During a recent government meeting, officials discussed potential traffic modifications on First Avenue at Highway 20, focusing on improving safety and accessibility for residents. Three options were presented for consideration.

The first option involves a partial restriction of southbound access on First Avenue, utilizing a concrete barrier to prevent eastbound traffic from turning south. This would allow right-hand turns only, maintaining access for residents while limiting overall traffic flow. However, staff expressed reservations about this option, noting that residents prefer a more comprehensive solution.

The second option, favored by staff, proposes a six-month trial period to completely block off First Avenue just south of Clover Park. This would restrict access from Highway 20 while allowing for potential future development of the park and additional parking spaces. Staff emphasized that this option would not significantly increase travel time, estimating an additional 45 seconds for drivers rerouting through Highway 228.

To assess the impact of the proposed changes, traffic counters would be installed on alternative routes to gather data on traffic patterns and behaviors. This data collection aims to provide concrete evidence of how the modifications affect local traffic dynamics.

The council is expected to deliberate on these options further, weighing the benefits of enhanced safety against the potential inconvenience for drivers.