A Smiths Falls intersection has a higher-than-expected collision history, with several crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians.
The findings are part of a study of the Beckwith Street, Lombard Street, Brockville Street and Jasper Avenue intersection.
Elements Engineering’s Thomas Gryz says their report uncovered the most common types of collisons.
The study identified 21 intersection-related collisions, along with two driveway-related crashes.
Gryz also noted that vulnerable road users were involved in several incidents.
Gryz said police reports indicated cyclists were sometimes using pedestrian infrastructure, which could mean drivers were not expecting to encounter cyclists in those areas.
The study also identified sightline problems for drivers approaching the southbound right-turn channel, with brush and the bridge parapet wall obstructing views.
The findings helped shape a technically preferred redesign focused on accessibility, pedestrian safety, active transportation and overall traffic operations.
A key part of the proposal is removing the existing southbound channelized right-turn lane.
The intersection would instead be reshaped to better accommodate pedestrian crossings, accessibility requirements and people using active transportation, while maintaining acceptable traffic operations.
The design was evaluated against several factors, including collision history, traffic movements, pedestrian and cycling needs, truck turning requirements, constructability and the intersection’s long-term function.
Town staff and the engineering consultants also reviewed the proposal with the Ministry of Transportation. Ministry representatives indicated preliminary support, although a formal review will happen during detailed design.
The Smiths Falls Accessibility Advisory Committee also supported the preferred alternative after reviewing the findings on Sept. 30.
Council has now endorsed the technically preferred alternative, but has not approved construction of the redesign.
The resolution directs staff to ask TSI Inc. to prepare a change order request outlining the engineering work and costs needed to take the preferred design to the detailed-design stage.
That proposal will come back to council for consideration before the additional engineering work proceeds.
The broader bridge and intersection project has an approved budget of $7.35 million, funded 90 per cent through the Ministry of Transportation’s Connecting Links program and 10 per cent by the town.
