At EXP, we’re proud to work alongside community leaders to find solutions that enhance transportation services and infrastructure for residents. Recently, EXP completed a transportation study for the Town of Edson, Alberta that outlined methods to enhance current transportation services and strategies to improve mobility and access to services for residents. Edson’s goal is to improve access to transportation for all residents, especially those who cannot or choose not to travel by private automobile, to create a more equitable and barrier-free transportation system.
EXP’s analysis of collision patterns combined with a community engagement program highlighted several gaps in the existing pedestrian network and identified several sidewalks in need of repair. EXP placed a particular focus on pedestrian facilities within a twenty-minute walkshed of schools within the town, with prioritized recommendations for new and improved sidewalks, safer pedestrian crossing opportunities and strategically placed curb extensions. These strategies create safer commutes and improve the pedestrian environment.
While much of the town already accommodates vehicles, traveling by foot or bike is not as easy with several barriers cutting through the town, including the CN railway and Highway 16, one of western Canada’s most important economic corridors. EXP’s study found that creating an active transportation network would allow more people to travel by walking or bike, thus reducing traffic and opening up more travel opportunities for those who do not have a vehicle. These recommended additions include pathways, bike lanes and signage to allow for safe travel on bikes.
EXP also proposed expanding the services of the existing Edson Seniors Transportation Society (ESTS), which provides rides for older adults and individuals with physical and cognitive challenges. EXP found that expanding ESTS’s service to weekends and holidays and modernizing the system to incorporate a mobile app that allows residents to track buses and book rides would improve services to and increase the number of individuals it is able to serve. These service enhancements for ESTS provide a pathway toward a future public transportation service for Edson.
“This study is an important step forward for the Town of Edson toward an on-demand public transportation system and an active transportation network,” said Senior Transportation Planner Stephen Power. Through EXP’s efficient and thorough project delivery, the Town of Edson is equipped to work toward making transportation accessible to everyone in the community.
Learn more about EXP’s transportation services.