KIRKLAND LAKE - A four-way stop has been implemented at the intersection of Queen and Wood streets in Kirkland Lake.
During a public meeting held by the town on Sept. 19, residents had an opportunity to note any concerns and recommendations they may have in regards to the four-way stop and sidewalk reinstatement that was being proposed.
Stephane Fortin, director of public works, spoke to council about it again at the town’s most recent regular meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 3) to provide an update.
“I'm here today to present our final recommendations pertaining to the safety upgrades on the intersection of Queen and Wood Street near St. Jerome school,” he said.
“In July of this year, we brought forth a proposal to increase safety at this intersection. The main focus was the suggested four-way stop, change the mid-intersection beacons to all red, and to reinstate a sidewalk that once existed at that location.”
According to a town report, as part of the 2022 capital budget approval process, public works installed an automated crosswalk (PXO) at the intersection with the intention of removing the crossing guard, however, based on observations, comments and complaints, motorists are not always obeying the new safety measures.
The consensus of the pubic meeting was that the majority of individuals were in favour of the proposed changed, Fortin said.
“There was only one concern identified which was regarding the specific location of the proposed sidewalk. Public works staff diligently verified the location of the proposed sidewalk and we determined that the location is proper and is on town property,” he said.
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According to Fortin, the town received a request to implement the changes right away for the safety of the public.
“The CAO authorized the implementation of the four-way stop, to change the mid-intersection beacons to all reds, and to refresh the pavement markings at the intersection,” he said.
Fortin said the changes were all successfully completed by Sept. 22.
“The only item remaining is the reinstatement of the concrete sidewalk that leads to St. Jerome school. The recommendation from staff is to reinstate the sidewalk in the exact same location where it once existed,” he said.
