Upcoming Road Diet on Station Street and City Road to Enhance Safety and Active Transportation in Saint John

In 2025, Station Street and City Road, stretching from Smythe Street to just east of the Stanley Street pedestrian bridge, will undergo a road diet, transforming the current four-lane roadway into a more efficient and accessible space for all users. This project will convert the existing four vehicle lanes into three, introducing dedicated bike lanes on both sides of the road alongside the curb. The remaining three vehicle lanes will accommodate two through lanes, one in each direction, and a center turning lane for motorists. 

The new bike lanes will feature on-road markings and signage, ensuring clear separation from vehicle traffic. Combined with the existing sidewalks, this redesign will create a key active transportation corridor in line with MoveSJ, Saint John's Transportation Plan. This corridor is part of Saint John's section of the Trans Canada Trail, linking Harbour Passage and the Stanley Street pedestrian bridge, and further connecting the South Central Peninsula to Rockwood Park. 

Beyond promoting active transportation, studies by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) indicate that road diets can reduce crashes by 19 to 47 percent, while also making pedestrian crossings safer due to slower vehicle speeds and fewer lanes to cross. 

This initiative builds on the success of previous road diets in Saint John, including Metcalf Street, Somerset Street, Millidge Avenue, and University Avenue. With the upcoming projects on Station Street, City Road, and the Main Street Active Transportation project, Saint John will continue its commitment to achieving 20 percent of trips by sustainable transportation as outlined in its Strategic Plan. 

Importantly, these modifications have been designed with all road users in mind, including motorists. Traffic studies confirm that the lane reductions will maintain acceptable service levels, ensuring smooth vehicle flow while repurposing historically overbuilt roadway space. 

Stay tuned for more details as this transformative project progresses, as Saint John advances a safer, more sustainable transportation network.