THUNDER BAY -- Drivers with a heavy foot might be forced to lower their speed in the city's northside.
In an attempt to improve traffic safety, city council will address a motion to decrease the speed limit on a nearly two kilometre stretch of Dawson Road just west of Highway 11/17.
According to a recommendation from city administration, Dawson Road's speed limit from Paquette to Hilldale Road is too fast for comfort. The section currently permits speeds up to 60 kilometres per hour.
Should the latest motion be ratified by council on Jan. 13, it will drop to 50.
"This is a tool that we have that we can ensure safety for the residents there,” said Coun. Albert Aiello.
City staff could think of a number of reasons to slow the speed of traffic in that particular area.
The city's director of engineering Kayla Dixon said a recent traffic study shows an increase in collisions on Dawson Road.
She added that there have been number of concerns from area residents as well as members of council. One of whom being Aiello, who shared his own experience.
"Personally, I've almost been clipped there," he said.
Aiello believes that stretch of roadway is different from other city streets due to the high volume of large transport vehicles.
He added the drop in speed will make a noticeable difference for trucks that require more space and time to slow down without impacting regular residential driving.
"You're looking at 10-15 seconds of a longer drive, but for the transports with their heavy loads it’s a significant reduction. Ten kilometres will help those trucks stop sooner."
When asked if the proposed truck route by-law, which would direct transport traffic onto Highway 11/17 played any kind of role, Aiello said, he doesn't know if it played a factor, but it's definitely in the back of their minds.
If the motion for Dawson Road is passed by council, new signs could be posted and the speed limit adjusted in as soon as one month.
(TBT News)
