Verdict is in from that controversial traffic signal study

A controversial study that involved turning off traffic signals at three Sault intersections has found most local drivers want all the lights turned back on.

But that's not what members of city council will be asked to do next week.

Maggie McAuley, municipal services and design engineer, will propose that only the traffic lights at Albert Street and Elgin and at Queen and Church be switched back on.

Councillors will be asked to remove signals at Albert and Dennis.

"In early June, the traffic signals were covered and stop signs were installed on the minor roads," McAuley says in a report prepared for Tuesday's meeting of city council.

"The city collected feedback through a public survey as well as multiple phone calls, emails, articles and social media posts."

"Throughout the study, staff collected speed and volume data through automated traffic recorders, cameras and site visits."

"Through the public input survey, the community was asked whether or not to keep the traffic signals at each of the intersections and then requested comments.

"The survey received almost 4,000 responses and over 2,100 comments. Over 60 phone calls and emails were received, and over 200 comments through social media and media coverage were reviewed," McAuley said.

She says drivers generally support removal of signals while pedestrians don't.

The study found that 61 per cent of respondents wanted to keep the traffic lights at Queen Street and Church, while 54 per cent favoured keeping them at Albert and Elgin and 55 per cent expressed a wish to keep the signals at Albert and Dennis.

What's different about the Albert-Dennis corner that makes it unworthy of traffic lights?

McAuley's report emphasizes that Dennis Street is a point of access to GFL Memorial Gardens, the bus terminal and Station Mall.

"Visibility is difficult because of vegetation, garbage and recycling bins and people are worried about snowbanks," she says.

"Signals provide gaps in traffic that allow the residents to back out of their driveways."

"City staff have reviewed the visibility which meets the requirement for a stop-controlled intersection.

"Based on feedback received and the data collected, staff are recommending the removal of the traffic signal and placing a red flashing light, or LED stop sign on the Dennis Street approach."

As for the Albert-Elgin intersection, McAuley said numerous collisions occurred there.

"Detailed collision reports were not received from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department, but anecdotal evidence suggests the majority of the collisions are a result of drivers failing to stop at the stop sign.

"Based on the number of collisions, staff are recommending that traffic signals remain at this intersection."

Regarding the Queen-Church corner, McAuley reports the pedestrian crossing there is considered by neighbours to be important.

She said that a pedestrian crossover is not recommended there because the intersection is within 200 metres of another signalized intersection.

"With the new residential development almost complete and understanding that the former hospital property has the potential for future development, staff is recommending that the signals remain, that the traffic detection technology be upgraded, and that the signals timing be adjusted during off peak times to only turn green on the north-south leg if there is a vehicle or pedestrian detected at the intersection," McAuley says. 

"Staff will continue to monitor the intersection as traffic patterns continue to evolve."

Next week's city council meeting will be held on Tuesday because Monday is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The meeting will be live-streamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m.