Sarnia council has approved the permanent installation of bump-out lane restrictions at the intersection of Errol and Indian roads.
Council voted 7-2 in favour of the curb extensions during a virtual meeting on Monday. The extensions have been in place for a year as a pilot project.
Councillor Brian White was very happy to see the project move forward.
"We simply have roads that are far too wide for the traffic volume that in effect create a speed zone, simply because of the nature of the design," said White. "This is a step toward creating a more pedestrian-friendly city. I hope we see lots more bump-outs."
Councillor Mike Stark said the bump out lanes will make the intersection safer for pedestrians, especially children walking to and from school.
"We had the death of a child at the corner of Cathcart and Murphy in a very similar configuration to this, and if we save one life utilizing this method absent the fact that we don't have a street light, I say we should be doing it," said Stark.
Mayor Mike Bradley and Councillor Terry Burrell voted against making the calming curbs permanent.
"I have heard no positive things," said Burrell. "They may in theory slow down the traffic, which I guess by bugging people you do that I guess. But, I don't think other things have been considered. Like if you had the children cross straight across Indian Road, as opposed to trying to go across at where Indian meets Errol Road, I think you could get the same results without having to disrupt the traffic as much as it does."
There were major safety concerns at the Errol and Indian intersection with vehicles speeding and driving around crossing guards.
The estimated cost of $300,000 will be funded from the 2021 Transportation Master Plan and Streetscape Improvement capital budget.
-With files from Melanie Irwin
