In the near future, Station Street and City Road in Saint John will be undergoing a road diet to improve efficiency and accessibility for all users. This project will involve converting the current four-lane roadway into a more efficient space by reducing the number of vehicle lanes to three and adding dedicated bike lanes on both sides of the road.

The three remaining vehicle lanes will consist of two through lanes, one in each direction, and a center turning lane for motorists. The new bike lanes will be clearly marked and separated from vehicle traffic, in addition to the existing sidewalks, creating a vital active transportation corridor in line with MoveSJ, Saint John's Transportation Plan.

This corridor is part of the Trans Canada Trail in Saint John, connecting Harbour Passage and the Stanley Street pedestrian bridge, as well as linking the South Central Peninsula to Rockwood Park.

Studies by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have shown that road diets can reduce crashes by 19 to 47 percent and improve pedestrian safety by slowing down vehicle speeds and reducing the number of lanes to cross.

Building on the success of previous road diets in Saint John, such as Metcalf Street, Somerset Street, Millidge Avenue, and University Avenue, the upcoming projects on Station Street, City Road, and the Main Street Active Transportation project demonstrate Saint John's commitment to sustainable transportation. The city aims to achieve 20 percent of trips by sustainable transportation as outlined in its Strategic Plan.

These modifications have been carefully planned to benefit all road users, including motorists. Traffic studies have shown that the lane reductions will maintain acceptable service levels, ensuring smooth traffic flow while repurposing excess roadway space.

As this transformative project progresses, Saint John is moving towards a safer and more sustainable transportation network. Stay tuned for more updates on this initiative.