u-turns – vivaNext

a new phase of rapidway construction means intersections are changing

As rapidway construction on Highway 7 West and Bathurst & Centre progresses, dedicated bus lanes and vivastations are being built in the centre lanes.

This means the way that signalized intersections work is changing – especially if you’re a pedestrian, or a driver turning left or wanting to make a U-turn.

Here’s what to watch for:

Dedicated lefts and U-turns now happen at intersections

Signalized intersections will now have a dedicated left-turn traffic signal. This means that drivers can make left turns or U-turns only when the left-turn signal is illuminated. The protected movement through the intersection makes it safe and efficient to get where you’re going quickly.

To reach driveways mid-block

To get to driveways located mid-block on the other side of the road, drivers will no longer be able to turn left between intersections; instead drivers should make a U-turn at the next signalized intersection.

Making a left at an intersection is safer than cutting across multiple lanes of traffic, and ensures that drivers trying to turn left get their turn, and don’t have to rush through a yellow.

Changes for pedestrians

The new intersections will be wider with more lanes and new traffic signals. At intersections that will have vivastations, pedestrians may cross the road in two stages if unable to get to the other side during the first signal. To assist with two-stage crossing, there will be a pedestrian waiting area in the middle of the crosswalk where pedestrians can stop, push the “walk” button, and wait for the next walk signal to safely cross the second half of the street.

Check out the video, “Rapidway intersections: safe journeys” for safe navigation of the new intersections for pedestrians, cyclists, driver and transit riders.

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how to pull a U-ee on Highway 7 West and Davis Drive

With rapidway construction progressing along Highway 7 West and on Davis Drive, the way the intersections work is changing – especially if you’re turning left or want to make a U-turn. Here’s a primer on how to use the intersections with the new configuration:

Dedicated lefts and U-turns: These intersections will now have a dedicated left-turn traffic signal. This means that drivers can make left turns or U-turns only during the left-turn signal.

To reach driveways mid-block: To get to entrances that are between intersections, on the opposite side of the road, drivers should make a U-turn at the next signalled intersection.

Why? Once the rapidway is in, drivers can’t cross it in the middle of a block. Making a left at an intersection is safer than cutting across multiple lanes of traffic, and ensures that drivers trying to turn left get their turn, and don’t have to rush through a yellow.

Right turns: Curb-side lanes will be shared by right-turning and straight-through traffic.

Pedestrians: Now that intersections are wider with new signals, pedestrians may need to cross Davis Drive or Highway 7 in two stages.

Be sure to press the “walk” button, or the signal will be timed for cars only.
Only cross while “walk” is displayed.
As you cross, a countdown signal will show how many seconds you have left to safely cross the street.

Watch the video, which shows how traffic works in the new configuration.

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