Port Moody makes Barnet–Dewdney–Ioco intersection changes permanent after pilot improves safety, traffic flow

Port Moody is making a series of traffic changes at one of the city’s busiest intersections permanent following a pilot project that showed significant safety improvements and modest easing of traffic.

On March 31, council unanimously endorsed staff recommendations to formalize upgrades at the Barnet Highway, Ioco Road and Dewdney Trunk Road intersections, which were first introduced in November 2024.

Coun. Callan Morrison said the intersection improvements are just one component of a broader strategy to address congestion along the St. Johns Street corridor as the region grows.

“I think it’s very, very much needed by our community, and they’ve been asking for this, especially with regional growth,” Morrison said. “This is just one piece of the pie.”

The pilot targeted a long-standing issue of drivers turning right from Dewdney Trunk Road and attempting to merge across lanes on Barnet Highway to access the eastbound left-turn lane toward Ioco Road, frequently blocking through traffic and increasing the risk of collisions.

Staff monitoring found that while the intersection continues to be busy, the pilot reduced the frequency of these blockages and improved overall safety conditions without reducing traffic capacity.

Coun. Diana Dilworth said some local residents had significant concerns over negative impacts, and staff have done a good to alleviate those worries.

“About twice a week, I make it a point to go through that intersection, and I’m really pleased to see (improvements),” Dilworth said.

The pilot introduced several design and operational changes informed by a traffic microsimulation study:

• Installation of lane delineators on Barnet Highway to prevent drivers from weaving into the eastbound left-turn lane between Dewdney Trunk Road and Ioco Road
• Removal of the channelized right-turn “slip lane” from Dewdney Trunk Road onto Barnet Highway
• Separation of left and right-turn lanes on Dewdney Trunk Road, along with a restriction of right turns on red
• Adjustments to traffic signal timing, including a leading westbound left-turn phase and coordinated signals between intersections

The removal of the slip lane also addressed safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists, who had previously been blocked or placed at risk by right-turning vehicles. 

Staff added a traffic signal feature, allowing pedestrians to begin crossing before vehicles proceed improving visibility and reducing conflicts.

Monitoring showed traffic volumes at both the St. Johns Street/Dewdney Trunk Road and Barnet Highway/Ioco Road intersections remained largely unchanged after implementation.  

These results were described as positive as it shows the new restrictions did not add to congestion. The corridor continues to function as a preferred route for drivers avoiding Mariner Way and Barnet Highway.

Vehicle blockages still occur, but less frequently, and typically clear within one to two light changes due to improved coordination between intersections, according to staff.

Coun. Kyla Knowles said the improvements are noticeable, even if peak-hour congestion hasn’t disappeared.

“There is still a bit of a bottleneck that backs up there during rush hour, but that’s not really a big change,” she said. “I think in general it flows better.”

The pilot generated significant public feedback, with many residents noting improved pedestrian and cyclist safety. There are, however, ongoing concerns about signal coordination and queue lengths – particularly westbound traffic backing up along Dewdney Trunk Road past Viewmount Drive.

Staff acknowledged that some movements remain “oversaturated” during peak periods, but add that traffic signals can be further optimized to help jams clear faster.

Despite signage and restrictions, some drivers continue to attempt problematic right-turn movements from Dewdney Trunk Road, occasionally blocking multiple lanes. Port Moody Police are trying to monitor these infractions for enforcement.

The project is part of a coordinated effort on the part of council to improve traffic along the St. Johns Street corridor, which include other redesigns and seismic upgrades to the Barnet Highway overpass.

Costs for the permanent upgrades have not yet been finalized, with staff expected to report back as designs are developed.