanted to give my 2 cents as well. I realize the project won't stop because I offer my skepticism. But let it be known I predict this will not benefit the flow of traffic nor will it increase safety. In fact I bet it will cause accidents as people coming down the hill won't slow down (despite a reduced speed limit) for the person in front of them who treats the yield sign like a stop sign. on Facebook Share "Growth means that the intersection can no longer remain the way it is due to safety concerns." This seems like an empty, vague claim meant to justify the roundabout construction. What are the safety concerns? Have there been any accidents in this intersection? Personally, I think this is a bad idea and it won't work well. Despite the copy&pasted answers given, the roundabout will be on a hill and heavy trucks will cause a lot of backup congestion on both north and south sides. Even with two lanes. Think about it. Roundabouts usually have signs that warn people not to even enter the roundabout when a semi is going through because of their turn radius. And have you seen how people use roundabouts here in the first place? Drivers treat yield signs like stop signs and are too scared to enter the round about with oncoming traffic - even when the traffic is far enough away that they could safely enter and keep the flow of traffic moving smoothly. I witness this several times a week on the two roundabouts north of the Shell down the road. They also don't know how to signal lol. I know this is only a question section but I wanted to give my 2 cents as well. I realize the project won't stop because I offer my skepticism. But let it be known I predict this will not benefit the flow of traffic nor will it increase safety. In fact I bet it will cause accidents as people coming down the hill won't slow down (despite a reduced speed limit) for the person in front of them who treats the yield sign like a stop sign. on Twitter Share "Growth means that the intersection can no longer remain the way it is due to safety concerns." This seems like an empty, vague claim meant to justify the roundabout construction. What are the safety concerns? Have there been any accidents in this intersection? Personally, I think this is a bad idea and it won't work well. Despite the copy&pasted answers given, the roundabout will be on a hill and heavy trucks will cause a lot of backup congestion on both north and south sides. Even with two lanes. Think about it. Roundabouts usually have signs that warn people not to even enter the roundabout when a semi is going through because of their turn radius. And have you seen how people use roundabouts here in the first place? Drivers treat yield signs like stop signs and are too scared to enter the round about with oncoming traffic - even when the traffic is far enough away that they could safely enter and keep the flow of traffic moving smoothly. I witness this several times a week on the two roundabouts north of the Shell down the road. They also don't know how to signal lol. I know this is only a question section but I wanted to give my 2 cents as well. I realize the project won't stop because I offer my skepticism. But let it be known I predict this will not benefit the flow of traffic nor will it increase safety. In fact I bet it will cause accidents as people coming down the hill won't slow down (despite a reduced speed limit) for the person in front of them who treats the yield sign like a stop sign. on Linkedin Email "Growth means that the intersection can no longer remain the way it is due to safety concerns." This seems like an empty, vague claim meant to justify the roundabout construction. What are the safety concerns? Have there been any accidents in this intersection? Personally, I think this is a bad idea and it won't work well. Despite the copy&pasted answers given, the roundabout will be on a hill and heavy trucks will cause a lot of backup congestion on both north and south sides. Even with two lanes. Think about it. Roundabouts usually have signs that warn people not to even enter the roundabout when a semi is going through because of their turn radius. And have you seen how people use roundabouts here in the first place? Drivers treat yield signs like stop signs and are too scared to enter the round about with oncoming traffic - even when the traffic is far enough away that they could safely enter and keep the flow of traffic moving smoothly. I witness this several times a week on the two roundabouts north of the Shell down the road. They also don't know how to signal lol. I know this is only a question section but I wanted to give my 2 cents as well. I realize the project won't stop because I offer my skepticism. But let it be known I predict this will not benefit the flow of traffic nor will it increase safety. In fact I bet it will cause accidents as people coming down the hill won't slow down (despite a reduced speed limit) for the person in front of them who treats the yield sign like a stop sign. link
"Growth means that the intersection can no longer remain the way it is due to safety concerns." This seems like an empty, vague claim meant to justify the roundabout construction. What are the safety concerns? Have there been any accidents in this intersection? Personally, I think this is a bad idea and it won't work well. Despite the copy&pasted answers given, the roundabout will be on a hill and heavy trucks will cause a lot of backup congestion on both north and south sides. Even with two lanes. Think about it. Roundabouts usually have signs that warn people not to even enter the roundabout when a semi is going through because of their turn radius. And have you seen how people use roundabouts here in the first place? Drivers treat yield signs like stop signs and are too scared to enter the round about with oncoming traffic - even when the traffic is far enough away that they could safely enter and keep the flow of traffic moving smoothly. I witness this several times a week on the two roundabouts north of the Shell down the road. They also don't know how to signal lol. I know this is only a question section but I wanted to give my 2 cents as well. I realize the project won't stop because I offer my skepticism. But let it be known I predict this will not benefit the flow of traffic nor will it increase safety. In fact I bet it will cause accidents as people coming down the hill won't slow down (despite a reduced speed limit) for the person in front of them who treats the yield sign like a stop sign.
Hi Sylvanian,
Thank you for your concern about the safety of roundabouts! Let’s work through all your concerns one at a time.
You asked, “Is the roundabout construction to improve safety an empty, vague claim?”
It is well known to locals that this intersection is congested and dangerous in rush hour
The Province of Alberta is acting before another tragedy happens
Uncontrolled highway intersections are known to be dangerous, such as the sites of the 2023 southwestern Manitoba bus crash or the 2018 Broncos bus crash
In 2022, engineering consultants analyzed the intersection and found the intersection got a failing grade for safe traffic movements, especially in rush hour. Traffic volumes are not decreasing
We know roundabouts slow traffic down and reduce the possibility of high-speed t-bone accidents. Slower speed accidents cause less death and harm than highway speed accidents. Here’s just some of the research:
“A four-leg single-lane roundabout has 75% fewer vehicle conflict points—compared to a conventional intersection.” (Exhibit 5-2., United States Department of Transportation)
Roundabouts have 75% fewer crashes than traditional intersections with lights, “International studies of intersections converted to roundabouts indicate a strong reduction in injury crashes, particularly for crashes with fatal or serious injuries.” (Evelien Polders)
"Roundabouts use curved approaches that reduce vehicle speed and oblige drivers entering it to yield right-of-way to vehicles already in the roundabout. The counter-clockwise flow of traffic around a central island also minimizes conflict points (i.e., opportunities for collisions). Lower speeds make it easier for drivers to yield to oncoming vehicle and pedestrian traffic because less stopping distance is needed. In addition, the circular shape greatly reduces the likelihood of angle or T-bone collisions which are common at intersections and which increase injury severity.” (Traffic Injury Research Foundation)
There’s another advantage to roundabouts, “They require less idling waiting for the green light which reduces vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.” (Traffic Injury Research Foundation)
Sometimes it all gets a bit wordy, so this illustration shows how roundabouts have less points of conflict. Points of conflict are where crashes usually happen:
You asked, “And have you seen how people use roundabouts here in the first place?”
Governments and businesses don’t stop making improvements just because it takes time for people to learn something new. As a community we manage the learning process by being kind to each other as we learn. If we come together as a community, we can help each other learn, improve safety in the intersection, and give respect to large vehicles. It’s a win-win situation.
We all know that:
People aren’t perfect, they make mistakes, and they need time to learn new things
It’s no secret that people need time to get used to roundabouts
So, it takes time to learn. When using the new roundabout, we ask drivers to:
Drive more carefully in the new roundabout
Have patience and show kindness to other drivers, especially if they are struggling with the roundabout
Give our large industrial and farming vehicles a little more room and time
Review traffic circle rules in the Alberta Driver’s Guide
Remember that “A roundabout is based on the same premise as making a right turn from a stop sign which we’ve all done countless times.” (Traffic Injury Research Foundation)
Remember that no amount of safety studies and road improvements can replace safe driving. All Albertans play a major role in keeping each other safe
Report safety concerns about any section of provincially maintained highway to highway maintenance, the RCMP, or the Province of Alberta
You said, “I realize the project won't stop because I offer my skepticism.”
The Government of Alberta held an open house for this project on April 5. Projects follow a lifecycle and late feedback can’t be used.
We know how busy everyone is! It’s easy to miss the chance to provide feedback at the right time. That's why the Town is investing in improving public engagement, including this web site. Here’s how to have your say on future Town of Sylvan Lake projects:
Get notices of engagement opportunities by subscribing at sylvanlake.ca/subscribe and clicking Municipal News
Visit engage.sylvanlake.ca, subscribe to project newsletters, and engage on the site
Pop into one of the monthly Chatting with Council events: calendar.sylvanlake.ca/council
Just as governments have a responsibility to communicate and involve Albertans, Albertans have a responsibility to watch for and speak up on projects that are important to them. So, Sylvanian, thank you for taking time out of your day to talk with us! Your feedback helped us make this project page better.
Thank you for your contribution!
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