MIDDLESEX COUNTY – A notice of motion about the installation of new traffic signals sparked a few discussions and amendments but ultimately led to the approval of new lights at a few intersections in Middlesex County.
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Originally, county council was considering signals at the intersections of Elginfield Road and Denfield Road, Longwoods Road and Carriage Road, Dundas Street and Nissouri Road, and Glendon Drive and Melbourne Road as part of its 2024 capital budget. During the mid-December meeting, though, Coun. Colin Grantham proposed an amendment that added signals at the intersection of County Road 14 and County Road 9. This addition to the original motion was directed to the county engineer for further consideration and potential capital improvements.
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After Grantham’s amendment carried, a subsequent vote was successfully called to finalize the amended motion.
Chris Traini, the county engineer, earlier emphasized in his report on the installations that traffic signals do not necessarily improve safety unless specific warrants, such as meeting volume and delay criteria, are met. Traini noted that none of the reviewed intersections came close to warranting signals based on pedestrian volumes or collision hazards.
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Traini highlighted intersections with notable traffic growth, such as Elginfield Road and Denfield Road, where delays during peak hours justified the installation of traffic signals. Longwoods Road and Carriage Road, along with Dundas Street and Nissouri Road, were also recommended for traffic signal installation due to meeting or exceeding the warrants.
However, intersections like Longwoods Road and Melbourne Road, along with Adelaide Road and Parkhouse Drive, did not meet the required warrants for signal installation based on traffic volumes. Traini emphasized the need for a cautious approach, stating that installing signals where unwarranted could potentially increase the severity and frequency of collisions.
Council’s support of the installations aligns with the county’s strategic focus on connecting through infrastructure and ensuring communities are built on a sustainable foundation. Council members also addressed concerns about the amendment, clarifying that additional assessments and engineering improvements for specific intersections would be included in the 2024 capital program.
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