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St. John's conducting study on Stavanger Drive-area traffic

City council hopes to put the brakes on traffic congestion in the busy Stavanger Drive and Torbay Road areas.
Ward 1 Coun. Danny Breen says the results of the traffic study should be available in the new year. (Jeremy Eaton/CBC)

The City of St. John's has started a study to tackle traffic problems in one of the city's busiest areas.

Council held a public information session Wednesday evening to answer questions, hear concerns and take suggestions on traffic in the Stavanger Drive and Torbay Road areas.

Ward 1 Coun. Danny Breen says the area is known for its troublesome traffic and something has to be done.

"When you come here at five o'clock in the evening it's bumper to bumper. There is no easy way to get around," he said.

"Businesses are concerned because people may, at some time, say 'I'm not going there today, the traffic is just too heavy.'"

Breen said the city has hired consultants to review public feedback and provide some possible solutions.

The Stavanger Drive area is known for its troublesome traffic. (Jeremy Eaton/CBC)

A traffic study was conducted in 2007, but the rapid growth in the area made it necessary to hold consultations once again to update the previous plan.

"The growth in the east end of St. John's, the north east end of St. John's has been incredible and it requires a road network to accommodate that and that's what we are doing now," said Breen. 

Breen added the consultants' report won't be ready until the new year, but it is hoped the suggestions in the report can ease the traffic strain and make travel easier near Stavanger Drive.

Residents can also put in their comments on traffic at the Engage! St. John's website.