A busy Ladner intersection won't be transformed to include a roundabout.

Delta council this week approved a preliminary design for improvements to the intersection of Ladner Trunk Road and Arthur Drive, a plan that does not have a roundabout as originally considered by Delta's engineering department.

A staff report notes the design was not pursued due to traffic delays that would exceed acceptable levels in the next 20 years.

There was also concern about pedestrian safety and additional property acquisition requirements for a roundabout.

Instead, something resembling a more conventional intersection is proposed. It will also include stamped and coloured crosswalks, a decorative sidewalk, landscaping with rain gardens, decorative street lights with banners and hanging baskets, as well as a concrete (wooden in appearance) boardwalk across the Chillukthan Slough.

To promote pedestrian safety, and traffic calming in the village core, there is also a proposal to reduce the speed limit on several streets around the intersection, from 50 km/h to 30 km/h.

The report notes traffic data shows the average vehicle speed in the Ladner Village area is around 39 km/h, which is well below the current speed limit. Reducing the speed limit in the village core would create an improved pedestrian environment, the report adds.

Plans were drawn to revamp the intersection earlier this year when the KFC building at the southeast corner was demolished. The property was purchased by Delta and its building was torn down to make room for a new right-turn lane for Arthur Drive.

There were also plans to expand the adjacent Magee Park and improve the pedestrian walkway.

The proposed intersection design will go out for public consultation.

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com