Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Don’t let tricky intersections fool you
In heavy traffic, it's often difficult to make a left turn. And some unusual intersections in Winnipeg require special precautions.
Use turning lane for turns only
In the middle of St. James
Street, west of Polo Park, there’s
a turning lane for drivers making
left turns in either direction. This
allows you to turn without blocking the
through traffic. Remember that you should
only enter the turning lane if you are turning
left at the first immediate street or parking lot
entrance. Drivers using the turning lane as
a normal lane risk colliding with turning
vehicles coming from the other direction.
Wide boulevards can cause confusion
Making left turns on streets with wide boulevards, such as Broadway, can be puzzling. You find yourself facing the red light when you pull into the intersection to make a left turn. But don’t stop and wait for the light to turn green – it’s aimed at the through traffic on the cross street. As with any left turn, wait until there is a safe gap in traffic and complete your turn.
The rules for one-way streets
In the Exchange District and downtown, many intersections involve one-way streets. Remember, if you are making a left turn from a one-way street, get to the furthest left lane before your turn. If you are turning onto a one-way street, turn into the furthest left lane.
Prepare for confusion
At complicated intersections like Winnipeg’s Confusion Corner (the corner of Pembina Highway, Osborne, Corydon and Donald) disoriented drivers may make sudden lane changes. Drive defensively at these intersections, allow extra following distance and be prepared to stop suddenly to avoid a collision.
For more information, watch
The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- Turning left on St. James Street in Driving Tips
- Turning at a wide boulevard in Driving Tips
- Confusing Intersections in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second video -Turning left on St. James St. directly
