Transportation and Public Works
Active Transportation is an important component to active living. In 2013 and 2014, the Town of Shediac has developed an active transportation. The plan focuses on developing the active transportation network using on-road facilities and multi-use path facilities.
See the active transportation plan
Over the years, the trail network and bike lanes have been developed throughout the Town, and we want to do more! Recent projects include:
- Asphalt trail on Belliveau Avenue linking the existing trail to the downtown.
- Addition of bike lanes and sidewalks on Breaux Bridge Street.
- Renewal of sidewalks.
- Construction of an asphalt trail in the John Lyons Park.
Main Street Bike Lanes
Main Street Pavement Marking Project: Main Street, from Sackville Street towards the east, will see improvements in pavement markings. This will allow for new bike lanes to be marked on each side of Main Street.
Why these changes? The Town of Shediac places a high importance on active living. A Transportation and Active Transportation Master Plan was developed, and this plan identifies a network of routes to get to work, go to school, or as a healthy leisure activity.
Why centre-left turn lanes? On a four-lane road, cars have to stop suddenly in the inside lane to make a left turn, increasing the possibility of a collision from the rear, and they have to cross two lanes of traffic while turning. With a dedicated centre left-turn lane, cars can move into the centre lane at slower speeds, and wait there safely until it's clear for them to make their left turn.
- Road diets can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods by reducing vehicle speeds and increasing pedestrian and cyclist activity.
- The new bike lanes have tremendous impact on the mobility and safety of cyclists and fills in a gap in the network.
- Road diets reduce vehicle conflicts that contribute to rear-end, left turn and sideswipe collisions.
- Studies have shown that road diets on similar roads to Main Street have reduced the number of overall collisions by 19% (source: Federal Highway Administration).
- The three-lane cross-section makes crossing the road easier and safer for pedestrians as they have fewer travel lanes to cross.
- Road diets provide more consistent traffic flow due to less speed differential and weaving between lanes.
How To Use Two-way Left Turn Lanes
Two-way left turning lanes lets left-turning vehicles from both directions wait for a chance to turn without holding up traffic. To use a two-way, left-turn lane, follow these steps:
- Signal and move into the centre lane shortly before your turn. Slow down.
- Carefully move forward to a spot opposite the road or driveway where you want to turn.
- Make your turn when the way is clear.
Remember:
- Vehicles from the opposite direction also use this lane to turn left. As they wait in front of you, it may be hard for you to see oncoming traffic.
- Only go when you are sure the way is clear.
- THESE LEFT-TURN LANES ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR PASSING.
Information for Motorists
ROAD SAFETY FOR MOTORISTS – RESPECT FOR CYCLISTS
- Respect the cyclists and the bike lanes.
- Cyclists are entitled to their share of the road, just as motor vehicles are.
- It is NOT the cyclists' responsibility to get out of the way of drivers if the cyclist is legally occupying the lane.
- When approaching a cyclist, prepare to overtake or slow down, just as you would for any other vehicle.
- Make sure it is safe to pass.
- Do not honk your horn, as this may startle the cyclist.
Information for Cyclists
Where are you going? Tell other road users by signaling. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and children riding bicycles. Always dismount when riding through a pedestrian crosswalk.
- Wear a bike helmet
- Respect traffic control devices
- Wear visible clothing
- Front and rear reflectors
- Install a headlight and rear illuminated red light
- Proper hand-signals
- Ride on right next to the curb with traffic
- Respect other road users
- Be predictable
Useful Links:
Active and Safe Routes to School
Website (www.saferoutestoschool.ca/school-travel-planning-toolkit)
City of Moncton Active Transportation
Questions?
Margot Allain Belanger, M.A.Sc., MBA, P.Eng.
Director of Municipal Operations
(506) 531-2235
Facts on snow removal in Shediac:
- We have 8 pieces of equipment for snow clearing operations: 4 pieces of equipment are used for clearing the streets, 2 pieces of equipment are used to clear the sidewalks, and 2 pieces of equipment are utilized to clear public parking lots.
- In addition, the municipality has a snow blower that attaches to one of the pieces of equipment for clearing snow banks and widening streets. A tractor and a one-ton truck are used for snow removal on trails.
- Every storm is different. Typically, the team will get out early in the morning (03:00) in order to ensure a complete snow removal before traffic becomes too busy. Each snow removal operation lasts about 4 hours. This varies according to the amount and type of snow (wet/heavy/dry/powdery).
- The municipality is responsible for the removal of snow at the following infrastructures: approximately 60 km of streets (so 120 km of lanes), sidewalks, municipal parking (arena and multipurpose centre, fire station, downtown municipal parking, Rotary Park and Maison Pascal Poirier parking (accessible only in an emergency), municipal garage parking, biking trails, water treatment plant and 5 pumping stations, 366 fire hydrants.
- The public is advised that it is prohibited to park a vehicle on the streets of the Town of Shediac between midnight (12 a.m.) and 7 a.m. from the first day of November of any year until the first day of April of the following year. This is to aid in the removal of snow in the streets. It is also prohibited to place or throw snow on a street, sidewalk or other public place.
