​Readers weigh in on need for traffic lights along Highway 21 in Kincardine

To the Editor:
RE: “Do you really need four consecutive traffic lights on Highway 21, asks reader”

As someone who was born in this town, I remember when the stretch between Kincardine Avenue and Highway 9 was nothing but a dirt road called Dahmer’s Sideroad.

With the construction of the Highway 21 bypass, that dirt road is now a busy thoroughfare. So busy, in fact, that when I stop at the corner of Kincardine Avenue and Highway 21 trying to make a left-hand turn to get to work, I sometimes have to wait several minutes for a break in traffic. The speed limit on the highway is 80 km/h, with most people driving considerably faster.

As a responsible driver, I don’t wish to risk an accident by pulling onto the road with another vehicle barrelling toward me at a high rate of speed. So I wait. This, of course, ticks off the drivers behind me.

A few years ago, there was a light at that corner while construction was being done on Highway 9, and traffic was diverted down the Southline. It was great! Everyone could take the turn in a timely manner. I missed that light when the construction was done.

So, do we need lights at these intersections (Kincardine Avenue and Russell Street)? Probably not, but this is one citizen who thinks it would be a great idea, especially considering the number of accidents that have happened along that stretch in the past few years.

If the concern is four lights all one block apart, I have to ask you, Mr. Davidson, have you been to a city lately?

Diane Picot
Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:

It’s easy to see Mr. Davidson is worried about getting home to Point Clark faster.

If he lived in Kincardine, he wouldn’t have to ask if the lights were needed.

I have driven many types of vehicles in Toronto with lights closer than what will be on Highway 21.

Dave Cuyler
Councillor for Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:

With regard to the proposed traffic lights on Highway 21, I believe that to keep the traffic flow moving, we should be installing round-abouts instead.

If you’ve ever driven a big truck or farm equipment southbound along that stretch of Highway 21, you’ll know there’s a grade and that makes it difficult to get trucks and heavy equipment moving if you have to stop at traffic lights on every corner.

Also, at the southeast corner of the Kincardine Avenue intersection, the MTO should clear back the sight lines for traffic coming westbound on the Southline.

Lynn Farrell
Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:

I see a comment suggesting round-abouts. Such a tremendous idea. A bit of driver instruction on using them properly keeps traffic moving and they are much safer than intersections with traffic lights.

The calls for action on this stretch of highway have been loud for years.

The failure to act is going to continue to put lives in danger and, hopefully, those choosing not to act will never have to be held responsible for tragedy, but should that moment happen, then perhaps holding those responsible for not acting on the concerns will be held responsible.

In the meantime, take personal action and back off the accelerator when on this stretch.

Dave Trumble
Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:

When the temporary lights at Highway 21 amd Kincardine Avenue were in place, we didn’t have a single wrecker call at that intersection.

And yes, people need to slow down, be more observant, aware and have more patience.

Traffic lights help keep all that in check and will reduce accidents and save lives.

We can talk about all the things drivers should be doing to reduce accidents, but it is a fact that traffic lights reduce accidents by giving drivers direction.

Jamie Rowe
Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:

Do we need traffic lights there - I think so!

Plus, why don't we spring for the better systems that actually detect traffic and thus improve flow?

A filter arrow for the poor souls desperate to turn left onto east-west streets (i.e. when heading north) would help avoid accidents that could be caused by brinkmanship due to the long waits.

Robert Martin
Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:

We need something now; how many accidents does it take?

A round-about would never work unless the speed limit was dropped.

Plus, take a look at the two schools on Russell Street with lots of buses carrying our children. It is only a matter of time before something happens.

Take action now before it is too late, and it is done because of more tragic injuries and maybe death.

Peggy Griffin
Kincardine