A letter from local resident Raymond Reid has prompted Puslinch councillors to get comments from its engineers regarding Guelph’s proposal for a bridge replacement on Niska Road.
On Dec. 17 Puslinch councillors reviewed Reid’s letter outlining the city’s plan to make improvements on Niska Road, currently the subject of a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study.
“As an affected resident and ratepayer … in the Township of Puslinch, I and others have been notified of the various options being considered at present. Clearly, the existing Bailey Bridge needs to be improved or to be removed to ensure safety for the traveling public,” Reid stated.
“I understand the need for progress and am not negative to any of the proposals in general terms.”
However, Reid stated that if the current one-lane Bailey Bridge is improved to a two-lane structure sufficient to carry heavier vehicles, there is little question that substantially higher traffic volumes and heavy truck traffic will follow.
Reid also noted the city is proposing changes at the junction of Niska Road and Downey Road that could entail traffic lights or a roundabout.
He noted Pioneer Trail currently has a 40-foot wide road allowance, a gravel surface and two steep hills.
“Currently, this road, being adjacent to the city limits, is a favorite walking place for our city neighbours and their dogs,” Reid said. “Being a resident of Pioneer Trail, I am concerned about my safety and that of my family and neighbors as well as the wellbeing of the through traffic, the many pedestrians and the plethora of mammals which pass along the wildlife corridor that crosses Pioneer Trail.”
Reid suggested the issue be addressed by closing the bridge to vehicular traffic, placing load limits on the new structure, or installing “No truck” signs on Pioneer Trail.
Reid said these measures would deal with the issue of high speed motorists.
“I myself have been forced to brake abruptly many times over the years at the entrance to Riverbend Trailer Park.”
For Reid, the ultimate solution would be to convert Pioneer Trail into a cul-de-sac just south of the city limits.
“This would force people to take County Road 32 to Laird and then turn west to the Hanlon, continue on 24 to the Hanlon, or persevere with the four-way stops and then work their way along Niska Road at a slower pace.”
Councillor Matt Bulmer said Reid “raised some very valid concerns, especially regarding traffic on his road.”
Bulmer asked whether township engineering consultants Gamsby and Mannerow would respond on behalf of the township. At the time of the Dec. 17 meeting, the letter had not been forwarded.
Mayor Dennis Lever asked that the letter be sent to the consultant to make comments.
Lever noted that suggestions in the letter would affect local roads.
“We’d like their comments.”
