An Oshawa councillor has pointed out that the risk to both people and vehicles has increased in the area around the closed Simcoe Street bridge over the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway line.
The bridge was closed for a two-year period for replacement to enable more rail tracks for the GO train extension to Bowmanville in Clarington.
“With the closure of Simcoe Street South, we are seeing a major increase in the amount of traffic using Olive Avenue to bypass the closure and gain access to Ritson Road South,” said Councillor Brian Nicholson.
“In addition, the Michael Starr Trail which crosses both Cowan Park and Olive Avenue has been designated as the major north-south pedestrian route during the closure,” he pointed out.
The councillor has requested the City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham to work collaboratively to install a crosswalk or a signalized pedestrian crossing across Olive Avenue where the Michael Starr Trail crosses Olive Avenue.
“This is an ongoing and growing risk situation and should be given the highest consideration by both the City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham. Time is certainly a critical factor in responding to this request,” Nicholson added.
Mill Street Request
In another email to the City of Oshawa, the councillor said that the traffic detours imposed on Oshawa residents is causing increased safety issues for neighbouring communities, one of which is the neighbourhood bordering Mill Street.
“We are seeing a major increase in the amount of traffic using Mill Street to bypass the [Simcoe] closure and gain access westward. In addition, pedestrians and, especially children going to school, find issues trying to cross Mill Street at Centre Street South. This area also provides access to those using the Joe Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path,” Nicholson wrote.
He requested that the City of Oshawa investigate the possibility of adding a school crossing guard or installing a crosswalk or a signalized pedestrian crossing across Mill Street at Centre Street South during the period of the Simcoe Street South closure.
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