Sarnia council will consider putting Finch Drive on a permanent "road-diet" to address traffic issues Monday.
Traffic would be reduced from four lanes to a single lane in each direction from Wellington Street to London Road and bicycle lanes would be included from Wellington to Fanshawe Drive.
Mayor Mike Bradley said the purpose of the road changed as residential development increased.
"It was originally designed, that street, as an arterial road in the former Town of Clearwater, but time and circumstances have changed since then," Bradley said. "That particular stretch, in the period of time from 2015 to 2021, had over 42 collisions and there obviously needs to be something done there."
Bradley calls the recommendation from staff "reasonable" and "practical," and adds that it will improve safety.
"You would still see parking allowed on that stretch and there would still be opportunities for bike lanes in that area with some restrictions. So, it's a compromise. It's doable. It retains the parking that people on that street have made very clear that they wish to continue to have, and should have an impact on the speeding on that street, which is what prompted this review in the first place."
The changes are expected to cost about $50,000 and would be accommodated within the current transportation master plan and streetscape budget.
If approved, staff will work to implement the changes as quickly as possible.
