Members of town council are still looking for answers on safety issues they have with a local intersection but who is responsible for the intersection is also now part of the equation.
Council members want to see safety improvements at the intersection of Lowes Side Road and Sandwich St. S. including moving the start of the 70 km/hr speed limit south of the driveways to the Blue Haven apartments, Seasons Amherstburg and the medical clinic and pharmacy nearby. Another request was to look at the possibility of a crosswalk at the intersection.
Councillor Diane Pouget recalled town council voting unanimously earlier this year to forward those recommendations to Essex County council.
“Both the mayor and deputy mayor acted on our behalf. I believe it was approved Aug. 14,” said Pouget. “Now I understand there’s a problem and they want it to come back to this council because they believe it’s our responsibility because that section belongs to our town and the county road doesn’t exactly start until a few metres away from that.”
Pouget said the county needs to understand what the town is going to do in that area before the sign is moved. Town clerk Kevin Fox said he spoke to his counterpart at the county and was told the matter is on the county’s unfinished business list and the matter is being investigated.
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said when the town originally approached the county, the assumption was that intersection was shared with the county.
“It has come to light that no, that intersection at Lowes and Sandwich belongs entirely to the Town of Amherstburg,” said Gibb. “In the discussions I’ve had with county staff, they’re reluctant to make changes to the speed limit until they know what direction Amherstburg is willing to go with the intersection.”
The deputy mayor said he is of the understanding if the town puts in a crosswalk, it may mean the speed limit would move a certain distance. If flashing lights or a full signaled intersection were to ever go there, it could lead to other distances for where the speed limit changes.
“The way I understand it is the county needs some direction from this council on what we’re doing before they can take the appropriate action on the speed limit,” said Gibb.
Town staff is expected to bring back a report on who owns the intersection and what the options and costs are at that intersection. County council is also expected to receive a report on the matter in the Spring of 2025.
Issues relating to intersection includes jurisdiction matter between county, town
By Ron Giofu
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