The Point Edward OPP Detachment Board is urging the province to hold off on plans to raise the speed limit on a stretch of Highway 402, near the Blue Water Bridge, until a thorough safety assessment is conducted.
The Ford government revealed intentions to boost the speed limit to 110 kilometres per hour from Waterworks Road to 350 metres east of Colborne Road in Sarnia, starting July 31.
Board Chair Greg Grimes expressed that they think this decision overlooks the special features of this area, which differs from an ordinary rural highway.
“It’s a very busy section of Highway 402. We felt like we were making some headway with some of the improvements.. enhanced signage, better use of the overhead signs, no trucks in the left lane, and the speed limit reduction, and felt that it was becoming a safer corridor for both passenger vehicles and commercial,” he said. “The announcement that they were increasing the speed limit in that section of the highway felt like a step backwards.”
Grimes pointed out there have been numerous incidents reported along this part of the highway over the last decade. In 2023, a crash near Modeland Road resulted in two fatalities.
“One collision is one too many,” he said.
In his view, maintaining a gradual speed reduction as drivers approach the international crossing works effectively.
“It’s alerting drivers as they go from 110 km/hr to 100 km/hr that you’re in a more congested or built-up area, and there may be hazards ahead when it drops to 70 km/hr.,” he said. “To go from 110 km/hr to 70 km/hr is a big jump in a short period of time.”
He also noted that drivers often get distracted while approaching the Blue Water Bridge as they search for their passports and wallets while navigating around commercial trucks, highlighting why it’s crucial to slow down.
“The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop, the longer it takes to react, and the seriousness of a collision increases,” he said.
In a letter sent Monday to Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, the board requested that implementation be postponed; keep current speed limits until an extensive review can be done; and meet with representatives from both Point Edward Village and local emergency services partners to discuss concerns.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey along with members from Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, Sarnia Police Service Board, Village of Point Edward officials, and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley received copies of this email.
Bradley has also shared his worries regarding raising the speed limit.
Update: On Tuesday Bradley wrote another letter to Minister Sarkaria asking for an evaluation of current lane design and traffic management along Highway 402 in Sarnia.
“In particular, we recommend consideration of reducing westbound speed limits for commercial vehicles starting at Mandaumin Road interchange,” Bradley mentioned in his letter. “As trucks are already required to slow down and queue for border crossing, lower speeds would not affect crossing times while enhancing overall safety.”
The letter further stated that city officials are committed to collaborating with provincial authorities in finding solutions that improve safety while facilitating goods movement.
Source link
Source link
