Public info session to address Byrne Ave traffic issues
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
THE CITY OF
SAULT STE. MARIE
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Notice of public information session to address traffic problems on Byrne Avenue
SAULT STE. MARIE - In order to address an ongoing traffic problem at the intersection of Byrne Avenue and North Street, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is planning to close Byrne Avenue at its east limit at North Street.
The resulting closure would make Byrne Avenue a dead-end street.
On the east side of North Street, the City is planning to make Morrison Avenue one-way only, eastbound, from North Street to 34m east.
Left turns from southbound traffic on North Street onto Morrison Avenue will also be restricted.
Residents are invited to a public information session regarding this matter on the following date and time:
Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Location: Civic Centre, Russ Ramsay Board Room, Level 3
99 Foster Drive, Sault Ste. Marie
This initiative falls under a Schedule A+ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) meaning that it is pre-approved as long as the City provides public notice.
We encourage residents to get involved and provide their comments.
Please feel free to contact either of the individuals listed below should you have any questions or concerns.
Susan Hamilton Beach, P. Eng.
Deputy Commissioner
Public Works and Transportation
Phone: 705-759-5207
Email: s.hamiltonbeach@cityssm.on.ca
Carl Rumiel, P. Eng.
Design and Construction Engineer
City of Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 705-759-5379
Email: c.rumiel@cityssm.on.ca
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Timbob 1/30/2013 6:48:32 PM ReportWell I'm not going to waste my time and the cost of gas to drive to a meeting, however, I will comment here - if anyone from the city cares to read this comment.
The changes regarding Morrison seem to make sense, but I see no reason to dead-end Byrne.
Shortz 1/30/2013 7:12:51 PM ReportHave you ever tried making a left from Byrne onto North st during the day? It's dangerous, because you can't see the traffic that is over the crest of the hill, and therefor not a good margin of time to pull out safely. Prohibiting left turns from North St. to Morrison is also a good idea, because again, people coming down the hill don't see any vehicles until over the crest of the hill and coming down the hill. This would be the same reason you see streets such as Trelawne and Birch St blocked off at the base of Bruce St hill and St Georges Ave respectively.
the_fuzz 1/30/2013 8:54:52 PM Reportim suprised they dont make the suggestion to just put up another set of traffic lights. what the hell, we have enough new ones in this city anyway.
jojoe71 1/30/2013 10:58:05 PM Reportfuzz....I know your being facetious...think of a traffic light half way down a hill....the way people drive in this city....not nice. I agree it should be closed off. It's the only sensible thing to do.
ranger22 1/31/2013 2:25:12 AM Reportjojoe, they did just put a set of lights in the middle of the hill on second line..
donsdeerden 1/31/2013 9:36:31 AM ReportLiving close to that intersection and witnessing the accidents that have happened over 60 years,i agree with the city's plan to close Byrne ave.at the east bound end.
The new guardrails will help protect the yellow house on the s/w corner.
The best reason i support this proposal is that it will put an end to all those speeders who bomb it both ways on Byrne.
Should make it quieter in this area.
no more loud harley's or those vehicles that have those ratty custom mufflers.
In addition it just might put an end to the Accidents at the intersection of Byrne and Morin or at the least reduce the possibility of that happening.
Two years ago the city removed the stop signs on Morin and installed yield signs.
During the reonstruction of John street traffic use on Morin increased and the number of drivers who seemed to ignore the yield signs existed,prompted me to file complaints with City and Police.
There was 4 accidents within one year.
Some days 10 vehicles could be seen speeding thru the yield signs.
The sound of screeching tires was a common occurence as the drivers hit the brakes and veered away to avoid a crash.
To this day some drivers,and often the same ones ignore the yield signs.
Closing Byrne will at the least,reduce the chance of an accident at Morin and Byrne,hopefully!
This may backfire.
Traffic may increase on Morin as it is the shortest connection to Conmee.
I hope the city planners have studied that factor!
Many people in this neighborhood are looking forward to the closure.
Some who are against this dont live in the area affected,but travel to and from.
The excuse that it will cost more for gas to go around this closure,is an attempt to object to change that will in effect hopefully improve the quality of my life,and the safety of all who use the route.
I wont be attending the meeting,and i am sure Susan will be monitoring this site,looking for comments.
Have a good day all.
Drive carefull.
The life you save,may just be your own!!
guestwho 1/31/2013 10:50:09 AM Reportwhy not dead end Strand Ave. as well at the top of the hill?? Orrr maybe people should learn how to drive!!
jojoe71 1/31/2013 11:57:24 AM ReportRanger ..............north street hill is a hell of a lot more steeper than second line hill. I think Lake street hill would be the steepest.
tommy_boi07 1/31/2013 1:53:40 PM ReportThey also spent months straightening out the hill on second line to make it safe enough to accommodate traffic lights. Would you suggest they spend the millions of dollars it would take to make it safe enough for a light, or just to the sensible thing and close it down?
ranger22 1/31/2013 10:54:15 PM ReportI do agree with byrne ave. plan. just pointing out its not beyond our city to do ridiculous things. Also the Pine st. extension is fantastic, but did the truck rout really need ANOTHER set of lights especially on a hill regardless of re-grading.. maybe they could have done something with a traffic island and had a thru-lane going up the hill?? now I'm just rambling..
Note: Comments that appear on the site are not the opinion of SooToday.com. Keep discussions civil and on topic. Refrain from obscenity and don't post anything that your grandmother would be ashamed to read. Those who do not abide by these guidelines will have their membership revoked without notice. If you see an abusive post, please click the link beside the post to report it.
