Fernie traffic improvements are set to roll out this summer, with the City of Fernie moving ahead with a series of projects aimed at improving road safety, reducing vehicle speeds in residential areas, and creating safer pedestrian crossings.

The improvements include new all-way stop intersections on 4A Avenue, a new 30 km/h downtown speed zone, and pedestrian safety upgrades in the Mountview neighbourhood.

Following a 2025 traffic study by ISL Engineering, the City found that some motorists were using 4A Avenue as a shortcut instead of designated urban collector roads and were travelling at speeds higher than appropriate for a residential neighbourhood.

To address the issue, the City will install two new all-way stop-controlled intersections:
• 4A Avenue and 2nd Street
• 4th Avenue and 3rd Street

The changes are intended to discourage shortcutting traffic, reduce vehicle speeds, and improve safety and livability for residents along the route.

A separate ISL Engineering study examined traffic speeds in Fernie’s historic downtown and evaluated whether a reduced speed limit was appropriate.

The study concluded that lower speeds were justified, particularly because the area contains two schools that currently do not have designated school zones. It also recommended creating a consistent speed limit throughout the downtown core.

As a result, the City will establish a 30 km/h speed zone covering the historic downtown area.

The new zone will extend:
• From 4th Street to 9th Street
• From 3rd Avenue north to the railway tracks

New signage is expected to be installed in July.

City officials say the reduced speed limit will improve consistency for drivers while enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, students, and downtown visitors.

The City is also planning pedestrian safety improvements at two intersections in the Mountview neighbourhood:
• Mt. Ingram Street and Mt. Trinity Avenue
• Mt. Klauer Street and Mt. Trinity Avenue

The upgrades will include:
• Curb extensions
• Marked crosswalks
• New signage

According to the City, the redesigned crossings will shorten pedestrian crossing distances, improve visibility between motorists and pedestrians, reduce pedestrian exposure to traffic, and slow right-turning vehicles.

Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-July and continue through August.

The three projects represent part of the City’s ongoing effort to improve transportation safety across Fernie.

By reducing speeds in residential and downtown areas while making pedestrian crossings more visible and accessible, the City hopes to create safer streets for residents, students, cyclists, and visitors alike.