Oxford approves traffic safety measures for Punkeydoodles Corners

A hamlet knows for its strange name and frequent sign thefts should soon be little safer for residents and motorists, but some folks there think further steps are still needed.

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While Oxford County council recently approved a plan for improved traffic safety in Punkeydoodles Corners, many locals aren’t satisfied with the proposed measures and are pushing for a roundabout and a speed reduction.

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Frank Gross, the county’s manager of transportation, said council passed the plan as presented, which involves closing the intersections at Oxford Road 24 and Perth Road 101, and at Huron Road and Perth Road 101, and realigning the intersection at Perth Road 101 and Perth Road 101A. The realigned intersection would also boast new turning lanes and upgraded lighting.

Additionally, the intersection at Punkeydoodles Avenue and Oxford Road 5 would become a three-way intersection that includes a stop control on Punkeydoodles Avenue.

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Since the oddly named hamlet straddles several municipalities – Oxford County, Perth County, Wilmot Township and the Region of Waterloo are all involved – the next steps in the process involve approvals from these other councils. The improvements were on the Dec. 7 agenda for Perth County and will be discussed at the Dec. 11 meeting in Wilmot.

Residents in the area, though, have made it crystal clear they still want a roundabout, a preference that Gross said didn’t come as a surprise.

“We understand from the public consultation that most of the residents generally agree that what we are proposing is an improvement, but they also think it doesn’t go far enough to address their concerns. They believe a roundabout is the ultimate solution there,” the transportation manager said.

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Five delegations presented to Oxford County council during its Nov. 22 meeting before the road improvements were approved.

Heidi Yantzi Bailey, who grew up on a multi-generation family farm just west of the curve, made an emotional plea to council for more safety measures.

“I go through the curves several times a day. I am your traffic study. I am here to advocate for speed reductions, better safety measures and for … a roundabout,” she said.

Despite not being part of council’s plan, Bailey made a case for reduced speeds throughout the Punkeydoodles area.

“The rest of the time, traffic is racing through there,” she said. “The answer is not to keep it fast. Slow it all down. Most of us are brutally aware of the potential dangers, and I believe most drivers would be willing to accept a speed reduction.

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“Now, we need councils to do what is required to make that happen.”

Bailey also suggested a community safety zone, which carries increased fines for speeders, could be implemented to force drivers to slow down, along with other measures.

“Warning signs on the road, such as slow down and curve ahead. More work can be done to improve the roads and our lives,” Bailey said.

County staff and a consultant previously agreed – based on a 20-year study – that a roundabout in the hamlet was not warranted, but Gross said that doesn’t mean it will never happen.

“That’s not to say traffic patterns won’t change in that time frame. We will continue to monitor the performance there after we make those improvements,” Gross said.

He also explained the resolution at Oxford County council was amended to include that staff explore further refinements with Perth County, Wilmot and the Region of Waterloo.

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While some area residents shared concerns the involved municipalities previously had minimal contact concerning the traffic issues in the hamlet, Gross said that wasn’t the case.

“We need to work together on this, and I wouldn’t say it hasn’t been happening,” he said. “When there are boundary roads, we are continuously working together to make improvements. They can be driven by either road authority. In the case of Punkeydoodles, it’s more than two municipalities; it’s four that have a stake in it.”

Bailey extended an open invitation to councilors and staff to spend some time in the area.

“Share the anxiety of turning into our lanes and the panic and dread with every squealing of brakes. Stand with us in our yards, hear the noise, observe how terrifying it is to get to our mailboxes,” she said. “Imagine sending your kids down these roads to school or work, experience being in a tractor pulling an implement from Oxford 5 onto the curve.”

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She suggested the measurements and statistics don’t tell the entire story and pleaded with advisors to keep working on safety improvements.

“We’ve got to do better at finding a unique solution. We’ve got to work harder and work together. Help us get our speed reduction and our traffic-calming features,” she said.

Gross said he’s pleased the project is moving forward.

“We are looking forward to getting approval from the other municipalities and then we will proceed with design and construction in 2024,” he said.

The work is expected to cost in the range of $1 million and will be shared by three municipalities. It’s expected the plan will be approved in December during Oxford County budget deliberations and go out for tender in the new year.

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