The intersection of Dewdney Avenue and Lewvan Drive in West Regina is finally getting long-awaited safety upgrades after years of standing out as the city's most collision-heavy spot. City officials announced the project this week, citing an average of 38 crashes annually over the past three years and more than 600 reported incidents since 2010.
According to the City of Regina, the junction carries the highest traffic volume in the area, which has contributed to its poor safety record. The municipality partnered with SGI to gather detailed collision data before issuing a request for proposals to redesign the intersection.
Chris Warren, the city's director of roadways and transportation, said planning began many years ago. "We began the planning process many, many years ago for this project. We’ve designed the project to add protected dual-left turn lanes," Warren stated.
The upgrades will also feature brighter lighting aimed at helping pedestrians, along with modernized traffic signals and improved accessibility features. Construction is expected to last about a year once work gets underway.
Officials emphasized that infrastructure changes alone will not solve the problem. Motorists are being urged to put away distractions, watch for people on foot, and remain alert to surrounding vehicles at all times.
Residents who travel through the area regularly have long complained about the confusing layout and frequent near-misses. Local drivers told reporters that left-turn movements have been particularly hazardous during peak hours.
The City of Regina has tracked data at the intersection since at least 2010, building a clear picture of where crashes cluster. That information guided the decision to prioritize protected turn lanes over simpler signal adjustments.
Similar safety projects in other Canadian cities have shown measurable drops in collisions after protected left-turn phases were added. Regina officials hope to see comparable results once the new configuration is complete.
Funding for the work comes through the city's capital budget, though exact costs have not yet been released publicly. The request-for-proposal process is already complete, and a contractor is expected to be selected soon.
Pedestrian advocates welcomed the added lighting and accessibility upgrades, noting that the intersection sits near several bus stops and commercial destinations. They said better illumination should reduce risks for people crossing after dark.
Warren noted that the project represents one piece of a larger effort to improve safety across Regina's busiest corridors. Additional intersections are under review, though none have been named for immediate work.
Drivers passing through the area in coming months can expect periodic lane shifts and possible overnight work as crews install the new signals and pavement markings. The city has promised regular updates through its website and social media channels.
While the physical changes are set to begin, city leaders continue to stress personal responsibility behind the wheel. Avoiding distracted driving remains the simplest way to reduce crashes at this and every other Regina intersection, officials said.