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Big changes are coming to Memorial Drive, near the Edmonton Trail and 4th Street N.E. intersections, including a lowered speed limit and a new reversible left turn lane.

“We believe this is an enhancement for all users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists,” said Pat Grisak, a leader with the city’s traffic division.

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The busy road, which often backs up with people driving into downtown during the morning rush hour, will soon have a new reversible left turn lane that will allow for dual left turns from Memorial Drive N.E. onto Edmonton Trail N.E.

The city expects the new lane will result in a 70 per cent reduction to delays for motorists driving into the downtown core.

The changes also include a reduction in the speed limit on Memorial Drive from east of Edmonton Trail to the Centre Street Bridge from 70 km/h to 50 km/h, a move Coun. Sean Chu, who is serving as deputy mayor, questioned.

“There’s no point of dropping to 50. That’s irritating to commuters,” he said.