Mt Lehman Rd & Downes Rd Intersection Improvements

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We're making improvements at Mt Lehman Road & Downes Road.

Proposed Improvements

This project includes traffic operations and capacity improvements at the Mt Lehman Road & Downes Road intersection. The improvements seek to primarily address vehicular traffic operations at this intersection. Key improvements include the following (see conceptual design):

  • Proposed Northbound right turn lane (Mt Lehman Road Northbound to Downes Road Eastbound)
  • Proposed additional southbound lane on the south side of the intersection.

We're making improvements at Mt Lehman Road & Downes Road.

Proposed Improvements

This project includes traffic operations and capacity improvements at the Mt Lehman Road & Downes Road intersection. The improvements seek to primarily address vehicular traffic operations at this intersection. Key improvements include the following (see conceptual design):

  • Proposed Northbound right turn lane (Mt Lehman Road Northbound to Downes Road Eastbound)
  • Proposed additional southbound lane on the south side of the intersection.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Have a question about this project? Use the question box below and we will get back to you within five (5) business days. If we think others may be interested in your question, we will post it here along with our response. Your email and personal information will remain private - only your question and username will be shared.

  • Share Will the left turn lane always have a left turn signal? With have pedestrians, bicycles, a right turn lane and straight through i feel like to get to downes from mount lehman it should always be a green arrow. That intersection will be way busier and you will have a long line to turn left. Often times there is enough cars and it doesn't turn the left turn signal on. Would also help if you could improve the dowbes road pattern as it is very narrow to turn left from mount lehman to downes when majority of the cars sitting at the lights on downes go past the white line which makes it hard to turn left. on Facebook Share Will the left turn lane always have a left turn signal? With have pedestrians, bicycles, a right turn lane and straight through i feel like to get to downes from mount lehman it should always be a green arrow. That intersection will be way busier and you will have a long line to turn left. Often times there is enough cars and it doesn't turn the left turn signal on. Would also help if you could improve the dowbes road pattern as it is very narrow to turn left from mount lehman to downes when majority of the cars sitting at the lights on downes go past the white line which makes it hard to turn left. on Twitter Share Will the left turn lane always have a left turn signal? With have pedestrians, bicycles, a right turn lane and straight through i feel like to get to downes from mount lehman it should always be a green arrow. That intersection will be way busier and you will have a long line to turn left. Often times there is enough cars and it doesn't turn the left turn signal on. Would also help if you could improve the dowbes road pattern as it is very narrow to turn left from mount lehman to downes when majority of the cars sitting at the lights on downes go past the white line which makes it hard to turn left. on Linkedin Email Will the left turn lane always have a left turn signal? With have pedestrians, bicycles, a right turn lane and straight through i feel like to get to downes from mount lehman it should always be a green arrow. That intersection will be way busier and you will have a long line to turn left. Often times there is enough cars and it doesn't turn the left turn signal on. Would also help if you could improve the dowbes road pattern as it is very narrow to turn left from mount lehman to downes when majority of the cars sitting at the lights on downes go past the white line which makes it hard to turn left. link

    Will the left turn lane always have a left turn signal? With have pedestrians, bicycles, a right turn lane and straight through i feel like to get to downes from mount lehman it should always be a green arrow. That intersection will be way busier and you will have a long line to turn left. Often times there is enough cars and it doesn't turn the left turn signal on. Would also help if you could improve the dowbes road pattern as it is very narrow to turn left from mount lehman to downes when majority of the cars sitting at the lights on downes go past the white line which makes it hard to turn left.

    Campbell asked 4 months ago

    Hi Campbell,

    Thank you for your question and interest in the project. 

    Regarding left turn signals

    Left turn signals are only activated when a vehicle is detected in the left turn lane. Depending on the location, the left turn signal is only activated when there are a set number of vehicles waiting at the intersection. A left turn signal is not usually activated when there is only one left turning vehicle waiting.

    Regarding Downes Rd approach

    We will be improving the SE corner of the intersection which includes modifications to the east side of the intersection along Downes Rd.

    For more information and answers to other frequently asked questions, I encourage you to check out our list of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) on the right-hand side of the main project page.

    If you have further any questions, feel free to use the "Ask a Question" tool on the main project page and project staff will get back to you.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

  • Share Why do there need to be sidewalks. Nobody that lives around there walks to school or walks to the store? Is this only purposed because you think we need it here? Or somebody drove by and thoughts of this plan? Obviously not from anyone that lives close by or in this area????? on Facebook Share Why do there need to be sidewalks. Nobody that lives around there walks to school or walks to the store? Is this only purposed because you think we need it here? Or somebody drove by and thoughts of this plan? Obviously not from anyone that lives close by or in this area????? on Twitter Share Why do there need to be sidewalks. Nobody that lives around there walks to school or walks to the store? Is this only purposed because you think we need it here? Or somebody drove by and thoughts of this plan? Obviously not from anyone that lives close by or in this area????? on Linkedin Email Why do there need to be sidewalks. Nobody that lives around there walks to school or walks to the store? Is this only purposed because you think we need it here? Or somebody drove by and thoughts of this plan? Obviously not from anyone that lives close by or in this area????? link

    Why do there need to be sidewalks. Nobody that lives around there walks to school or walks to the store? Is this only purposed because you think we need it here? Or somebody drove by and thoughts of this plan? Obviously not from anyone that lives close by or in this area?????

    The asked 4 months ago

    Hi The,

    Thank you for your question and interest in the project.

    This area of Mt Lehman Rd, particularly between Downes Rd and Cardinal Ave will be developed over time and is within our Urban Containment Boundary. With increased development, there may some people who may choose to walk to their home, workplace if it is convenient for them. Further, national and local engineering standards typically require dedicated, separated pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks or multi use pathways in urban areas. 

    For more information and answers to other frequently asked questions, I encourage you to check out our list of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) on the right-hand side of the main project page.

    If you have any further questions, feel free to use the "Ask a Question" tool on the main project page and project staff will get back to you.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

  • Share How long is this going to take? The lineups to get through the lights are horrendous. I work right at Downs and Mt. Lehman and have to sit in a line up for at least 10 minutes just to get into the parking for my work. on Facebook Share How long is this going to take? The lineups to get through the lights are horrendous. I work right at Downs and Mt. Lehman and have to sit in a line up for at least 10 minutes just to get into the parking for my work. on Twitter Share How long is this going to take? The lineups to get through the lights are horrendous. I work right at Downs and Mt. Lehman and have to sit in a line up for at least 10 minutes just to get into the parking for my work. on Linkedin Email How long is this going to take? The lineups to get through the lights are horrendous. I work right at Downs and Mt. Lehman and have to sit in a line up for at least 10 minutes just to get into the parking for my work. link

    How long is this going to take? The lineups to get through the lights are horrendous. I work right at Downs and Mt. Lehman and have to sit in a line up for at least 10 minutes just to get into the parking for my work.

    ValerieB asked 4 months ago

    Hi ValerieB,

    Thank you for your question and interest in the project.

    We are currently in the design stage. Once we are closer to construction, we will know more about the proposed construction schedule. We will inform the community regarding the proposed construction schedule closer to construction.

    The delays you are experiencing right now may be due to Fortis utility installation along Downes Rd between Mt Lehman Rd and Bradner Rd. We understand that the contractor for this project is working as quickly as possible to finish this project to restore the road to its maximum traffic capacity.

    For more information and answers to other frequently asked questions, I encourage you to check out our list of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) on the right-hand side of the main project page.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

  • Share Why wasn't this work done in 2019 when the intersection was redone to its current state, and when there was no retaining wall on the south east corner? on Facebook Share Why wasn't this work done in 2019 when the intersection was redone to its current state, and when there was no retaining wall on the south east corner? on Twitter Share Why wasn't this work done in 2019 when the intersection was redone to its current state, and when there was no retaining wall on the south east corner? on Linkedin Email Why wasn't this work done in 2019 when the intersection was redone to its current state, and when there was no retaining wall on the south east corner? link

    Why wasn't this work done in 2019 when the intersection was redone to its current state, and when there was no retaining wall on the south east corner?

    AbbyBorn asked 5 months ago

    Hi AbbyBorn,

    Thank you for your question and interest in the project.

    Traffic volumes were significantly lower in 2019 and a dedicated Northbound Right Turn lane was not warranted at that time. Since 2019, new proposed development along the west side of Mt Lehman Rd (Hungerford Developments) have necessitated the addition of a Northbound Right Turn lane among other improvements.

    For more information and answers to other frequently asked questions, I encourage you to check out our list of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) on the right-hand side of the main project page.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

  • Share What about east and west bound traffic? Nothing to solve that bottleneck in the mornings and afternoons? Putting a right hand lane will allow people to cut off the eastbound traffic when they have the green light. Why not just a traffic light ? That would be a 1000%improvement and do some work elsewhere on Facebook Share What about east and west bound traffic? Nothing to solve that bottleneck in the mornings and afternoons? Putting a right hand lane will allow people to cut off the eastbound traffic when they have the green light. Why not just a traffic light ? That would be a 1000%improvement and do some work elsewhere on Twitter Share What about east and west bound traffic? Nothing to solve that bottleneck in the mornings and afternoons? Putting a right hand lane will allow people to cut off the eastbound traffic when they have the green light. Why not just a traffic light ? That would be a 1000%improvement and do some work elsewhere on Linkedin Email What about east and west bound traffic? Nothing to solve that bottleneck in the mornings and afternoons? Putting a right hand lane will allow people to cut off the eastbound traffic when they have the green light. Why not just a traffic light ? That would be a 1000%improvement and do some work elsewhere link

    What about east and west bound traffic? Nothing to solve that bottleneck in the mornings and afternoons? Putting a right hand lane will allow people to cut off the eastbound traffic when they have the green light. Why not just a traffic light ? That would be a 1000%improvement and do some work elsewhere

    Heywoo Jabloeme asked 5 months ago

    Hi Heywoo Jab,

    Thank you for your question and interest in the project.

    We have limitations in how much we can do along Downes Rd due to private property and environmental considerations. The most pressing traffic issue at this intersection is the Northbound Right Turn so our improvements will be focused on that.

    For more information and answers to other frequently asked questions, I encourage you to check out our list of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) on the right-hand side of the main project page.

    If you have any questions, feel free to use the "Ask a Question" tool on the main project page and project staff will get back to you.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

     

  • Share I think the double southbound lanes should continued further south to join the 2 that already exist down there. Merging clogs traffic and it would be cheaper to do it now than in the future. on Facebook Share I think the double southbound lanes should continued further south to join the 2 that already exist down there. Merging clogs traffic and it would be cheaper to do it now than in the future. on Twitter Share I think the double southbound lanes should continued further south to join the 2 that already exist down there. Merging clogs traffic and it would be cheaper to do it now than in the future. on Linkedin Email I think the double southbound lanes should continued further south to join the 2 that already exist down there. Merging clogs traffic and it would be cheaper to do it now than in the future. link

    I think the double southbound lanes should continued further south to join the 2 that already exist down there. Merging clogs traffic and it would be cheaper to do it now than in the future.

    Ed asked 5 months ago

    Hi Ed,

    Thank you for your question and interest in the project.

    The City of Abbotsford Transportation & Transit Master Plan has identified the Mt Lehman Rd - Downes Rd to Heritage Dr corridor for road widening with two lanes in each direction. Our intent with this project is integrate this intersection with eventual improvements along the rest of the corridor. Over time road widening will be happening further Southbound as the area develops.

    For more information and answers to other frequently asked questions, I encourage you to check out our list of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) on the right-hand side of the main project page.

    If you have any questions, feel free to use the "Ask a Question" tool on the main project page and project staff will get back to you.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

  • Share Will there be sensors to trip the light cycle for cyclists?--the concept document doesn't have any of the signal configuration shown. Pedestrian type beg-buttons are awkward at best when cycling, but are completely unreachable when the bike lane is separated from the curb like the northbound approach. Will there be a field sensor in the lane like we see westbound on Bevan at Ware? on Facebook Share Will there be sensors to trip the light cycle for cyclists?--the concept document doesn't have any of the signal configuration shown. Pedestrian type beg-buttons are awkward at best when cycling, but are completely unreachable when the bike lane is separated from the curb like the northbound approach. Will there be a field sensor in the lane like we see westbound on Bevan at Ware? on Twitter Share Will there be sensors to trip the light cycle for cyclists?--the concept document doesn't have any of the signal configuration shown. Pedestrian type beg-buttons are awkward at best when cycling, but are completely unreachable when the bike lane is separated from the curb like the northbound approach. Will there be a field sensor in the lane like we see westbound on Bevan at Ware? on Linkedin Email Will there be sensors to trip the light cycle for cyclists?--the concept document doesn't have any of the signal configuration shown. Pedestrian type beg-buttons are awkward at best when cycling, but are completely unreachable when the bike lane is separated from the curb like the northbound approach. Will there be a field sensor in the lane like we see westbound on Bevan at Ware? link

    Will there be sensors to trip the light cycle for cyclists?--the concept document doesn't have any of the signal configuration shown. Pedestrian type beg-buttons are awkward at best when cycling, but are completely unreachable when the bike lane is separated from the curb like the northbound approach. Will there be a field sensor in the lane like we see westbound on Bevan at Ware?

    WarrenK asked 5 months ago

    Hi WarrenK,

    Thank you for your question and interest in the project.

    We acknowledge the difficulty that on-street painted bicycle lanes can pose for detection especially when the bicycle lane is not directly adjacent to the curb.

    At this stage in the project, we have not determined exact signal and electrical design specifics. These things are usually addressed at later stages in the design process. There are a couple ways that bicycle can be addressed in this kind of lane configuration:

    • Install in-ground detection in the bicycle lane at the stop bar (similar to Bevan and Ware).
    • Place the signal in "recall". This means that the signal indicates green for Northbound movements every cycle regardless of the presence of a vehicle/bike. Placing a signal in recall would need to be supported by existing traffic patterns and a traffic operations review. 
    • Consider alternative forms of detection such as video or radar. Though not common at City signals, video or radar detection could be considered to detect the presence of a cyclist. There are, however, advantages and disadvantages with using alternative forms of detection.


    For more information and answers to other frequently asked questions, I encourage you to check out our list of "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) on the right-hand side of the main project page.

    If you have any questions, feel free to use the "Ask a Question" tool on the main project page and project staff will get back to you.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

  • Share Are there any plans to slow vehicles down on Lefeuvre between Maclure Rd and Fraser Hwy ? Speed limit is 50 and we regularly see vehicles doing closer to 100 km/hr. on Facebook Share Are there any plans to slow vehicles down on Lefeuvre between Maclure Rd and Fraser Hwy ? Speed limit is 50 and we regularly see vehicles doing closer to 100 km/hr. on Twitter Share Are there any plans to slow vehicles down on Lefeuvre between Maclure Rd and Fraser Hwy ? Speed limit is 50 and we regularly see vehicles doing closer to 100 km/hr. on Linkedin Email Are there any plans to slow vehicles down on Lefeuvre between Maclure Rd and Fraser Hwy ? Speed limit is 50 and we regularly see vehicles doing closer to 100 km/hr. link

    Are there any plans to slow vehicles down on Lefeuvre between Maclure Rd and Fraser Hwy ? Speed limit is 50 and we regularly see vehicles doing closer to 100 km/hr.

    Icon asked 5 months ago

    Hi Icon,

    Thank you for your question.

    This project is mainly focused on Mt Lehman Rd & Downes Rd. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding this project.

    Regarding enforcement on Lefeuvre, I encourage you to contact the Abbotsford Police Department who are responsible for enforcement in the City. I've also contacted them to letthem know about your concern.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

  • Share Why can’t I download the pdf file in your communications. It’s on your end. on Facebook Share Why can’t I download the pdf file in your communications. It’s on your end. on Twitter Share Why can’t I download the pdf file in your communications. It’s on your end. on Linkedin Email Why can’t I download the pdf file in your communications. It’s on your end. link

    Why can’t I download the pdf file in your communications. It’s on your end.

    dmuir asked 5 months ago

    Hi dmuir,

    I just checked on our end and the file downloads and works properly on our end. 

    I encourage you to try any of the following:

    • Try downloading it on a different device (computer, mobile phone, tablet).
    • Check to see your computer or organization's firewall prevents you from downloading select files.
    • Try using a different internet browser than you typically use (e.g. Edge, Microsoft Explorer, Chrome, etc).


    If you continue to experience this issue, please contact us at eng-info@abbotsford.ca or (604) 864-5514 right away so we can resolve this quickly.

    Thanks,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

  • Share Question received via email: Hi, I see the idea presented for Downes Rd. & Mt. Lehman and agree something needs to be done there. A right turn lane from the south side of Mt. Lehman to turn right into Downes Rd. Is needed. And a right turn lane from west side of Downes Rd. Onto Mt. Lehman Rd. Is needed. I live at the north end of Mt. Lehman and I can see these 2 items are the biggest concerns at this intersection. The other one I want to address is Harris Rd. And Mt. Lehman. What is proposed for this 4 way stop area that just doesn’t work anymore with the traffic we experience. Can we address the large semi trucks coming down Taylor Rd. That don’t belong in the area, that should be taking Harris Rd. (58th) instead of coming down Taylor Rd.? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this. Thank you, on Facebook Share Question received via email: Hi, I see the idea presented for Downes Rd. & Mt. Lehman and agree something needs to be done there. A right turn lane from the south side of Mt. Lehman to turn right into Downes Rd. Is needed. And a right turn lane from west side of Downes Rd. Onto Mt. Lehman Rd. Is needed. I live at the north end of Mt. Lehman and I can see these 2 items are the biggest concerns at this intersection. The other one I want to address is Harris Rd. And Mt. Lehman. What is proposed for this 4 way stop area that just doesn’t work anymore with the traffic we experience. Can we address the large semi trucks coming down Taylor Rd. That don’t belong in the area, that should be taking Harris Rd. (58th) instead of coming down Taylor Rd.? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this. Thank you, on Twitter Share Question received via email: Hi, I see the idea presented for Downes Rd. & Mt. Lehman and agree something needs to be done there. A right turn lane from the south side of Mt. Lehman to turn right into Downes Rd. Is needed. And a right turn lane from west side of Downes Rd. Onto Mt. Lehman Rd. Is needed. I live at the north end of Mt. Lehman and I can see these 2 items are the biggest concerns at this intersection. The other one I want to address is Harris Rd. And Mt. Lehman. What is proposed for this 4 way stop area that just doesn’t work anymore with the traffic we experience. Can we address the large semi trucks coming down Taylor Rd. That don’t belong in the area, that should be taking Harris Rd. (58th) instead of coming down Taylor Rd.? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this. Thank you, on Linkedin Email Question received via email: Hi, I see the idea presented for Downes Rd. & Mt. Lehman and agree something needs to be done there. A right turn lane from the south side of Mt. Lehman to turn right into Downes Rd. Is needed. And a right turn lane from west side of Downes Rd. Onto Mt. Lehman Rd. Is needed. I live at the north end of Mt. Lehman and I can see these 2 items are the biggest concerns at this intersection. The other one I want to address is Harris Rd. And Mt. Lehman. What is proposed for this 4 way stop area that just doesn’t work anymore with the traffic we experience. Can we address the large semi trucks coming down Taylor Rd. That don’t belong in the area, that should be taking Harris Rd. (58th) instead of coming down Taylor Rd.? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this. Thank you, link

    Question received via email: Hi, I see the idea presented for Downes Rd. & Mt. Lehman and agree something needs to be done there. A right turn lane from the south side of Mt. Lehman to turn right into Downes Rd. Is needed. And a right turn lane from west side of Downes Rd. Onto Mt. Lehman Rd. Is needed. I live at the north end of Mt. Lehman and I can see these 2 items are the biggest concerns at this intersection. The other one I want to address is Harris Rd. And Mt. Lehman. What is proposed for this 4 way stop area that just doesn’t work anymore with the traffic we experience. Can we address the large semi trucks coming down Taylor Rd. That don’t belong in the area, that should be taking Harris Rd. (58th) instead of coming down Taylor Rd.? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this. Thank you,

    5 months ago

    Thank you for your question and interest in this project. We will take your comments and feedback into consideration as we move forward with the project.

    A traffic signal is also proposed for Mt Lehman Rd & Harris Rd. I encourage you to consult Traffic Signal Upgrades | Let's Talk Abbotsford to learn more about this project.

    The Abbotsford Police Department is responsible for enforcement. Please contact the Abbotsford Police Department regarding truck traffic enforcement.

    Regards,

    Stefan Baer, P.Eng.
    Traffic Engineer
    City of Abbotsford

Page last updated: 07 Jan 2025, 02:49 PM