Plans to increase the speed limit along a section of Highway 402 in Sarnia have been slightly altered after safety concerns were raised.
The Ford government announced plans in June to increase the highway's speed limit to 110 kilometres per hour from Waterworks Road to 350 metres east of Colborne Road, beginning July 31.
The Point Edward OPP Detachment Board and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley sent letters to Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria asking to defer the implementation and maintain the existing speed limit until a comprehensive review could be completed.
In a July 27 letter forwarded to Sarnia News Today, the MTO said the highway's unique characteristics were "carefully considered," specifically with the westbound approach to the international border crossing.
As such, the 110 km/h zone will end west of Blackwell Road, then the 100 km/h zone will begin west of Blackwell Road and end west of Modeland Road, and a new 90 km/h zone will begin west of Modeland Road and end 300 metres east of Colborne Road.
The 70 km/h zone approaching the border will remain 300 metres east of Colborne Road.
Board Chair Greg Grimes said the westbound corridor can sometimes be described as a "parking lot," and the thought of vehicles approaching the area at 110 km/h was a genuine safety concern.
"So having these stepped-down zones from 110 km/h to 100 km/h, to 90 km/h, to 70 km/h will slow traffic down and will ensure it's a safer corridor for both the transport trucks and for our personal vehicles," he said.
Grimes said he has spoken with OPP Insp. Ross Stuart, who is also pleased by the MTO's response.
"He said the OPP will be doing some education and will make sure people are aware of the changes," Grimes said.
For eastbound traffic, the 110 km/h speed limit will begin 300 metres east of Colborne Road.
"The ministry will continue to monitor the operating speeds on Highway 402 and implement any additional improvements, as needed, to support safe travel along the corridor," read the letter signed by Minister Sarkaria.
It's unknown at this time if the westbound speed limit reduction will take place on July 31 as well.
