By Staff
June 26th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
With the downtown area now open for all kinds of new sidewalk patios – the tussle between cars and people might get a little tense.
The city has made some adjustments to parking and use of the sidewalks – there may be changes and there may be more.
Sidewalk sections, some on-street parking has been closed: specifically areas of Brant Street, John Street and Lakeshore Road in Downtown Burlington
John Street – looking north from Lakeshore
Some on-street parking and one traffic lane on Lakeshore Road has been closed to accommodate downtown physical distancing on:
Brant Street – west side from Wendell Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar, 380 Brant St. to Pine Street
John Street – east side from Lakeshore Road to Pine Street
Lakeshore Road – north side from Elizabeth Street to Locust Street
A new pedestrian walkway has been created on the roadway in these areas and sidewalk traffic is being redirected to the walkway. The walkways include ramps at each entry/exit point to accommodate accessibility.
On-street parking on John Street and Brant Street has been removed and one westbound travel lane on Lakeshore Road in the areas where the sidewalk patios are being installed.
On June 28th I sent this as an email to all Councilors. Councillor Kearns replied advising it had been forwarded to Traffic Operations. No feedback yet !
“It is great that the City is installing a rainbow crosswalk and is providing more space for pedestrians in the Brant Street and Lakeshore Road area. However a serious look should be given to the Lakeshore Road and Brant Street intersection where vehicles and pedestrians come together in a very dangerous way.
Here’s the current situation:-
If driving West along Lakeshore Road and you wish to turn right, north, up Brant Street, and your traffic signal is green, you are unlikely to be able to make a right turn due to pedestrians crossing east/west and west/east across Brant Street. Say, the light then turns red against you but you wish to take advantage of “right on red”, you’re likely unable to be able to do so because pedestrians are crossing Lakeshore Road in front of you, north/south and vice versa.
Now consider should you be driving south on Brant Street and wish to turn either east or west on to Lakeshore Road. When the light is green in your favour you are probably unlikely to be able to do so. That is because pedestrians likely will be crossing Lakeshore Road both on the east side and west side of Brant Street.
So as you can see the situation is one where both vehicular traffic doesn’t move pedestrians vying with cars for space when really the two should be separated.
It is great that the city is looking at
It is great providing more space for pedestrians. However a serious look should be given to the Lakeshore Road and Brant Street intersection where vehicles and pedestrians come together in a very dangerous way.
Here’s the current situation:-
If driving West along Lakeshore Road and you wish to turn right, north, up Brant Street, and your traffic signal is green, you are unlikely to be able to make a right turn you to pedestrians Crossing east/west and west/east across Brant Street. Say, the light then turns red against you and you wish to take advantage of right on red you’re likely unable to be able to do so because of pedestrians crossing Lakeshore Road in front of you, north/south and vice versa.
Now consider should you be driving South on Brant Street and wish to turn either east or west on to Lakeshore Road when the light is green in your favour you are probably unlikely to be able to do so. That is because pedestrians will be Crossing Lakeshore Road both on the east side and west side of front Street.
So as you can see the situation is really poor. One where traffic and pedestrians are vying for the same space, when really the two should be separated.
Would it not make more sense to (1) have the traffic going east and west along Lakeshore Road have it’s time to move when both south bound traffic on Brant Street and pedestrians are halted. (2) Then halt pedestrians and traffic on Lakeshore (both directions) allowing traffic south bound on front Street to be able to turn East or West without obstacle. (3) then with all vehicular traffic halted it is time for the pedestrians to be able to move in any which direction they like, even diagonally across the intersection if they wish. (4) Then the cycle starts over.
This plan allows for pedestrians and vehicles to move freely without obstruction and more importantly without frustration and in safety.
The unregulated, unmarked crosswalk at Lakeshore Road and Locust Street adds to the chaos and confusion. It should be regulated in step with the traffic signals at Lakeshore Road and Brant Street.
Come on counsellors get this mess of an intersection sorted out.”
Did I read in the Gazette somewhere that the rainbow crossing dist the City $10,000 ? How can that be ? I should get into the rainbow crossing painting business !!