Signs warning drivers to slow down for curves on rural roadways will soon be appearing here.
Approaches to curves on many roads in Minto are posted with chevron or checkerboard warning signs to advise drivers of upcoming curves and bends, explained roads foreman Mike McIssac in a report to Minto council on Nov. 19. However, he noted, “In the Town of Minto, roads do not have posted speed limit signs for these areas. If a road is not posted in a rural area the speed limit under the Highway Traffic Act is 80km per hour.”
Currently the only exceptions are Minto’s three rural subdivisions Minto Pines, Highland Road and Regency Drive, which have a posted speed limit of 50km/h and O’Dwyers Road, Pike Lake Side Road (at the Golf Course) and a short section of the 12th Line, east of O’Dwyers Road which are currently posted as 60km/h areas.
However, public works staff recently conducted a field survey of all the curves in the rural areas using a truck-mounted slope meter. The control and ride of the vehicle was used to determine what the suggested speed limit should be for each curve on Minto roadways.
As a result of the survey, McIssac said staff recommend the installation of suggested curve speed limit signs in the following locations:
– 16th Line 30km/h 100m West of Holtom Lane continuing east 1,800m (four curves in this area);
– 14th Line 40km/h 1,000m north of Hwy. 9 continuing north east 300m (two curves);
– 12th Line 40km/h Sideroad 1 continuing east 500m (three curves). Changed from the existing 60km/h posting;
– 8th Line 40km/h 1,000m north of Wellington Road 109 (one curve);
– 6th Line 40km/h 1,000m north of Wellington Road 109 continuing East 750m (two curves);
– 4th Line 60km/h 1,000m north of Wellington Road 109 (one curve);
– 2nd Line 20km/h 1000m north of Wellington Road 109 continuing East 650m (three curves);
– 1st Line 20km/h 1,000 m south of Wellington Road 109;
– 3rd Line 40km/h and 20km/h 1,000m south of Wellington Road 109 continuing south 250m (two curves);
– 5th Line 40km/h 1,000m south of Wellington Road 109 continuing West 250m (two curves);
– 11th Line 30km/h 1,000m south of Hwy. 9 continuing west 750m (two curves);
– 13th Line 40km/h 1,000m south of Hwy. 9 (one curve);
– 15th Line 30km/h 1,000m south of Hwy. 9 continuing West 500m (three curves);
– Ayton Road 70km/h 1750m north of Hwy. 9 (one curve);
– O’Dwyer’s Road 30km/h and one 20km/h 1000m south of Hwy. 89 continuing to the 12th Line (seven curves). Changed from the existing 60km/h posting; and
– Pike Lake Sideroad 20km/h 1,000m north of Wellington Road 109 continuing west 40m (two curves).
Staff also recommended amendments to previous posted signage, from the existing 50km/h signs in several rural subdivisions to:
– Minto Pines 30km/h;
– Highland Road 30km/h; and
– Regency Drive 30km/h.
“Keeping in mind the average driver normally increases their speed 15 to 20km/h higher than what is posted in rural settings, obeying the posted limit signs will help drivers navigate Minto roadways more safely with comfort and ease,” commented McIssac, noting the changes will help mitigate potential liability issues for the municipality.
Liability issue
Signs will be chosen as per the Ontario Traffic Regulations Manual, at a cost of $175 per sign, with two signs needed per curve.
“I’m guessing this is probably a pretty good investment,” said deputy mayor Terry Fisk.
McIssac noted the signs are warning signs, not actual speed limits.
“So if someone went through those curves faster than the posted speed, that wouldn’t be enforceable?” asked councillor Ron Faulkner .
“They’re not like your white, posted speed limit signs. These are warning signs,” explained public works director Brian Hansen.
Mayor George Bridge pointed out someone going too fast around the curves, but within the legal speed limit, could still be charged with something other than speeding, such as careless driving.
Council passed a bylaw authorizing the posting of the speed warning signs and directed staff to install them.
