Once the street lights are up and running, the four-way stop at Hanes and Centre Street North will be eliminated.
Work crews said they were waiting for Hydro One to power the lights. It was not clear when that would happen.
Council received a report in January 2022 from Brandon Hall, Civil Engineering Technologist. In his report, Hall states that intersection improvements and traffic lights are expected to cost $600,000 as per a study conducted by Sanford Investments, the developers of Paisley Centre.
According to Hall’s report, the cost-sharing is as follows:
- $ 300,000.00 from Huntsville Development Charges;
- $ 200,000.00 from Huntsville’s Capital budget. Hall stated the funds have already been allocated in the 2022 budget, so there will be no change to the current approved budget.
- $ 100,000.00 will be contributed by Sanford Investments, developers of Paisley Centre and donors of lands on which the new Fairvern Nursing Home will be located;
- Total = $ 600,000
You can find the full staff report regarding improvements to the intersection here (pdf).
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Alan Perry says
Nice ! Maybe a year to late after I’ve been in an accident at that corner and am still dealing with charges that I’m innocent of. Just a bad intersection that has been made worse by the down town being detoured and even worse during the summer months. Just neglect for the safety of everyone by this town to make a safe intersection. Thanks town of Huntsville ????
Paul Hilton says
Wonder if the town considered a traffic circle. Much safer and traffic keeps moving.
Paul Johnston says
Council needs to start thinking about roundabouts otherwise we will start looking like Barrie. Maybe Council should speak to Collingwood for advice.
Sandy McLennan says
“expected to cost $600,000” or confirmed to cost that much? What would a roundabout cost in comparison, including ongoing maintenance and electricity? The only reason I read (and understand) why a traffic circle would not be a better idea is they are harder to cross for pedestrians. This is the best location I’ve seen for a roundabout and wonder what it would take to get Huntsville to consider one anywhere. They are certainly the future and are being used commonly elsewhere. Hello, Paul Hilton!
Erin Jones says
I think that if one looks at the accident rate and the history of roundabouts, it would discourage their proliferation. Most drivers do not know how to negotiate roundabouts and they don’t make much sense at all for low-traffic areas ( and there are NO areas in Muskoka that could be termed “high-traffic” areas–nothing at all like a major city). They are particularly dangerous for pedestrians and slow-moving bicyclists (or those on small motorized disability vehicles) unable to keep up with the traffic-flow.
Ian McTavish says
According to a 2000 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety roundabouts reduced the overall number of collisions by 35 per cent, the number of injuries from collisions by 76 per cent, and the number of fatalities by 90 per cent.
Erin Jones says
Hi Ian,
Since most roundabouts are placed in high-traffic areas of large cities, it is easy to see why the stats are skewed in that direction. But that doesn’t mean that roundabouts will not cause problems in low-traffic areas–making them not worth the investment in addition to causing problems for pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles. Since the Centre Street north and Hanes Road intersection will likely be frequented by a lot of pedestrians and slow-moving disability vehicles (because of the proposed building of additional senior residences in close proximity), a definite “stop and go” along with pedestrian crossing signs will be needed much more than a roundabout, IMO.
Erin Jones says
As an additional thought, while we are on the subject of the Centre Street north and Hanes Rd. intersection, encouraging pedestrian traffic and safety likely needs to be a priority, considering the new shopping development on Centre Street, just south of the intersection. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossing signs would greatly facilitate pedestrian traffic in the area (and for the health and safety of area residents, we do want to do that, don’t we?) A bike path in the area would be wonderful as well. As Huntsville develops–it undoubtedly will–encouraging pedestrians in the more densely populated areas (as opposed to the rural areas) will be an important part of making Huntsville a “liveable” municipality for all–children and oldsters included.
Robert Graziano says
Sounds good. Now if we can only drivers to obey the light signals. Crossing King William St.with a green light means nothing in this Town.Drivers continue to speed through their red light.And while I am ranting please so down on Cann St. It is not a race track. People live (with regret) here!