Road Widening at Schoonertown Bridge & River Road West - Open House

The Town of Wasaga Beach has experienced incredible growth over the last 10 years and there is much more expansion to come. Along with our population increase come growing pains. One of the biggest problems has been traffic congestion. The geography of our town channels traffic through 2 main throughfairs, both follow along the path of the Nottawasaga River. Already two large road widening projects have been completed, turning the main street, Mosley Street, into a four lane road from a two lane west from the Schoonertown Bridge to 44th street. The results have been very good, more traffic signals, sidewalks and crosswalks have been added and traffic flow has been much improved.

 The next proposed project is taking on the existing and future traffic congestion in the area of the Schoonertown Bridge and River Road West up to Brillinger Drive. The Schoonertown Bridge (still known to long time residents as the "New Bridge") is currently a two lane bridge and traffic can back up very quickly. Luckily, the planners were thinking ahead when it was built in 1975, as the footings are actually designed for a four lane bridge. 35 years later, we are ready to expand.

There was a Public Information Centre held in October 23, 2008 that outlined several different design options for this expansion. Input was gathered from the participants and there was a good turnout. The second Public Information Centre will be held on Thursday March 26, 3009 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Rec Plex to discuss the Recomended Design Option. It is an open house format, very informal, yet informative.

 The Recommended Design Option was the one I was the most intrigued with. It is a four-lane widening of the existing bridge and River Road West along with sidewalks on each side of the road. There is also a proposed traffic light at River Road West and Oxbow Park Road. The Town of Wasaga Beach has an Active Transportation Plan and in recognition of this, a bicycle lane is being considered. It is downright dangerous to try and cross the bridge on a bike and a separate lane would be invaluable. Input from the community is vital to incorporate this bicycle lane and I encourage everyone to come out on March 26.

Public Information Centre:

Open House: Thursday March 26, 2009 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Wasaga Rec Plex 1724 Mosley Steet.