All-way stop coming to 401 exit

By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express

With a growing city comes an increased flow of traffic.

It appears steps will be taken to address traffic concerns in the city’s south end, but not to the satisfaction of the originator.

Back in February, resident Grant Karcich raised his concerns regarding issues on Drew Street between the 401 exit and McNaughton Avenue.

In June 2018, traffic counts were performed on the street between Toronto Avenue and Etna Avenue.

Data showed approximately 85 per cent of both northbound and southbound vehicles were travelling between five to 10 km above the 50 km/h limit.

A subsequent request was made to Durham Regional Police for speeding enforcement.

Oshawa’s manager of traffic, street lighting and parking Michael Sluggett says the Ministry of Transportation will install an all-way stop at Toronto Avenue and Drew Street near the westbound 401 exits.

“It will happen by the end of August,” Sluggett told the community services committee recently.

Sluggett said there are plans to replace the Drew Street exit, but isn’t aware of the timeline. Karcich had requested a restriction of heavy trucks on Drew Street, but city staff   recommended against it.

According to an MTO traffic study, heavy trucks represent only one to two per cent of vehicles using the Drew Street exit.

However, Sluggett said the MTO will be placing a sign encouraging truck drivers to use the Bloor Street East/Harmony Road East exit.

Karcich’s request for a traffic signal at Ritson Road South and Toronto Avenue has been referred to Durham Region, as Ritson Road South is under its jurisdiction.

However, he was less than pleased with the city’s response to his concerns.

“The city is not taking any action as I see to mitigate any of the traffic concerns on that stretch,” Karcich told committee members. “I don’t see how this fixes the problem. It’s still an issue of too much traffic and some of it going too fast.”