Tara Jeffrey
Changes designed to make speedy drivers slow down are coming to three major north-end roads this year.
Indian Road will see the biggest alteration, with its current four lanes reconfigured into a single through lane in each direction, between Michigan Avenue and Lakeshore Road.
The “road diet” approved by council will create dedicated lanes for parking and cyclists and result in improved safety and reduced speeds, city staff say.
Meanwhile, the intersection of Indian at Errol Road is getting both permanent curb “bump outs” and a set of traffic lights.
The corner, the only one in Sarnia staffed with two crossing guards, has been a concern for years because of its unusual width and difficult turn angle. It’s the first in Sarnia to receive an ‘unwarranted’ traffic signal, based on traffic volume.
“Because it’s right by (Errol Road) school, our goal will be to do that construction work during the summer when school is out,” said David Jackson, general manager of engineering and operations.
Further to the north, Indian at Cathcart Boulevard will be reconfigured into a mini-roundabout.
Meanwhile, the intersection of Cathcart and Murphy Road is also getting curb bump outs and traffic lights, with designated travel and parking lanes added to Cathcart.
Work on the two Cathcart Boulevard intersections is expected to begin this fall.
“It’s relatively ambitious to get the design and construction completed within a one year timeframe,” said Jackson.
“But that’s what we’re working towards and hoping to achieve.”
Colborne Road was among the first to get a “road diet” and bike lanes. Early data show an overall reduction in traffic accidents, including at the Colborne-Michigan Avenue intersection, long ranked among the top five for collisions, city staff says.