Stretch Of 1st Avenue NW Now Has A Centre Turning Lane
They were said by many set to cause confusion, panic and accidents but so far only the first two have become a reality as the City transitioned 1st Avenue NW from four lanes to three lanes - one thru lane in each direction and a shared left hand turning lane - from Manitoba Street to Caribou Street.
It is what is called a Centre Turning Lane.
Centre Turning Lanes are used in many communities, especially larger centres, to improve traffic flow and to allow for easier access to properties in mid-block.
This is not the first use of a Centre Turning Lane in Moose Jaw one already exists on Thatcher Drive East at the entrance to the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company (The Fair)
The new shared left turn only lane on 1st Avenue NW - MJ Independent Photo
The three lanes are part of a traffic safety initiative which is suppose to increase traffic flow while allowing the City to increase the number of parking spots complying with the Traffic Bylaw.
Free Advertisement For A Locally Produced Event
According to the SGI's Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook:
https://www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook/-/knowledge_base/drivers/centre-turning-lanes
The diagram indicates the correct turning procedure. Here are some other points to keep in mind when using centre turning lanes:
Enter the two-way left turning lane only at the point adjacent to the property you want to access (see arrow for car A).
Left turns from either direction may be made from the two-way left turning lane.
When leaving a driveway or parking lot, pick a gap in traffic, complete the turn by driving through the centre turning lane and into the first available driving lane as quickly as possible (see arrow for car B).
The centre turning lanes may not be used as a passing lane or as a driving lane.
Where a centre turning lane is provided, you may not make a left turn from any other lane.
How to use a center turning lane - courtesy SGI
If you are still uncertain here is a video which may be helpful: