A notorious intersection in east Tilbury could soon be getting an overhaul.
On Monday night, council will vote on a tender award of $337,000 for the work associated with the realignment of the McDougall Line and Queen’s Line intersection.
In September 2019, council discussed the possibility of closing the nearby McDougall Line Bridge. However, several residents raised concerns that this would force them to use the McDougall Line and Queen’s Line intersection.
"Many deputations were made by local landowners and public that voiced concerns about the safety issues at the existing McDougall Line and Queen’s Line intersection attributed to the acute angles and poor sightlines," stated the staff report going to council. "The issues raised were regarding inadequate turning movements for large vehicles, especially large agricultural vehicles and trucks with trailers"
According to the report, there have been 16 vehicle incidents at the location between 2009 and 2018.
Council ultimately decided to replace the bridge instead of closing it. The proposed timeline for the bridge replacement is in 2022 or 2023.
According to the report, during the replacement of the McDougall Line Bridge, access from Merlin Road onto McDougall Line will be closed, resulting in the Queen’s Line intersection being the main point of access to the properties on McDougall Line.
The tender going to council for approval is for the construction of a new section of McDougall Line and a new intersection of McDougall Line and Queens Line.
"This new intersection will provide wider turning radii, which will improve turning movements in both directions, improved visibility and sightlines and overall safety of vehicles entering or exiting McDougall Line at Queens Line," the report stated.
This contract consists of the following work:
- Removal and replacement of the road crossing pipe at the Baert Road intersection, including an improved turning radius and erosion protection
- Stripping and stockpiling of topsoil material along the new road alignment for reuse to restore the surrounding area within the work area
- Installation of the new road realignment of McDougall Line and intersection onto Queen's Line
- Filling and shaping new roadside drainage ditches and swales to improve surface drainage into the McDougall Drain
- Installation of rip-rap erosion protection
- Abandonment and surface restoration of the existing portion of McDougall Line where it currently intersects with Queen's Line.
Throughout construction, a single lane of traffic will be maintained along McDougall Line through the work area until the new road section and intersection are completed. Temporary lane restrictions will be required on Queen’s Line for a portion of the work by utilizing temporary traffic signals to control traffic along Queen’s Line.
If approved, the tender will go to Clarke Construction Inc. in Blenheim.
The project costs will be funded from the Bridge Lifecycle Reserve.
