A proposed 90-unit housing development in Kelowna's Landmark district will have an impact on traffic.

Photo: Contributed - City of Kelowna

Proposed traffic changes to Burtch/Dickson intersection

That's the conclusion reached by city staff after the developer conducted a traffic analysis.

A full traffic impact study was not required because the development did not meet the 100-unit threshold.

Earlier this month, city council gave first reading for the development at Dickson and Bedford avenues, but did not forward the application to public hearing, pending a traffic report.

The report, which council will review Monday, states lane capacity of roads in the immediate vicinity is satisfactory. However, the intersection at Burtch Road and Dickson Avenue is experiencing heavy traffic volumes during peak hours.

Two recommendations were made to improve traffic:

• A right-in/right-out/left-in channelization at the intersection of Dickson and Burtch to prevent westbound left turn exits onto Burtch Road. This will require a raised median on Burtch and a corner island on Dickson.
• Traffic affected by the left-turn restriction will result in additional travel southbound on Dayton Street and the use of Springfield Road to access Burtch. To accommodate this, a separate southbound right-turn lane is needed at the Springfield/Dayton intersection. Development fees from previous construction in the area will help pay for the work.

The staff report recommends the intersection improvements be required as a condition of rezoning and a full traffic impact study be delayed until the next significant rezoning comes forward in the area.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure also expressed concern with the intersection at Burtch and Sutherland. To improve efficiency of the intersection, staff will work with the ministry on signal timing.