Despite overall normal traffic flow, Chatham-Kent officials are still concerned about trucks moving through residential Wallaceburg.
A two-week study by the Ministry of Transportation and IBI Group shows around 200 tractor trailers pass through the town every day, with the intersection of McNaughton and Dufferin Ave the only spot with significant delays. CK Council is concerned about regular deterioration of Wallaceburg roads by the trucks, as well as what cargo is making its way through the town. But IBI's Scott Johnston says there isn't enough cause, or future growth, that would warrant a massive project.
"Looking at traffic conditions today and the capacity of the road network, we're not recommending to go forth with any kind of study today or the short term. The options are still out there for the long term."
Solutions to truck traffic through Wallaceburg in the past have included a bypass to the west of the town. That undertaking would cost an estimated $30 million. Meanwhile intensive repairs to Base Line Rd. would cost $9 million. As a result of those high costs, IBI and the MTO don't recommend the municipality pursue those options.
Instead they suggest CK increase road signage for trucks, and look into signal timing adjustments for McNaughton at Dufferin Ave. Director of Engineering Adam Sullo says those signs would advertise alternative routes.
"We will review diverting traffic down Base Line to Arnold St. in the future. The concern is the province isn't helping us in maintaining those roadways. We're worried about putting additional truck traffic on those roads, as opposed to using connecting links we already have."
Chatham-Kent will apply for the MTO's Connecting Links fund. That subsidy could provide $3 million to help repair McNaughton Ave. at Dufferin Ave.