On occasion, this intersection can seem a little annoying. But as the neighbourhoods like Kensington grow, the more traffic that can be expected.
There are a couple of things happening at this intersection. Vehicles travelling East to West and vice versa have a tendency of not following the posted speed limit of 60 kM/hr and instead travel anywhere from 70 kM/ hr to 80 kM/hr. The vehicular speed North to South and vice versa is 50 kM/hr and is generally adhered to. At this intersection there are a reasonable number of people who cross the street either by foot or bike as well.
Due to electrical failures and traffic light malfunctions, the light occasionally does not work or flashes red for extended periods of time.
For both of the types of reasons mentioned, it would make sense to have a safe traffic calming measure such as a roundabout. Assuming only motorised vehicular traffic was using the intersection, the unauthorised speeds on the East-West (22nd Street) would reduce making the intersection safer and faster for vehicles turning into 22nd Street from Betts Avenue and Kensington Blvd.
Adding in the infrastructure for people on bike and on foot would also increase the chances of reducing the speed on 22nd street if done correctly the first time. This would mean building raised crosswalks and bike tracks around the intersection. The roundabout should also be wide enough to accomodate a semi with upto 2 trailers.
Having the roundabout in this area would also make it easier for the future BRT to turn around at the terminal point.
Long term cost savings. A roundabout may cost around $500,000. The cost of a signalised intersection without the roadway may cost $200,000. The annual cost of running the lights assuming no damage to the infrastructure due to driver negligence or otherwise may be around $5,000 a year. An approximate reduction of 75% in the number of collisions Based upon the statistics compiled by SGI, there were around 20 accidents (none fatal, classified as property damage), in the near vicinity. Assuming each accident cost SGI about $5,000, the roundabout would have saved SGI around $25,000.
For a light hearted and informative take on roundabouts, I would suggest taking a look at the Youtube clip.