Puslinch Public Works Superintendent Jim Howlett says there is no evidence to support the closure of Concession 1 at Highway 6, south of Morriston.
The township’s Community Oriented Policing (COP) committee had suggested the closure, due to perceived safety concerns with the intersection.
Particularly, the committee is worried about northbound vehicles trying to turn left on Concession 1 because the turn is “very close” after a railway bridge. But Howlett said he does not understand the concern.
“If a car’s stopped there [waiting to turn left], there is no reason why you can’t see it,” he said, noting there is nearly half a kilometre of clear sight lines prior to the turn.
Between 2004 and 2006, when the Highway 6 bridge was completed, there were two accidents at the intersection, Howlett told council. Since 2006, there has been just one accident there, he said.
Howlett estimated 95% of the accidents in the area are a result of traffic headed for Bryan’s Farm and Industrial Supply, at 4062 Highway 6, which holds regular sales that are very popular.
He suggested the business be asked to relocate its entrance to Concession 1 and traffic be diverted there by signs. But councillors seemed to be divided on that proposal.
Mayor Brad Whitcombe said the Highway 6 bypass is the “ultimate solution” to any problems at Concession 1 and at Bryan’s Farm and Industrial Supply, but he was not convinced moving the Bryan’s entrance in the meantime is a good idea.
“It could create a whole new set of problems,” he said, adding that diverting heavy traffic onto a township road would likely not be popular with local residents.
However, councillor Dick Visser likes the suggestion.
“That might be a good solution,” Visser said. “It might help to take some of the pressure off until the bypass is completed.”
Whitcombe said perhaps staff could work with Bryan’s to develop a solution. The rest of council agreed and also confirmed there is no need to close Concession 1 at Highway 6.
