Loewen and Brandt intersection goes lights-free during reconstruction phase

Traffic lights have been removed at the intersection of Loewen Boulevard and Brandt Street. 

Steinbach’s Head Engineer Aaron Rach says this was done to reduce traffic congestion in the construction area. 

“So now, northbound and southbound are free flow, there's no lights, no stops,” says Rach. “We're expecting less delays for northbound and southbound Highway 12 traffic. So hopefully the worst of that is gone now and people might return a bit more to using that route now that they don't have to stop at Loewen.” 

Southbound traffic has also been shifted to the east side of Brandt while construction happens on the west side. 

@steinbach_online #Traffic #Lights removed at #Loewen and #Brandt Street on June 27, 2024. Read more about the changes at #SteinbachOnline #construction #roads ♬ Downtown - Balynt

Kinder Korner Executive Director Dana Cyrenne says these changes came as a surprise to them this morning as they tried to access the parking lot at their office which is located in the building on the northwest corner of the intersection. 

“It was really hard to get to the office this morning,” she says. “There was no clear signage as to how we were supposed to get into our parking lot.” 

Cyrenne says they might need to consider a temporary relocation. She hopes there can be more communication as changes are made throughout the project. 

Meanwhile, the new 3-way Stop at Loewen and Hespeler seems to be effective in relieving traffic congestion in that area. 

@steinbach_online There’s a NEW 3-way #Stop in #Steinbach at Loewen and Hespeler. #SteinbachOnline #trafficstop #congestion ♬ Freedom - Atomica Music

“Right now, they’re installed on a temporary basis as the result of the increased traffic from the Loewen intersection project,” Rach says. “We'll continue to evaluate how the intersection is performing through the summer and then make a decision on what to do going forward.” 

On the west side of Steinbach, Rach says the city has requested a review of the signal timing of the traffic lights on Highway 52 at Industrial Road. 

That route has also become popular for motorists looking to avoid the Loewen and Brandt intersection.