South end traffic study okayed by council

LEAMINGTON — A traffic study of the Erie South, Oak, Sherk and Seacliff area has been completed and Leamington Council heard recommendations for the area at the April 12 council meeting.

The study was undertaken by McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers to identify transportation-related issues and opportunities throughout the study area and recommend a set of practical solutions that adhere to local and provincial guiding principles.

According to the study, growth and development are projected to continue in the area through 2031 and it is important to recognize active transportation gaps within the area.

Two public engagement virtual events were held, with the first one in January 2021 and the second in September 2021.

The installation of bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, as well as connecting the multi-use paths from east to west, were major players in the planning recommendations.

The study involved three scenarios: Do Nothing, Road Diet and Ultimate Condition.

With the Do Nothing scenario, there would be no future changes to the existing network of traffic and pathways. The Road Diet scenario would call for a reduction of Erie Street to three lanes from four, with the addition of curbside bicycle lanes. The Ultimate Condition would encompass inter-parcel connections between various blocks, no lane reductions and adjustments to signal timings.

The study concluded that the Do Nothing and Road Diet scenarios were not feasible options for implementation, settling on the Ultimate Condition solution as the recommendation going forward.

That portion of the study pinpointed about 21 areas which to improve connectivity in accordance with Leamington’s Active Transportation Plan — including a pedestrian connection between the County Fair Mall and Canadian Tire across Pulford Avenue and a vehicle connection between Canadian Tire and Walmart.

Another recommendation calls for a roadway to be installed between Walmart/Food Basics parking lot and Seacliff Drive to alleviate traffic on Erie Street South.

A traffic signal is also part of the recommendation at Ellison and Sherk.

Councillor John Hammond thought the comprehensive report was very promising.

“How long before we get 80-90 per cent of these changes made?” he asked.

Leamington’s Engineering Project Manager Alex Del Brocco indicated that some of the plans were already in the works, especially with a sewer separation project planned for 2023.

Councillor Tim Wilkinson was anxious to see some of the new connections take place, such as the multi-use pathways.

“Some of these are priorities, like interconnecting Canadian Tire to Seacliff Drive and Westmoreland to Maxon,” he said.

Council voted to receive and adopt the traffic study report, and to approve in principle, as the basis for future infrastructure improvement, property acquisition, road sidewalk, trail and cycling facilities and traffic operations in the study area.

The recommendation was approved unanimously.