The traffic lights that were used to control drivers cutting through Annacis Island are still the same

A new lane on the Alex Fraser Bridge means drivers are no longer cutting through Annacis Island

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Thanks to the new lane on the Alex Fraser, drivers are no longer cutting through Annacis Island to get around the back up. But locals say there are still problems with traffic during the afternoon rush.

It’s no longer the U-turns or heavy congestion on Annacis Island. It’s the traffic lights, which haven’t been adjusted.

Drivers used to use Annacis Island as a shortcut to get around the long queues on the bridge.

Moneca Kolvyn, who owns Original Print Bind, a business on the island, says a particular light at Cliveden Avenue was installed to deter queue-jumpers, but the island is no longer a short cut.

“So now that it’s moving, people don’t necessarily have to come into Annacis, because they don’t have to bypass the traffic jam,” she says. “That lineup still goes all the way onto the Richmond connector.”

The Delta Police Department confirms queue-jumping is no longer a concern.

“Formerly DPD did receive regular complaints from residents and businesses on Annacis of this driving behaviour, but we haven’t received any complaints since the 4th lane opened up,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “Enforcement in the area has continued, but is now just the typical speed and safety enforcement, as there is no requirement to do enforcement on drivers trying to cut through the area.”

The B.C. government acknowledges the light may no longer be necessary. Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon says since the seventh lane was added, congestion has improved.

“Because of reduced congestion, the no-right-turn-on-red traffic light at Cliveden Avenue may no longer be necessary. I have spoken to the ministry about this issue and they have informed me they are monitoring traffic patterns in the area for improvements. I’ve also been told the fourth lane is being maintained southbound until the counterflow, with zipper truck, is operational,” he says.

Kolvyn doesn’t see why the changes haven’t been made.

“[I don’t know] why that light hasn’t eased up and timed according to traffic,” she says. “What they have forgot to remember to deal with is those lights coming into Annacis.”

For now, she says courier drivers are continuing to avoid Annacis during the afternoon rush because of the terrible traffic flow.