City automates Memorial Drive turn lane reversal at Edmonton Trail, 4 Street intersections

Memorial Drive turn lane reversal automated Mark Villani reports on the permanent installation along Memorial Drive that will alter the flow of traffic during the afternoon rush

Drivers are asked to pay additional care when driving along Memorial Drive beginning Tuesday evening as the temporary lane reversal program is set to become permanent with the installation of automated gates.

As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, the automated lane reversal system will become operational and provide:

Since the change was instituted in December of 2016, the reversal of the turn lane has been manually altered by city workers using traffic cones. The lane reversal was originally put in place to accommodate maintenance on the Reconciliation Bridge.

"It's a big change that drivers need to be aware of," said Pat Grisak, senior leader of operational improvements with the City of Calgary. "We are asking motorists to exercise caution while driving through the area, obey all traffic control devices and watch for gates that will open and close the dual turn lanes by time of day."

City crews will continue to physically move traffic cones during the lane reversals until October 1, 2019 as drivers adapt to the new gates.

For additional information on the lane reversal visit City of Calgary: Memorial Drive and Edmonton Trail improvements