Norfolk County wants to know what residents think of proposed lane configuration changes on West Street from Holden Avenue to Brook Street in Simcoe.
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“Feedback from citizens is a critical part of the process,” said Mayor Amy Martin. “I encourage residents who live near or frequently travel this section of West Street to review the results shared in the study and the proposed changes and provide your input.”
Members of the public are being invited to provide input via an online survey.
The project was awarded to Elgin Construction in the amount of $4,168,598.48 before taxes.
The county, in Phase One of the project, is proposing the roadway be converted to two lanes from four with one “through lane” in each direction and a center “two-way left turn” lane.
Phase One, which began in May and is expected to be completed by November 2023, could also include an active transportation zone – a bike lane – in each direction beside the curb.
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County officials, in a statement released Wednesday, said the proposed changes are the result of traffic study. The study found, among other things, that the present and 10-year forecast traffic volumes don’t warrant four lanes along this section of roadway.
The study also found that:
- The existing four lanes are narrow by modern design standards.
- The proposed changes would reduce speed and improve driver and pedestrian safety.
- A center two-way left turn lane will allow a bike lane on each side of the roadway.
- Dedicated left turn lanes at side streets will improve traffic flow.
- Intersections along West Street will continue to provide an acceptable level of service based on current and future traffic volumes.
- County officials say public safety is a consideration in all projects.
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According to the county, 82 collisions have been recorded on West Street from Holden to Talbot between 2015 and 2021. Of those, 42 per cent were caused by inattentiveness or improper turns.
The ‘two-way left turn’ option will separate left-turning vehicles from through traffic to improve safety and enable other vehicles to travel without stopping or changing lanes. Two way left turn lanes, also help oncoming vehicles better anticipate left turns.
A two-way left turn lane is also being considered for Phase Two of the project which covers Brook Street to Talbot Street and is scheduled to be done in 2025.
To learn more about the project and to provide input visit https://engagenorfolk.ca/west-street-reconstruction-project . The survey closes Tuesday, August 22, 2023 and the consultation process will not delay the project or impact the cost.
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