If you were at the Larry Bauer Soccer Complex on Thursday June 29, 2019 you probably saw some great soccer. Amherstburg Fusion Boys U12 were down 2-0 after the first half against Leamington. A half-time pep-talk from coach Tony Muglia brought the team roaring back and they tied it 2-2. Leamington finally won the contest 3-2 but they had to struggle for it. The spectators saw some great soccer.
Of course, there were lots of other activities going on at Larry Bauer Park and the Libro Recreation Centre at the same time. It's really great how many activities can be accommodated all at once. But that, of course, leads to traffic jams.
To be sure, "traffic jams" in Essex County are nothing compared to some other places. But we still have them. For example, below is a photo of the "traffic jam" that occurred on June 29 as families tried to leave the Libro Centre and Larry Bauer Soccer Fields. Motorists are on Meloche Road and traffic got backed up almost to the very entrance of the Libro Centre.
Of course, there were lots of other activities going on at Larry Bauer Park and the Libro Recreation Centre at the same time. It's really great how many activities can be accommodated all at once. But that, of course, leads to traffic jams.
To be sure, "traffic jams" in Essex County are nothing compared to some other places. But we still have them. For example, below is a photo of the "traffic jam" that occurred on June 29 as families tried to leave the Libro Centre and Larry Bauer Soccer Fields. Motorists are on Meloche Road and traffic got backed up almost to the very entrance of the Libro Centre.
According to insurance companies, the left turn is the most dangerous driving manoeuver. You can read an interesting article about dangerous left turns by clicking here. There is a way to eliminate left turns, and most Essex County traffic jams, at the same time. It's called a "traffic circle" or a "round-about."
There are plenty of famous examples of traffic circles. For example, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is surrounded by a multi-lane traffic circle and Queen's Park in downtown Toronto, similarly, is surrounded by a multi-lane traffic circle. But you don't need big examples.
Right here in Essex County we are seeing the introduction of traffic circles. For example, that famous, annoying, traffic-choking, frustrating intersection at Malden Road and Todd Lane in the Town of Lasalle was entirely cured by a traffic circle. No more stopping at red lights, no more idling and wasting gas, no more left turns. Traffic now moves without stopping. Congratulations to the traffic engineering department of the Town of Lasalle for installing this traffic circle.
What is the most frustrating, gas-wasting, traffic-choking intersection in Amherstburg? I think it is the intersection at Meloche Road and Simcoe Street.
Right here in Essex County we are seeing the introduction of traffic circles. For example, that famous, annoying, traffic-choking, frustrating intersection at Malden Road and Todd Lane in the Town of Lasalle was entirely cured by a traffic circle. No more stopping at red lights, no more idling and wasting gas, no more left turns. Traffic now moves without stopping. Congratulations to the traffic engineering department of the Town of Lasalle for installing this traffic circle.
What is the most frustrating, gas-wasting, traffic-choking intersection in Amherstburg? I think it is the intersection at Meloche Road and Simcoe Street.
Have you ever tried making a left turn off Meloche Road on to Simcoe Street after leaving soccer practice or other sports? Sometimes it's a death-defying feat. Most of the time there is a long line of cars waiting to make that left turn. This intersection is crying out for a traffic circle.
And a good example of a functioning traffic circle is not too far away from this intersection. There is a traffic circle right in front of the Libro Centre. You might not have realized it but that circular drive is actually a traffic circle. It's a modest one to be sure. But it sure works well, doesn't it?
It might be too late to install a traffic circle at Meloche and Simcoe. The road has already been built and re-built. But there are always new developments and, when they occur, Amherstburg Council should investigate the advisability of a traffic circle for any new developments.
For example, a new high school is going to show up on Simcoe Street near Victoria Street South and Fryer Street. That new high school is guaranteed to produce heavy traffic that will clog Simcoe Street or Victoria Street South or Fryer Street or all three.
However, one or more traffic circles located along or near Simcoe Street will help alleviate traffic problems.
The time to plan these traffic circles is now.
And a good example of a functioning traffic circle is not too far away from this intersection. There is a traffic circle right in front of the Libro Centre. You might not have realized it but that circular drive is actually a traffic circle. It's a modest one to be sure. But it sure works well, doesn't it?
It might be too late to install a traffic circle at Meloche and Simcoe. The road has already been built and re-built. But there are always new developments and, when they occur, Amherstburg Council should investigate the advisability of a traffic circle for any new developments.
For example, a new high school is going to show up on Simcoe Street near Victoria Street South and Fryer Street. That new high school is guaranteed to produce heavy traffic that will clog Simcoe Street or Victoria Street South or Fryer Street or all three.
However, one or more traffic circles located along or near Simcoe Street will help alleviate traffic problems.
The time to plan these traffic circles is now.