A local intersection under review by the County of Essex is still drawing concerns from nearby residents.
The county is taking another look at the area at Lowes Side Road and Sandwich St. S. after the issue was brought to their attention by town council. In the meantime, residents with disabilities residing at the Blue Haven apartments are still very concerned about their safety as they cross the road to go to the doctor or simply to go get a coffee.
Zachary Ghazali, who uses a wheelchair, said it is hard to cross the road if he has to go to the doctor or have bloodwork done. He said he can’t get across quickly and has had to endure drivers going fast in the area.
“It is a major issue,” said Ghazali. “They don’t stop. They just zoom on by.”
Jessica McCracken said she is blind and it is scary for her as she is helped across Sandwich St. S. She said she likes going down to the nearby Tim Hortons but doesn’t always feel comfortable crossing the road. Those who support her agree there has to be enough time for people to be able to cross the road safely.
“Everyone is pretty scared to cross that road,” she said.
Catherine Rutherford and her fiancé Josh say they have had issues crossing Sandwich St. S. as well. Catherine, who uses a wheelchair, said speeding is one of the issues.
“As soon as they pass the police station, they just gun it past here,” she said.
Catherine added there have been three times where she was almost struck by a vehicle with Josh, who uses a walker, adding they have to endure slurs from passing motorists on top of that.
“We’re crossing a very dangerous road,” he contends.
Becky Renaud, who also has a disability, said she waits for all the vehicles to pass before she heads out onto the roadway but said it is often difficult to get across in time with her walker.
“They should get a light at Lowes Side Road and Sandwich St.,” she said.
Renaud also added speeding is an issue in that area of Amherstburg.
Ted Laporte also has mobility issues and has difficulty crossing if he has to go to the doctor.
“I don’t know what the cure is but I know what the problem is,” said Laporte. “We have to feel safe crossing the road.”
Laporte said he has also felt uncomfortable crossing Sandwich St. S. at times. He recalled one day where he tried to cross and “this tractor trailer went by me like you couldn’t believe.”
“It scared the hell right out of me,” he said.
Laporte recognizes the town is a historic one but bike lanes and safer ways to travel are still needed.
“I’d like to see something done,” he said.
In early summer, town council passed a motion to have the matter be brought forth at county council. The request from the town was to request a traffic calming study and the relocation of the 70 km/hr speed limit sign at Lowes and Sandwich St. S. to a point south of the five entrances to the Seasons Retirement Community, the Amherstburg Family Health Team, the Health First Pharmacy, Blue Haven Apartments and County Road 20 and Dalhousie St. intersection. It also called for the investigation of a possible crosswalk at the intersection of Sandwich St. S. and Lowes Side Road in order to accommodate people with assistive devices.
County council resolved at its August meeting to look at the requests made by Amherstburg council including a review of speed reduction and crosswalk requests.
Intersection under review, residents look for action
By Ron Giofu
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