Traffic signals will soon be covered up at the intersection of Wallace Terrace and Goulais Avenue and temporary signage erected as part of a new study — hot on the heels of a similar study that resulted in a spike in motor vehicle collisions in the city’s downtown core.
On Tuesday, members of city council overwhelmingly voted in favour of the study proposed by Ward 5 councillors Matthew Scott and Corey Gardi. City staff will monitor and assess both traffic flow and pedestrian safety, while gathering feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders regarding their experiences during the trial period.
Scott told council the motion was a “happy medium” informed by “countless amounts of feedback” he received from residents living in the city’s west end.
“If it turns out to be that it’s seamless and painless, and in fact, the lights being removed don’t cause issue, then that puts to rest some of the concerns people have in the area,” he said. “Or, if we do see that there are issues with safety, or the crossing of children and families going to the new splash pad, things like that, then we would just keep the lights.
“I would hate to see, on a road that we’ve seen two two tragedies last year, that we remove a feature that’s intended for the safety of pedestrians.”
Scott also noted concerns from residents over the removal of traffic signals at the intersection, which would hamper efforts to get in and out of the Bayview neighbourhood safely on foot.
“I’m just hoping that we could do a trial, just to prove if it’s the right decision,” he said.
Council approved the motion to proceed with the traffic study by a vote of eight to three, with Ward 1 Coun. Sonny Spina, Ward 3 Coun. Ron Zagordo and Sault Mayor Matthew Shoemaker all voting against it.
A report on the findings of the trial, including recommendations on whether the traffic lights should be permanently removed or reinstated, will be presented to council at the conclusion of the trial period for a final decision.