Town may revisit traffic light issue

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

The Town of Middleton is revisiting the idea of installing traffic lights at the intersection of Main and Commercial streets.

Mayor Calvin Eddy told councillors during the last meeting of the Committee of the Whole, that it could be time for the town to reconsider traffic lights to ensure pedestrian safety and regulate traffic flow at the main intersection.

“This issue has come up on numerous occasions over several years,” he said. “A study was conducted in August 2005, and the consultants concluded that traffic lights weren’t needed at that time.”

Mayor Eddy added that recent concerns about safety at the intersection were brought forward during a police panel meeting, and were also echoed in a petition that was signed by several hundred people.

The 2005 study, conducted by CBCL Ltd., didn’t consider future development in the town or an increased traffic flow.

It concluded that while traffic lights would likely benefit pedestrians and motorists, the biggest drawback would be the cost of nearly $200,000.

The mayor added that the study ‘left the door open’ for the future, and that now is a good time to put the topic back on the table for discussion as lights may be a necessary provision for the new nursing home that is likely to bring increased traffic to town in 2009.

RCMP Corporal David Fraser told council that from a policing perspective, the safety at the intersection is already troubling.

“I think it’s just a matter of time before someone is struck and killed at that intersection,” he said. “One thing can be addressed right now -- there needs to be an increased visibility of crosswalks.”

Overall the other councillors seemed to agree that it was time to explore the feasibility of installing traffic lights at the intersection.

Councillor Marc Britney pointed out that Main Street is a part of the old provincial highway and therefore the town should first do some homework to determine if the province has regulations in place that could affect the process of installing traffic lights.

It’s also possible that other sources of funding are available to help offset costs to the town, he said.

Councillor Lorne Brown pointed out that at least half of the people who signed the petition were from outside the town and that perhaps the county and the province have a responsibility to contribute to the cost of the lights.

Councillor Brian Neville said that he agreed that ensuring safety is a priority, but there may be less expensive ways of achieving it.

He added that the town should explore other means of protecting pedestrians, like a lighted crosswalk sign across the intersection.

Jemma Lambert, chief administrative officer, said that safety at the intersection is the most consistent concern that people have expressed to her since she began working for the town.

“I think we have to be very careful about the perception of safety, it’s a double edged sword,” she said. “How many people have been struck at crosswalks in Halifax when they thought they were safe?”

She added that unless there is a visible mechanism in place to force motorists to stop, pedestrians are not protected from oncoming traffic.

The 2005 traffic study is available to view online at the town website < www.discovermiddleton.ca>