The final segment of the West Shore Parkway opened earlier this week much to the excitement of local politicians and residents.
The final section crosses the railway tracks and offers a connection between Kettle Lake Drive south to Langford Parkway. The entire 3.5-kilometre roadway gives drivers the ability to travel from Trans-Canada Highway south to Sooke Road, providing a key north/south connection for residents in the region.
And thatB次元官网网址檚 not all thatB次元官网网址檚 new. The West Shore Parkway is entirely roundabout controlled B次元官网网址� including one two-lane roundabout B次元官网网址� for the smooth movement of traffic and involves less stopping, which reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted.
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It also includes landscaping, solar-powered pedestrian crossings and provides connectivity for cyclist and pedestrians to get to and from the YMCA-YWCA location in Westhills, Belmont Secondary and the City Centre ParkB次元官网网址檚 recreation facilities.
With many drivers itching to try out the new roadway, itB次元官网网址檚 a good time to brush up on proper roundabout etiquette to avoid crashes or close calls.
When approaching a roundabout, drivers must yield to both lanes of traffic that are already in the circle, as they have the right of way. Once a gap in traffic appears, merge into the roundabout and proceed to your exit.
Signalling can also help avoid confusion. The simple act of signalling left when going straight through a roundabout B次元官网网址� only signalling right when youB次元官网网址檙e about to exit B次元官网网址� will let drivers, cyclists and pedestrians know your intentions.
If an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, approaches donB次元官网网址檛 block its path, keep moving until youB次元官网网址檙e out of the roundabout. And donB次元官网网址檛 forget the basics. Continue to shoulder check and look in each direction.
City officials acknowledged it will take drivers a bit of time to get used to the new design B次元官网网址� especially the two-lane roundabout B次元官网网址� so being patient and not going too fast is key. It will make for a more enjoyable driving experience for all and help get drivers home safely.
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