The City of Vancouver implemented some promised traffic-calming measures on Prior Street Monday.

The move addresses safety concerns residents in the Strathcona neighbourhood had about cars speeding through. The road is one of the routes connecting East Vancouver and the downtown core.

The speed limit on Prior Street has been reduced to 30 kilometres an hour between Raymur Avenue and Hawks Avenue beginning January 27. There will only be one lane of traffic going each way, as well. Previously there were two lanes each way during rush hour.

“Expect possible delays during peak times,” the City of Vancouver tweeted.

Starting today, Jan. 27, changes on Prior St between Gore and Raymur begin with one lane retained in each direction all day and a reduction in speed to 30km/h between Raymur and Hawks. Expect possible delays during peak times. #VanTraffic More info: https://t.co/d4mpfa9vKw pic.twitter.com/NzcelBKNGT

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) January 27, 2020

The initiative is part of an effort to make the Prior/Venables route more walkable, according to the city’s website.

• See also:
  • $125-million Prior-Venables route recommended for False Creek Flats arterial road (RENDERINGS)
  • City council approves $125-million False Creek Flats road on Prior-Venables
  • YVR International Airport announces three designated “rideshare” areas

Still to come are temporary curb bulges, street lighting upgrades, and more road markings. More bus stop amenities such as benches, shelters, and trash bins will arrive Spring 2020, as well.

The traffic-calming measures will be evaluated after one year to see what should be made permanent, according to the city. They’re part of the city’s $125 million plan to make Prior/Venables an arterial road for False Creek Flats.