Pedestrians walking northbound on Muskoka Road 3 will soon have a safer location to do so.
The Town of Huntsville plans to create a shared pedestrian pathway on the west side of Muskoka Road 3 North from Frank Miller Drive near the hospital to Homestead Lane in the Settlers Ridge subdivision which will connect with the existing sidewalks in the residential developments.
The pathway will use the existing two-metre-wide paved shoulder, separated from the traffic lane by a rumble strip, and is intended for both pedestrians and cyclists.
The idea was presented to councillors at the July 25 General Committee meeting after staff were directed to look at options to connect the sidewalks in subdivisions along Muskoka Road 3 with the town core.
Staff considered three options: installation of a traditional concrete sidewalk separated from the road with a curb; installation of a trail within the road allowance behind the roadway ditch; and widening the shoulder to accommodate a shared pedestrian pathway.
Using the existing shoulder was deemed the most cost-effective way to install a pedestrian pathway.
“In order to create a clear delineation between the vehicle and pedestrian travel areas, a 20 cm wide rumble strip and a 10 cm solid white line would be installed along with shoulder markings and appropriate signage,” noted the staff report.
The shared pedestrian pathway on Muskoka Road 3 will be similar to what exists now on Hanes Road
Muskoka Road 3 is owned and maintained by the District of Muskoka and the speed limit in the proposed section was recently reduced from 60 km/hr to 50 km/hr (40 km/hr in the school zone beside Spruce Glen Public School). Director of Operations and Protective Services, Steve Hernen, noted that the District could review the installation of a concrete sidewalk or separate trail when a major rebuild of the road is done, but that’s not expected for more than 10 years.
Committee passed the resolution unanimously.
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A quick micro fix in the short term. Let’s expand this all the way to Arrowhead turnoff sooner rather than 10 years from now. This is a dangerous pedestrian/cycling route & seems vehicles are travelling faster than 50 km/h since its been reduced from 60 km/h. Being more progressive.
I can’t add too much to Mr. Cassie’s insightful comments, but when has that ever stopped me in the past? I only have 3 small reservations: although the pedestrians are facing traffic; so unfortunately are the cyclists; and any shared space between pedestrians and cyclists is inherently dangerous. Finally, in very rare instances, the ripple strip surprises drivers; and could send them toward the pathway, instead of away. Alternatives (New Jersey Barrier, steel beam guiderail, and handrail), however, are cost-prohibitive.
Hats off to the Town of Huntsville and to staff involved in the decision to install a Pedestrian Pathway along Muskoka Road 3 North! The pedestrian traffic along this corridor has increased exponentially during the past five years and the current pedestrian passage is both narrow and dangerous in too many places. The natural movement of sand and dirt from the paved road encroaches on to the designated walk area and it affects the trail width. The rumble strip will add another level of pedestrian safety, especially where the road and path ply what seems to be a rather narrow corridor. Steven Hernen has it right in stating the proposed Walking Path is an economically responsible solution that is possible NOW and that can be revisited in subsequent years. Meanwhile, the new Pathway will increase pedestrian flow and pedestrian safety. This community-minded thinking is what is making Huntsville the Town where everyone wishes to live.