Tillsonburg Town Council is asking the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to take a closer look at safety along Highway 19 between Tillsonburg and Highway 401.
Councillor Kelly Spencer brought forward a motion during Council's August 10 meeting calling on MTO to undertake a comprehensive collision and traffic-safety review of the provincial highway. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Dave Beres.
As part of the request, Council is asking for an examination of five- and ten-year collision data along the Highway 19 corridor.
The review would provide the province with an opportunity to examine the highway's collision history and identify any recurring safety concerns or patterns that may warrant further attention.
Highway 19 is an important transportation route for Tillsonburg, connecting the community north toward Highway 401. The highway passes through areas including Ostrander and Mount Elgin before reaching Highway 401 near Ingersoll.
Because Highway 19 is a provincial highway, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is responsible for its operation and infrastructure.
The Council request does not include approval for any specific road improvement at this stage. There has been no commitment through the motion to widen Highway 19, install a roundabout, change speed limits, add traffic signals or undertake another specific infrastructure project.
Instead, Council is asking the province to first examine the available safety information and determine whether improvements may be warranted.
A comprehensive traffic-safety review could consider factors such as collision frequency and locations, the severity and types of collisions, traffic volumes, road design, intersections, sightlines, signage and pavement markings. Those would be areas for MTO to assess rather than recommendations already approved by Council.
The request comes as Highway 19 continues to serve as an important connection between Tillsonburg and Highway 401 for residents, commuters, businesses and commercial traffic.
The broader area has also experienced serious collisions. However, Council's motion is focused on a comprehensive review of the entire Highway 19 corridor rather than one specific incident.
Spencer's motion represents a request for the provincial government to examine the highway's safety record over a longer period and determine whether there are identifiable patterns that require action.
The Town's Traffic Advisory Committee also has a role in providing recommendations to Council on traffic and road-safety matters.
The next step will be for the request to be considered by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Any recommendations or proposed improvements resulting from a provincial review would have to come through the appropriate MTO process.
For now, Council's message to the province is to take a comprehensive look at Highway 19 and its collision history and determine whether additional measures are needed to improve safety along the route.
Residents can follow future developments through the Town of Tillsonburg's Council agendas and minutes, which are available online. (tillsonburg.ca)
