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Temporary speed humps aimed at calming traffic


By Angela Gismondi

Traffic calming measures will be implemented in residential areas in Nobleton and King City.
The engineering and public works department report on the 2013 Traffic Calming Program was presented at the April 22 committee of the whole meeting.
In the report, staff recommend the installation of temporary speed humps on a trial basis in the areas of Hill Farm Road, Nobleton; Burton Grove, Patricia Drive and Warren Road in King City.
The purpose of the report was to provide council with an update as to the traffic calming petitions received by residents living in the affected neighbourhoods in Nobleton and King City. As a result of the residents' concerns, staff suggested the Township install temporary speed humps in both petition areas on a trial basis. Staff recommended purchasing up to 34 temporary rubber speed humps at a cost of $40,000. Staff propose that the temporary speed humps remain in place until the end of October and be removed during the winter months to allow for road maintenance, then be re-installed in May of 2014.
Residents from Nobleton came forward at the meeting to voice their concerns that the proposed traffic calming measures will not be enough to slow down drivers who speed through their subdivision every day.
“This is not the outcome we were expecting as a result of our petition,” said Anna Marie Burlon. “The speed of the people travelling on the road is a clear indication of the need for permanent speed humps. I don't like speed humps but I would like one in front of my house.”
The increase in traffic in the existing subdivision is a result of the new development in the area.
“This does not make for a good situation with the new neighbours,” she said.
She pointed out that Hill Farm Road includes a school zone and people need to slow down. She added that cars are even being passed as they are trying to turn into a driveway.
“These incidents are taking place on a frequent basis. It's very dangerous and it's of great concern.”
Local resident Claude Brim explained to council that 500 feet east of his house there is a small curve in the road which makes entering and exiting his driveway dangerous.
“The traffic comes so fast that I can't even get out of my driveway,” said Brimm.
The new subdivision has caused the traffic on Hill Farm Road to increase significantly, he added. He asked that stop signs be installed as a further traffic calming measure.
Local councillor Peter Grandilli agreed stop signs need to be put installed in the neighbourhood, preferably on Hill Farm Road, at Kaake Road and Lynnwood Crescent. He was also concerned about removing the temporary speed humps in the winter.
“I can see what's going to happen here – the minute we remove these in the winter time, I'm going to get 20 phone calls a day,” said Grandilli.
Councillors agreed that something needs to be done before something happens.
“We want to get it done as soon as possible, there is a fair bit of urgency with this,” said Councillor Cleve Mortelliti.
Mayor Steve Pellegrini said he would like to see two stop signs installed along Hill Farm Road – one at Lynnwood Crescent and the other at Goodfellow Crescent/Kaake Road. He added he would like the issue to come back before council just before the speed humps are removed.
“I drive that street enough,” Pellegrini said. “I'm one of those guys people are flying by when I'm trying to find a driveway.”
The temporary speed humps are expected to be installed by the beginning of June. Staff plans monitor the installations to determine the community acceptance of the speed humps, and the effects they have on overall speeds.
Councillor Linda Pabst didn't see how this would help.
“Another year of monitoring is not going to make the problem go away,” said Pabst.
Rob Flindall, the township's director of engineering and public works, explained that over the next 12 to 18 months the developer of the neighbouring Noble Ridge subdivision in Nobleton will be required to complete the next phase of monitoring of traffic speeds and volumes on Hill Farm Road and Greenside Drive in Nobleton. The results of this monitoring will inform the need to implement permanent traffic calming as per the subdivision agreement.
“There is a strategy behind it,” said Flindall. “If you want the developer to pay for it you have to follow the process.”
Excerpt: Traffic calming measures will be implemented in residential areas in Nobleton and King City.
Post date: 2013-05-01 09:11:29
Post date GMT: 2013-05-01 13:11:29
Post modified date: 2013-05-07 16:29:29
Post modified date GMT: 2013-05-07 20:29:29
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