TMP Recommends Upgrades For 4th Avenue NW Pedestrian Crossing

Getting across Thatcher Drive West as a pedestrian at the intersection of 4th Avenue NW may become a whole lot safer if the recommendation from a consulting firm is adopted.

As part of the recently completed Transportation Master Plan (TMP) consulting firm KGS Group recommended changes to make crossing Thatcher Drive safer for pedestrians as well as vehicles.

The recommendations call for converting what is a four lane portion of Thatcher Drive West from four to two lanes.

The present pedestrian crossing at Thatcher Drive West and 4th Avenue NW - MJ Independent photo

The section to reduce from four to two lanes would be from just west of 4th Avenue NW to east of Blue Sage Drive.

The reason for the changes are rooted in the consultants witnessing cars jumping back and forth between lanes to navigate these two intersections of Thatcher Drive West which can be a dangerous situation.

The proposed changes on Thatcher Drive West from just west of 4th Avenue NW to just east of Blue Sage Drive - Transportation Master Plan

The TMP recognizes the location “is also an important pedestrian crossing location.”

The TMP proposal calls for changing the lane configuration between Blue Sage Drive and Fourth Avenue Northwest from four lanes to two lanes.

The change was said to make it clearer directions to drivers as well as making it safer for pedestrians.

Changes would also include the installation of medians as well as proper signage to make the area safe for vehicles and pedestrians.

The proposal does not call for a pedestrian activated crossing as already in place at two Thatcher Drive West intersections.

The Transportation Master Plan is a $250,000 extensive study of transportation in the city it gives recommendations or proposals on how to improve traffic and other transportation related matters now into the near future and the distant future.

It is a guidebook for the City to prioritize expenditures and transportation. The City does not have to adopt any or all of its recommendations.