While he says it’s likely unnecessary, Public Works Superintendent Jim Howlett will report to Puslinch council on the possible closure of Concession 1 at Highway 6.
Last month, Glenna Smith, chair of the Community Oriented Policing (COP) committee, wrote to council relaying safety concerns about the corner of Concession 1 and Highway 6, about 2km south of Morriston.
She explained that as vehicles come over the railway bridge, while travelling north on Highway 6, “the turn is very close and the visibility not very good.
“This is a very busy highway and a vehicle often has to stop and wait to [turn left onto Concession 1],” she said, which puts drivers “in danger.”
Given that there is a very short distance to the Leslie Road intersection, Smith suggested the township close Concession 1 and not allow vehicles to turn off or onto Highway 6 from that road – and instead use Leslie Road.
She insists the move would make the area “a safer place to live and/or travel through,” but Howlett was not convinced when he discussed the matter with council on April 1.
“The township has bigger priorities,” he said, adding the closure would cost about $30,000.
Councillor Susan Fielding asked if the township could simply place a “no left turn” sign on Highway 6 at Concession 1.
Howlett replied that might make matters worse.
“I think the road would have to physically disappear,” he said.
Councillor Don McKay said Howlett is making financial arguments for not closing the road, but the COP committee says it is a safety issue.
Howlett replied he has discussed the intersection with Fire Chief Bob Gordon, and there have been no real safety issues there since the road was realigned with the bridge.
McKay said if that is the case, the closure may not be warranted, but he asked if council could see a safety comparison from before and after that work was completed.
“I’ll get some reports on it,” Howlett told council. No further action was taken by council.
