The solution to traffic problems plaguing drivers and residents alike in the Cimarron area can be found along Okotoks’ south border – Highway 7.
The Town of Okotoks began work on a traffic calming study for the Cimarron area to come up with possible changes to roads in the area to address traffic problems with a meeting on Feb. 25. An advisory group will be formed and an online survey launched later this month to hear from residents.
Cimarron Boulevard is a well-travelled thoroughfare between the Cornerstone and Southbank commercial centres. It seems drivers are also using other roads in the Cimarron area, including some in the new Cimarron Estates subdivision, to travel from Southridge Drive to 32 Street.
It’s not surprising Cimarron residents have a long list of concerns, including speeds, heavy traffic, short cuts, road rage and poor access in and out of neighbourhoods.
At the same time, drivers are understandably trying to find a quick and easy path between point A and point B. That path is too often going through residential roads that aren’t designed to handle this level of traffic.
One of the easiest fixes is to put up more stop signs along Cimarron Boulevard. This would have two positive results. It would bring relief for residents on the south side of the road who often face long waits to turn. Adding a few three or four-way stops will make it easier for them to turn and could reduce the number of people who end up making U-turns along the road just to get home. Putting up a few stop signs could also encourage more drivers to use Highway 7 instead.
With traffic lights controlling access and an 80 km per hour speed limit, the highway is much better suited to handle higher traffic levels than Cimarron’s residential roads. Several at last week’s meeting said it takes less time to use the highway anyway.
Yes, pushing traffic onto Highway 7 could put more pressure on the two-lane road. The Province may have something to say about it if it gets bad enough, but the ultimate solution is to twin Highway 7. The Province should set a timeline to eventually twin the road. The Town does need to take some steps on its own to address traffic concerns in Cimarron, but the real solution is to work with the Province to make Highway 7 the final solution.
