New traffic lights recommended for Bobcaygeon intersection
Depending on what council decides, Bobcaygeon motorists will have to contend with either a new set of traffic lights or driving in circles in the future.
During Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting, Kawartha Lakes council was presented with several options to address traffic concerns at the village’s Kawartha Lakes Rd. 36 intersection.
There is currently a four-way stop regulating traffic on East Street North, Duke Street and Cedartree Lane.
The intersection was identified as needing improvements more than a decade ago, specifically the installation of traffic lights, but was dependent on traffic volumes and road safety.
Last year, traffic levels reached appropriate levels to initiate the design process for the traffic signals. The municipality retained Concept Dash Engineering to prepare the design for the intersection.
Considerable data was collected during this process, along with a well-attended public information session in November.
The options, presented by traffic management supervisor Joseph Kelly included doing nothing, installing traffic lights and reconfiguring the intersection in various ways or constructing a roundabout.
Although Kelly noted the ideal solution would be a roundabout — an option that was “overwhelmingly disliked” by the public — installing traffic signals at East Street North and Duke Street/Cedartree Lane with a knucklehead cul-de-sac closing access to Helen Street was recommended for council approval.
Ward 6 Coun. Ron Ashmore acknowledged the public’s discomfort with roundabouts, but pointed out they are becoming more common throughout the region, citing those on Parkhill Road in Peterborough and Highway 28 near Fraserville.
He added the traffic circles “are workable if done properly” and questioned whether pedestrian safety concerns raised by the public could be addressed.
Kelly explained solutions are available to address concerns and noted motorists would “figure out” how to navigate a roundabout in short time.
“If there was ever a place that was perfect for a roundabout, this is it,” said Ward 4 Coun. Dan Joyce, echoing Kelly’s comment that people will “get used to it.”
Outside of the higher price — a roundabout would cost $650,000 versus the recommended option’s $465,000 price tag — Kelly said the option has the potential to reduce traffic backlogs that could be created by traffic lights.
It’s estimated 20,000 vehicles per week navigate the intersection each summer. There’s also the environmental impact of idling vehicles.
“Clearly, we’re always going to have resistance to something new,” said Ward 5 Coun. Eric Smeaton, questioning how council achieves the “best solution” while also considering constituent concerns.
Council received the report and moved that the recommendation be brought forward for consideration at its March 19 meeting.
Should council endorse the recommendation and move forward with the design, financial impacts will be deliberated through the 2025 budget process.