Point Abino Road and Michener Road: a priority
Traffic safety continues to be one of the concerns I hear about most from residents, and it remains an important priority for me as your Ward 5 Councillor.
Concerns about several locations have been raised. In particular, residents need an update following recent motor vehicle collisions at Point Abino Road and Michener Road.
Immediate Priority
The recent collision today at the Point Abino Road and Michener Road intersection did not result in serious injuries. However, we cannot simply wait for a more serious accident before acting.
This intersection has been discussed at the Traffic Coordinating Committee and Council on numerous occasions, and residents in the area have raised concerns for some time. Some of the issues include:
- Poor sightlines when approaching and entering the intersection;
- The location and visibility of the existing stop sign on the south side of Point Abino Road;
- Driver confusion about which direction has the right-of-way;
- Vehicles stopping on Point Abino Road and then proceeding into the intersection, apparently believing traffic on Michener Road will also stop;
- Reports from neighbours of frequent near misses and incidents that may never be formally reported.
I have personally experienced vehicles entering the intersection in front of me when I traveled east and west. Based on what we are seeing and hearing, I believe this intersection should become a four-way stop. This would accomplish two important things: provide greater clarity and safety at the intersection; and help slow traffic travelling along Michener Road.
Following the most recent incidents, I have spoken with the Mayor and the Director of Infrastructure. I believe there is sufficient evidence to support moving forward with a four-way stop in the interest of public safety. Staff are now working on the necessary data collection and review to support implementing a four-way stop, while we also work to bring the matter before the Traffic Coordinating Committee for discussion and direction. We are also looking at options to expedite the review rather than allowing the matter to unnecessarily sit in the process.
I want residents to know that this intersection is being taken seriously and is a priority.
Michener Road / Farr Avenue Area
There are also concerns further along Michener Road that need attention, particularly approaching the bends in the road near Farr Avenue, Cherry Hill Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue. Travelling east, the speed limit is posted at 70 km/h near 4548 Michener Road and again around Cherry Hill Boulevard. It then drops to 60 km/h immediately before the bend near Elmwood Avenue. Feedback I have received suggests that the transition to 60 km/h should occur earlier, providing drivers with more time to reduce their speed before approaching the bend. There is also a need to review whether additional curve warning signs and directional chevrons should be installed to better identify the change in the roadway.
I have asked that the entire approach to this area be considered rather than looking at one individual sign or location in isolation.
Erie Road — Lakewood Avenue to Rosewood Avenue
Another area requiring attention is the bend on Erie Road between Lakewood Avenue and Rosewood Avenue.
There have been numerous incidents in this area. In the past year alone, vehicles have left the roadway and struck private property on two occasions. Residents also report other vehicles leaving the roadway that may never result in a formal police report. A particular concern is the sidewalk on the north side of Erie Road. When vehicles are unable to negotiate the bend and leave the roadway, there is very little separating them from pedestrians using the sidewalk. This area also needs to be reviewed from both a traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety perspective, including whether additional signage, speed reduction measures, roadway markings or other improvements are appropriate.
We need to keep improving road safety
Traffic calming isn’t about making it difficult to get around our community. It’s about encouraging drivers to travel at appropriate speeds, making intersections predictable and giving pedestrians, cyclists and motorists a safer environment.
I appreciate the residents who continue to bring these concerns forward. Local residents see what happens on these roads every day, and reports of near misses are particularly important because they often don’t appear in official collision statistics. Point Abino Road and Michener Road, the Michener/Farr area, and the bend on Erie Road are priorities I am actively pursuing with Town staff. I will continue pushing for practical improvements and will provide residents with updates as recommendations and decisions move forward.
Sharing your concerns with the Town of Fort Erie
If there is a location in Ward 5 where you believe speeding, sightlines, signage, pedestrian safety or other traffic concerns need to be addressed, please reach out. Hearing directly from residents helps identify problem areas and supports the case for action.
To report traffic concerns, there is currently a Traffic Calming page on the Town website, as well as a Traffic Calming Let’s Talk page where residents can submit feedback and concerns. I’ve included links to both below for your reference.
Public safety must always come first and where there is evidence that improvements can make our roads safer, we should act.
Councillor Tom Lewis
Ward 5 – Crystal Beach & Ridgeway