Traffic-calming: Here’s the city’s plan to stop you from speeding next year

A report on plans for permanent traffic-calming has been released by Dan Perri, a municipal services and design engineer with the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

"While lower-cost and temporary traffic calming measures exist, more permanent traffic calming measures can be more effective and function year-round," Perri says.

"These implementations tend to be more costly as stand-alone projects. Cost efficiencies can be realized if the traffic calming implementations are included as part of capital reconstruction projects.

"Prior to the detailed design of roads due for reconstruction, staff collect traffic data such as volume, speed, and turning movement counts.

"This information, along with the characteristics of the surrounding properties help the design team in determining suitable measures to improve the function of the roadway," Perri says in a report to be presented to city council on Tuesday.

"Some implementations could include lane reductions where appropriate, enhanced streetscaping, or traffic calming measures."

Here, according to Perri, is what the city planning for next year:

• Peoples Road from Second Line to Penno Road – A lane reduction from four lanes to three lanes is being considered along with an off-road multi-use trail, enhanced pedestrian facilities and crossing treatments
• East Street from Bay Street to Wellington Street East – The design of this roadway will incorporate a complete streets design, using similar design features as the Queen Street improvements. Modifications to the intersections at Albert Street and East Street will be investigated to improve the function and safety of these intersections for both vehicles and pedestrians
• Sackville Road extension – Construction of this road extension is scheduled for 2026; however, detailed design is currently underway which is considering a narrowed cross-section, an off-road multi-use trail, and enhanced pedestrian crossings. Other traffic calming measures will also be considered
• Wallace Terrace resurfacing from Korah Road to Carmen’s Way – The lane reduction from four lanes to three lanes is planned to continue as part of the final phase of the resurfacing project