Township, county to conduct traffic study in downtown Elora on heels of similar county study
'Holistic' study of congestion in Elora's core to cost $100,000
ELORA – The township and Wellington County will together fund a study examining pedestrian safety in downtown Elora, especially on busy weekends and evenings.
While Wellington County conducted a study at the intersection of Metcalfe Street and West/East Mill Street last fall, a pedestrian “scramble” was not warranted at the time based on pedestrian and traffic volumes.
A pedestrian scramble is when pedestrians are allowed to cross in every direction including diagonally and no vehicles can proceed.
Instead, the county’s study recommended a “no right turn on red” for vehicles and leading pedestrian intervals, where pedestrians can begin to cross before vehicles can proceed.
“While these changes are expected to improve movement and enhance pedestrian safety at this key intersection, a broader analysis is needed to understand traffic flow in downtown Elora holistically,” reads a report that was discussed by council at its Jan. 26 meeting.
Staff recommended a new study that would consider not only the main intersection, but vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout downtown Elora.
The $100,000 cost would be shared equally between the township and the county.
Mayor Shawn Watters said he encouraged the study at county council.
“I mentioned looking at the bigger picture,” Watters explained to township council.
“Where traffic comes in and how it navigates the core area.
“I asked for a more holistic look at it and was surprised the county was interested in looking at it now.”
Councillor Lisa MacDonald welcomed the study.
“I’ve heard from residents who have seen near misses,” she said.
Councillor Bronwynne Wilton found it curious that another study is recommended when the recommended solutions from the first study haven’t been implemented yet.
“We haven’t given it a chance to see if it works,” she said.
Council was told the focus of the new study would be on the main spine through Elora, from David Street through the core to Wellington Road 7 and all the connecting streets.
Council approved the study with just Wilton opposed.
