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Update July 9, 2008 Help for Highway Number 7 and Main Street

Update August 18 2007

Update May 29 2007

Traffic Gridlock

Traffic is a plague on the entire Town. Solutions are difficult, but doable. Among the solutions I’ve backed or initiated:

• Widen the major arterial roads to the edge of the road allowance. All of the arterials are either widened, or in the process of being widened.
• Move people more efficiently. I’m working on the bus loop south of Highway 7 at Bur Oak, to allow VIVA to reach Ward Five.
• Replace large buses in our neighbourhoods with lighter shuttles.
• Give the VIVA bus a segregated lane with automated traffic light control for smooth bus passage.
• Prepare for light rail as we improve Highway 7.
• Add high occupancy lanes and Travel Demand Management practices.
• Continue with New Urbanism, which incorporates live, work, play and learn, which has been proven to reduce traffic congestion.

Update July 7, 2008

Help for Highway Number 7 and Main Street

July 7, 2008

The intersection of Main Street Markham (formerly Highway 48) and Highway 7 has been a problem that has been getting worse with the increase in traffic.  The light sequence for the turn lanes left many people either stranded, or waiting for 2 or 3 cycles before they could get around.  The other problem was that southbound Main Street Traffic would use the curb lane as a through lane and block those trying to turn right.  This also made a dificult and dangerous squeeze by the ESSO Station.

I have been working closelly with our Traffic Engineers as well as those from the Region and you may have noticed that the signal light has been corrected.  Now, further to the Development Services Committee meeting of June 17, 2008, York Region will be installing a lane designation sign for the right turn lane.  The lane designation sign instructs drivers on what may or may not be done on a specific roadway.  In this case, drivers must turn right from the right-most lane only, hence drivers must not go through he intersection.

The lane designations sign has legal status under the Highway Traffic Act and can, and will be enforced by York Regional Police.

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Update August 18 2007

Box Grove By-Pass Finally Open

For the past 3 years, I have been working hard with Council, the Developers, and the Region to get the Box Grove By-Pass open.  It is finally being done. 

The barriers will be removed and opened to traffic on Saturday August 18, 2007 at 6:00 a.m.

Finally some relief for southbound traffic. 

Now if we can just get The City of Toronto to co-operate with Steeles Ave.

Update May 29 2007

Bur Oak Open from Church to Highway 7

May 28 2007, 5:45 pm

At the last Council meeting, I made another plea to cut the red tape and get Bur Oak Open.  My motion was not only passed, but heartily endorsed. 

With thanks to the Regional Councillors and the Town and Regional Staff, as well as the developers, the road will be open by the time you come home from work tomorrow afternoon on May 29.

Hallelujah.