Traffic diverted off the 401 troubles lower-tier municipalities

Highway 401 Study at Nagle Road. Image courtesy of the Ontario Government.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland County

With a major Highway 401 construction project on the books for Nagle Road, lower-tier mayors are hoping to share concerns with the Ministry of Transportation.

Updates on the progress of the new Nagle Road off Highway 401 received at Northumberland County council's Public Works Committee meeting Monday reminded county councillors on how its construction will affect their municipalities.

Along with construction of the new interchange at Nagle Road, northeast of Cobourg, the current recommended plan includes the widening of Nagle Road from two to four lanes north and south of the interchanges, as well as replacement of the existing Nagle Road overpass with a new four-lane bridge that includes dedicated cycling lanes on both sides and a sidewalk on the west side.

Inevitably, Warden Brian Ostrander commented, Highway 401 traffic will be diverted to the EDT route that goes through several lower-tier municipalities.

Alnwick-Haldimand Township Mayor John Logel, Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin and Municipality of Brighton Mayor Ostrander expressed concerns, Ostrander painting a picture of the traffic rolling through their downtowns, pounding the pavement and whatever infrastructure is located beneath.

They have already approached the Minister of Transportation to share their concerns, he said, and got a responsive reception – followed by a cold shoulder when it came time to deal with provincial ministry staff.

“We need to bring this information to the Minister again and make sure we are all marching together with infrastructure concerns and public safety concerns, particularly as EDR routes run through Northumberland County,” Ostrander said.