Region rejects idea for Sunderland stop sign

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: At the Brock Township council meeting, on the morning of Monday, July 15th, a report from the Region of Durham was reviewed, in response to a resolution, adopted by Brock Council in March which requested the installation of an all-way stop, at the intersection of River St. (Regional Rd. 10) and Sunderland Meadows Dr. This measure aimed to slow down vehicular traffic entering the downtown corridor.

In response, Region of Durham Works Staff conducted a turning movement count, on June 18th, 2024, to record the number of vehicles and pedestrians travelling through the intersection. This count included vehicle trips in and out of the nearby fire station, despite its slight offset from Sunderland Meadows Dr.

The all-way stop control installation is based on a detailed warrant process which evaluates safety and operational constraints. According to the report, the warrant process determined, the intersection does not qualify for an all-way stop. The volumes of vehicles entering and exiting Sunderland Meadows Dr., are minimal, and, there has been no collision history at this intersection, since its construction in 2017. Furthermore, the Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 5, specifies, all-way stops should not be used as speed control devices or traffic calming tools.

Although the intersection does not meet the criteria for an all-way stop, the Region of Durham has proposed several measures, to address traffic safety and speed concerns. The current area-wide posted 40 km/h speed limit will be extended, just west of Sunderland Meadows Drive. To facilitate this speed reduction, a transition zone will be added, replacing sections of the current 50 km/h and 80 km/h zones with a posted 60 km/h zone. This change aims to better reflect driving conditions and help transition drivers into and out of the 40 km/h zone.

Additionally, other measures, such as radar feedback boards and automated speed enforcement cameras, will be incorporated, to help modify driver behaviour. According to Ramesh Jagannathan, Durham’s Commissioner of Works, these improvements are deemed adequate to enhance safety at this intersection, at this time.

The council acknowledged the response and the proposed measures, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts, to ensure road safety in the community.