City streets are microcosms of the neighbourhoods they serve. Their function and configuration must adapt to evolving built form and circulation patterns. With new developments and businesses cropping up along Jasper Avenue, the nature of the way people use the street is changing. It's historically been positioned as a high-volume arterial road, with little regard to the priorities of pedestrians and cyclists. But with the population of Oliver expected to increase by 10,000 in the next two to three decades, that's about to change.

Jasper Avenue from above, image retrieved from Google Maps

Edmonton's 'Imagine Jasper' drives the busy avenue towards a new destination, one that aims to greatly enhance the pedestrian experience. The project began in November 2015, and since then, a number of open houses have gauged public opinion regarding the future vision of this key corridor. The target area of redevelopment stretches from 109 Street to 124 Street, with reconstruction of Jasper Avenue expected to begin in 2019. With that timeline in mind, the City of Edmonton has developed draft design options for public view and comment.

The City thinks Jasper Avenue is due for change, image retrieved from Google Street View

The proposed redesign would rid the image of Jasper Avenue as a drab arterial road with narrow sidewalks and little landscaping, replacing it with a main street that expands pedestrian space and increases the safety of every road user. The scheme incorporates more trees, pedestrian lighting, and street furniture, with wider sidewalks making it all possible. The plan would maintain four travel lanes and left turn lanes from 118 to 109 Street. The enhanced pedestrian amenities — including "flex spaces" that accommodate season-specific programming like sidewalk cafes and food trucks — would require the removal of an existing parking and bus lane.

Existing street conditions, image via City of Edmonton

The draft plan also calls for full traffic lights at every intersection. Probably the most fascinating part of this system is the pedestrian prioritization of the signals. The lights will be coordinated at rush hour according to the average walking speed of a pedestrian — ensuring that someone travelling between 109 Street to 124 Street would be greeted by green lights the whole way. The timing also corresponds to the average travelling distance of a vehicle, which if maintaining a speed of approximately 38 kilometres per hour, would not approach any red lights. The speed limit will remain at 50 kilometres an hour, but the new infrastructure will be designed to encourage slower travel.

Proposed changes for Jasper include flex spaces, image via City of Edmonton

The proposed elimination of the parking lane will likely draw the ire of motorists and some businesses, while the lack of a bike lane won't win any favours with the frequently disenfranchised cycling community. The plan does however implement improved cycle connections across Jasper at 110 and 121 Streets. The discourse around the proposals will elicit a range of responses until next spring, when City Council will consider the final plan and budget. In the meantime, the City is inviting you to have your say in an online survey that will remain open until December 14.

Proposed features emphasize the pedestrian experience, image via City of Edmonton

To learn more about Imagine Jasper, visit our Forum thread or the official project webpage.