Following a winding road of debate and amendments, new safety features for Bradford’s south west arterial road (SWAR) have been parked for now.
A report from Katy Modaressi, the town’s manager of capital projects, outlined the cost estimates and requested direction from committee of the whole for additional lighting, guardrails and relocating signage for the SWAR, during the council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The SWAR begins just east of Coffey Road, and runs east along Line 5 where it curves to join Sideroad 10, before continuing north to County Road 88.
“I want to see this resolved as soon as possible,” said Ward 3 Coun. Ben Verkaik, who has been trying to address residents’ concerns over the new road since October 2023.
He noted a desire for more options, but felt the need to proceed and suggested installing all the lights and guard rails in the report; however, in the end, committee of the whole referred the matter back to staff for more information, including options and costs to install solar-powered street lighting.
That followed two successful amendments proposed by Mayor James Leduc, first to proceed with lighting at only the more major of the two intersections mentioned in the report, and second to proceed with flexible posts in place of guardrails.
“I don’t support the guardrail ... I know it’s a contentious issue,” the mayor said, before asking Modaressi to explain why they are or aren’t warranted.
In response, Modaressi explained the guidelines set out for engineering best practices and ensuring designs are safe, including those in the Ministry of Transportation Ontario’s Roadside Safety Manual.
Based on the height and slope of the embankment, she explained that if a driver lost control, it would actually be safer for the vehicle to slide off the road than to crash into a hard guardrail.
There were also concerns and debate over the cost to install poles and wiring for street lights, only for them to be removed in future, an issue Modaressi raised in her report, which notes the road is planned to be widened to four lanes once there is enough traffic volume.
When that happens, she expects the new design to include full lighting and take into consideration any need for guardrails.
As a result, Ward 5 Coun. Peter Ferragine recommended staff consider the options for using more portable solar-powered street lights to reduce cost both in the short and long terms.
In her report, Modaressi originally estimated it would cost about $157,000 plus tax to install five street lights at two intersections: three lights along the recently built curve connecting Line 5 with Sideroad 10 where the curve intersects with the new “sweep road” connecting the SWAR to Line 5 east, as well as two lights at the old intersection of Line 5 east with Sideroad 10 south.
While some utility poles are already present at the intersection with the SWAR and Line 5 east, staff determined they weren’t suitable due to their height, location and presence of guide wires, limiting clearance.
As a result, both intersections would require new steel poles, according to the report.
Modaressi estimated it would cost about $192,000 plus tax to install guardrails on both sides of the SWAR for about 500 m from south of Line 6 to near the top of the hill along Sideroad 10.
However, she added that flexible posts with reflective markings could be installed for about $5,000 plus tax, to help drivers identify the edge of the road.
Residents had also requested guardrails along the curve of the SWAR connecting Line 5 to Sideroad 10, but Modaressi explained these aren’t necessary, given the existence of chevrons and the size of the embankments.
When it comes to signs, the report acknowledges “the signage on the road needs to be corrected,” adding that existing signs will be relocated and two new signs installed to better direct drivers.
No additional funding is requested for this, because the cost of signage was included in the original SWAR project.
During a previous interview and in her recent report, Modaressi emphasized the design of the SWAR — a process which began in 2009 — followed the standard engineering practices including consideration for all related safety requirements.
Residents were also concerned about confusion over the road names and as chair of the heritage committee, Verkaik has asked staff to investigate a public renaming process.
Recommendations from committee of the whole are considered for approval at the next regular meeting of council.
