|
The long-awaited bike lanes along the scenic lake road between
Southampton and Port Elgin is closer to reality.
The winding road that follows the shoreline has long been an issue
of concern for several councils and residents. Now, it is
anticipated that the multi, non-vehicular use lane is about to go
ahead. in addition to re-asphalting the main road, there will be a
lane(s) added for non-vehicular travel. Along some stretches, there
will be single lanes on each side of the road while at others there
will be a single double-wide lane with a centre dividing line.
"Some stretches are very restrictive," said Dave Burnside, head of
engineering for the town. "There is a sharp drop into the lake on
one side and private properties up to the road on the other, while
some also have trees right at the pavement edge."
"Well, I drive that road often," said Councillor Thead Seaman, "and
this is a plan that is long overdue. There are joggers, walkers,
roller bladers and bikers who use that road all the time, so the
sooner this happens the better." (next column)
28/09/2009 11:17 PM
|
Mike Myatt, Director of Community Services, explained that
the new lanes will be part of the overall trail program. "There will be
several connecting links to the Rail Trail and, in all, there will be
approximately 40 kilometres of trails that can be accessed by
non-vehicular means."
Preparatory work will begin with a tender this fall with work going
ahead in the spring. Information packages have been mailed out to
residents along the road and town staff will be meeting with residents
at locations where switch crossing on the road is being planned and also
to determine where signage is needed for both vehicle and non-vehicular
traffic.
The cost of the project is projected at $1,072,500 with two thirds
coming from Intake Two of the Building Fund Communities Component
 |
for
world news,
books, sports, movies ...
