Roundabout discussion
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An MTO report on replacing the intersection at Highway #3 and Vienna Road with a roundabout generated considerable discussion around council chambers during Monday’s open meeting.
“We would be looking at this year or next in terms of construction,” said Director of Operations Steve Lund, in response to a question from council.
Lund’s report, presented to council as information, indicated the MTO is planning improvements to a variety of intersections in the province over the next few years, including that at Highway #3 and Vienna Road. Town engineering staff has been part of an EA steering committee and have reviewed the proposed options, including what Lund’s report identified as the ‘preferred option,’ construction of a roundabout to replace the current traffic signals.
Roundabouts have been implemented in a number of communities throughout Ontario, stated the report, and are seen to have major benefits including the reduction of serious right angle, left turn and head on collisions, increased fuel efficiency, reduced traffic delays and lower maintenance costs.
As part of the process, a public information meeting was hosted at the Tillsonburg Public Library October 25, 2012.
In an attached letter dated January 11, 2013, Consultant Project Manager Dan Green stated information collected during the screening process indicated no significant adverse environmental effects had arisen, and as a result, the MTO is proposing placing Group C status on the project. This essentially means a transportation environmental study report will not be required, nor will future public notices. The letter did welcome Town of Tillsonburg input on this status, including the opportunity to request retaining Group B classification (by February 15, 2013). Failing objections, Class C status will be implemented on that date.
Deputy Mayor Mark Renaud opened discussion, expressing concern that the intersection in question represents a hub both for industry and as the gateway to Project Ojibwa.
“I find that problematic.”
There are existing roundabouts in Oxford County Councillor Marty Klein conceded, including the one north of Woodstock.
“(But) that’s not a provincial highway and they don’t have the level of traffic Highway #3 does.”
He expressed concern the presence of the Siemens wind turbine blade factory just west of the intersection underlines the needs of industry for proper transportation facilities.
Designs can take any requirements into account, responded Lund.
“They can make the roundabout truck and wind blade transport friendly.”
Klein reiterated his concerns about the volume of traffic on Highway #3, based on his belief some truckers use it as an alternative to Highway #401, and the potential for a negative effect on flow posed by a roundabout.
“I live on the highway and east-west traffic is heavy,” he said, wondering aloud if the move was a mistake. “This is one busy highway.”
Klein asked Lund if industry representatives would have the opportunity for input during the process?
They do, Lund responded, and if concerns exist, they can be presented to the consultant.
“And the sooner the better.”
Mayor John Lessif stated there were three roundabouts in Oxford, adding the first one had proven to have issues for transport trucks.
“I assume there has been some learning,” he added, a statement applying not just to Oxford, but provincially.
Deputy Mayor Renaud suggested traffic through roundabouts can be complicated, an equation including bikes, pedestrians and wind turbine blades.
“They need to get it right the first time.”
Councillor Brian Stephenson interjected that he had attended the public meeting at the library, and was impressed by the quality of the presentation.
“They did a pretty thorough job on the five options.”
Earlier in the discussion, Mayor Lessif had suggested inviting the consultant to council, based on the potential impact to Tillsonburg.
“Can we do that Mr. Lund?” he inquired.
“I will take the request to the MTO,” the Director of Operations responded at the time.