Immediately following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Highway 20, on Monday, November 21, 2016, a construction error was discovered. Staff have promptly responded with short-term measures and the contractor is scheduled to return for permanent repairs as soon as possible.
At this time, the area should be treated as a construction zone. Once repaired, motorists can be reassured that the final design —which was based on the 2015 pilot project— will allow for safe vehicular access, including school buses, emergency vehicles, snow plows and garbage trucks.
Background Information
- In 2013 the Town of Pelham received an official petition from residents living on Haist Street north of Highway 20 requesting that the Town look into their concerns regarding speeding in the area. The Town organized a committee, which included two members of the neighbourhood.
- A traffic study identified that many motorists were speeding and there was cause for significant concern.
- In response to the investigation, the Town implemented the following traffic calming measures:
- Lane width reductions by using pavement markings.
- Creating bicycle lanes as part of the lane width reductions.
- Creation of a Community Safety Zone which doubles fines and penalties for drivers exceeding the speed limit within the prescribed zone.
- Despite the implementation of these measures, additional complaints about speeding in the area continued over the following years. A second traffic study identified that speeding was still a concern.
- In 2015, staff evaluated potential traffic calming options using industry best practices. Staff identified the chicane as the most viable option based on various criteria including effectiveness, maintenance, emergency access, costs, aesthetics, noise and many other factors.
- In the Fall of 2015, staff implemented a temporary, pilot chicane along Haist Street and monitored in real-time its impact on speeding. The results showed a significant decrease in the percentage of vehicles that exceeded the speed limit with no access limitations for the public or emergency services. Upon this successful trial staff began designing a permanent chicane.
- On March 31, 2016, a public open house allowed local residents an opportunity to view the design and ask questions about the chicane and its implementation. Based on resident feedback minor modifications were made to the design.
- The project was tendered and construction began in November.
- Line paint marking will follow once the necessary repairs have been completed.
For more information, please contact:
Darren Ottaway, CAO
905-892-2607 ext. 318
Andrea Clemencio, Director of Public Works
905-892-2607 ext. 313
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