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The first traffic tests on a Jasper Avenue pilot project between 109 Street and 121 Street have found motorists experience an average one-minute longer delay than before changes were made to the corners of intersections.

But a city councillor says that likely feels like 20 minutes for waiting drivers and the city has failed to clearly communicate why it is making changes in the first place.

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“It has been a perilous crossing,” said Ward 6 Coun. Scott McKeen, who said he has watched seniors struggle to get across intersections with their walkers before the traffic light changes. Yellow “bump-outs” or extended curbs at each intersection are one of the main elements of the changes.

The yellow bending pillars now keep vehicles away from each curb, tighten the turning radius to slow them down and shorten the crossing distance. A permanent design calls for concrete curbs to be installed.

Many of the complaints on social media, in letters to the editor and emails to councillors have been about what’s seen as a beautification project, called Experience Jasper Avenue, that’s causing delays for motorists even as the potted trees die.