Councillors push for review of local traffic signals

Ward 5 Coun. Corey Gardi and his Ward 1 counterpart Sonny Spina will ask city council next week for a review of the Sault's traffic signals.

The councillors are concerned about excessive idling at intersections, and are requesting consideration be given to better timing and selective use of flashing signals and advanced arrows.

At some intersections, traffic signals may be removed entirely.

The following is the full text of their resolution:

Better traffic flow, less idling

Mover: Coun. C. Gardi
Seconder Coun. S. Spina

Whereas Sault Ste. Marie continues to promote itself as both an environmentally friendly community, and a community that is set apart from southern Ontario communities in its lack of traffic congestion; and

Whereas the ability to move relatively easily from one end of the city to the other, and the lack of traffic congestion, is an important selling feature of Sault Ste. Marie’s work-life balance; and

Whereas having vehicles unnecessarily idle at intersections creates additional greenhouse gas emissions; and

Whereas there are many solutions to improving traffic flow, from the better timing for traffic signals, to flashing signals at certain hours, to scheduling when advanced arrows should be in use, to the removal of traffic signals where they are unwarranted;

Now therefore be it resolved that staff be requested to conduct a review of Sault Ste. Marie’s traffic signals and determine if there are improvements that can be made that will:

• improve traffic flow
• reduce unnecessary idling
• determine where traffic signals are unwarranted
• recommend alternate traffic management techniques; and
• any other outcome that will generally make the movement within the municipality easier

Further be it resolved that staff be directed to report on these outcomes by September 2023.

Next week's city council meeting will take place on Tuesday because of Easter Monday.

It will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.