Additional traffic calming improvements are planned in several neighbourhoods before the end of summer, according to the Municipality of Clarington.
Beginning this summer, traffic-calming projects implemented include a painted chicane pilot on Mearns Avenue in Bowmanville and lane narrowing on West Beach Road in Port Darlington, said the municipality.
Additional traffic calming improvements expected to be completed by the end of the summer include:
- Nash Road, in front of St. Worden Public School in Courtice: A new pedestrian crossing with a curb bump-out on the north side of the road to improve pedestrian visibility and safety.
- Old Scugog Road, in front of Enniskillen Public School: Two permanent speed humps and Clarington’s first raised crosswalk within a pedestrian crossing to help slow traffic and enhance safety for pedestrians.
- Port of Newcastle (Milligan Street): Two permanent speed humps to help reduce vehicle speeds in the area.
- Lovers Lane in Bowmanville: The speed limit has been reduced to 30 km/h. Seasonal speed cushions will be installed, and additional traffic studies will continue throughout the remainder of the season.
Painted chicane pilot at Mearns Avenue
New chicanes have been installed on Mearns Avenue, between Flaxman Avenue and Apple Blossom Boulevard, creating a series of painted S-shaped curves to visually narrow the roadway and encourage drivers to reduce their speed as they travel through the area. Flexible bollards have also been installed to help guide motorists along the curved path.
Upcycled apple bins helping calm traffic in Port Darlington
Residents travelling along West Beach Road may also notice a traffic-calming initiative taking root in the neighbourhood.
Large upcycled apple bins, sourced from local apple orchards, have been placed along the roadway to visually narrow the driving lane and encourage slower vehicle speeds.
Building on the success of a smaller pilot project in 2025, Clarington expanded the program this year to include 20 apple bins. The municipality partnered with area residents, who volunteered to plant and maintain flowers, greenery and vegetables in the bins.
This project not only encourages lower traffic speeds but also adds colour and character to the neighbourhood. The bins have also been decorated with historic photographs of the Port Darlington area, courtesy of Clarington Library, Museums & Archives, celebrating the community’s heritage while contributing to a safer streetscape.
A key priority of traffic calming is creating safer streets for everyone who uses them, whether they’re walking, cycling, driving or rolling through the community. These projects support the Municipality’s commitment to improving road safety through evidence-based traffic-calming measures.
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