Traffic on major routes in Steinbach increased about 2.5 per cent last year. The information is contained in the city's annual Traffic Study and is consistent with increases in the past number of years. The study also found the intersection of Highway #12 at Penfeld and Acres Drives is in greatest need of redesign and signal lights. More than 3,200 vehicles per hour pass through that intersection during peak times. Mayor Chris Goertzen says that intersection will be rebuilt and traffic signals will be installed this summer.

"Last year we did see Park Road (intersection) improved greatly. It was somewhat painful during the process but we see the results: it's more safe, it's more efficient and it runs more smoothly for our citizens. We expect the same thing to be happening at Penfeld and #12. There will be some challenges when the construction is ongoing but it will make it a lot safer and the ability to get across and through that intersection will be much better once the work is done."

The traffic study shows the corner of Highway #12 and Loewen Boulevard is the most inefficient signalized intersection in the city. It can take two to three minutes to get through that intersection, especially when headed eastbound on Loewen. Councillor Michael Zwaagstra says it's time something was done. He notes there is no room to widen the roadway to add turning lanes so the city will ask Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation to consider other improvements.

"One of the options we'd like explored is the possibility of making some adjustments to the signal lights, perhaps to have some dedicated turning time as happens at other intersections. This is something that may help alleviate some of the problems, at least in the short term, to make it easier for people to make turns."

Meanwhile, Mayor Goertzen notes the traffic study also supports the need for traffic signals at the corner of Highway #52 and Industrial road.

"At Industrial and Highway #52, we have seen the trend over the last two years that signalization is warranted. We've asked the administration to begin the discussions about signalization at that intersection."