Write a few critical things about the Ladner Trunk Road-Arthur Drive intersection and suddenly you become the sounding board for Ladner drivers and their pet peeves. I've heard from a number of irritated motorists over the last few weeks so I thought I'd share some of those complaints in case others are feeling the same way.
Although most of the concerns surrounded the recently reconfigured intersection, the spot that drew the strongest reaction was the entrance to Trenant Park, where an advanced green for those turning left off Trunk activates even when there aren't any vehicles.
One particularly steamed driver, who has been stuck at the light many times, said he detours through the mall parking lot, if possible, to avoid it.
As for the reconstructed intersection, I heard some of the same complaints I voiced a few weeks back, including the absence of an advanced green for those turning right off Arthur Drive and the left turn signal activating without vehicles in the lane.
There are other situations, however, I hadn't encountered that are apparently bugging some of you enough you got in touch to vocalize your frustrations.
I heard from one driver who said because only one lane westbound on Trunk goes through intersection, there are more vehicles in it, which often results in a wait to turn right onto Elliott Street, a delay that didn't exist as often previously. There's a right turn lane in the reconfigured intersection, but it's so short it only takes two or three cars waiting to go straight to cut off access.
Several who make the left turn off Elliott complained they can only go on an advanced green, so while there are now two lanes to turn, the time permitted to do so has been reduced. Miss the advanced green and it means waiting an entire cycle to get going again.
I heard from one driver upset they even created a left turn lane from 47A Avenue onto Elliott Street. He said it's completely useless and is never used because anyone coming from that direction who wants to access Ladner Village has already made the turn before getting to the light.
Another told me because the left turn lane on westbound Trunk Road is offset with the right lane, a driver that pulls up beyond the line doesn't trigger the advanced green, delaying those behind.
I'm sure once the decorative streetlights and landscaping are complete the intersection will look the part, but it's clear from the feedback I'm getting it still needs some work when it comes to function.
