Downtown traffic visibility at Main and Paget concerns Sundridge town council
Sundridge town council is trying to resolve a traffic visibility issue on two fronts at one of its busier downtown intersections.
The problem site is Main and Paget streets, and the issue arises for the Paget Street motorists coming onto Paget from Highway 124 or approaching Main Street from the waterfront side.
“It's a very difficult intersection to get through,” said Councillor Jim MacLachlan.
Motorists on Paget Street face stop signs before they enter Main Street, but MacLachlan says it's very difficult for them to see the Main Street traffic, and they must move forward very slowly to get a better view of that oncoming traffic.
What makes it hard to see the approaching traffic is the vehicles parked on Main.
The parking spaces on Main are very close to the Paget Street intersection, and they block a driver's view of the oncoming traffic on Main.
MacLachlan suggested putting up four way stop signs at the site.
He says this way, the Paget Street traffic can more easily see the trucks and cars on Main Street since everyone will have to stop, “and you'd be more confident about making that turn”.
MacLachlan also asked if removing some of the parking slots close to Paget Street was viable.
However this was dismissed as an option because it takes away valuable parking for the downtown patrons.
Paget Street motorists coming from the waterfront side face an additional issue.
Not only do the parking spaces on this side of Main obscure their visibility, the Canadian Mental Health Association building is so close to Paget Street that it's difficult to see pedestrians walking on the sidewalk.
In fact, a 'Watch for Pedestrians' sign is in place to remind drivers of this issue.
Motorists on Paget have to inch their way forward in order not to hit anyone walking and then they still face visibility issues with the approaching motor vehicle traffic on Main.
Mayor Justine Leveque asked if strategically placed raised mirrors would resolve the visibility issue.
Leveque says the mirrors would be large enough so that the stopped drivers on Paget Street could get their visibility cues of the Main Street traffic that's reflected in the mirrors.
The village's superintendent notes that despite the visibility question at the intersection, there has never been a collision at the site.
This fact notwithstanding, the Mayor told her colleagues it remains a matter that council may have to address with the superintendent.
Rocco Frangione, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The North Bay Nugget
