Concerns have been raised here about the impact lane closures may have on emergency responses in Puslinch Township.
Information came via Sabrina Stanlake, of Dillon Consulting Limited.
Stanlake stated the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario (MTO) retained Dillon Consulting Limited to complete the class environmental assessment and detailed design for the rehabilitation of three bridges over Highway 401 at County Roads 32 and 35, and Highway 6 North (Hanlon Expressway) in Wellington County.
Her letter provided council with an update on the time of proposed road closures:
– County Road 32, closed during construction from May to August, 2012. A detour route would be in place when the bridge is closed and will follow County Road 34 and Townline Road. Access is maintained to the Grand River Conservation Authority Puslinch Tract, immediately southeast of the bridge.
– County Road 35, one lane of traffic will be maintained on the bridge and temporary traffic signals will be used to allow two directions of travel. Construction is set to take place from May to September, 2013.
– Highway 6 North. Construction would happen over two construction seasons: from May to October and from May to July, 2013.
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on Highway 6 North, with short overnight closure of Highway 401 eastbound on and off ramps required in both construction seasons.
Exact timing will depend on the contractor’s operations and schedule. Daily lane closures on those roads may be required outside of these periods.
Mayor Dennis Lever said he has concern with closing the lanes on Highway 6 north.
“Presumably that includes both the northbound and southbound lanes north at the 401.”
He questioned what would happen if the fire department needs Highway 401 access to respond to accident calls.
Lever said the fire department should be kept up to date on any road or lane closures.
Clerk Brenda Law indicated she has already forwarded the information to the fire chief.
Law will follow up with the chief on the matter.
