Safety First at Yonge and Wellington in Aurora, ON


Safety First at Yonge and Wellington in Aurora, ON
The Issue
The intersection of Yonge Street and Wellington Street has been a dangerous intersection for Aurorans for many years, some stating it has been an area they have avoided for over 30 years.
Due to the increase in population, the current layout of the intersection, and the absence of dedicated left turn lanes, there has been countless accidents and dangerous close calls causing stress amongst the community.
The York Region previously did a pilot in 2017, restricting left turns during busy hours. The stated purpose of the study was to see the impact of northbound and southbound traffic flow on Yonge St. The results showed no improvement to traffic flow, and no further actions were taken. The study did not look at left turns from westbound Wellington St to southbound Yonge St, where there is a lack of visibility of oncoming eastbound traffic on Wellington St. The blind spot is significant in this direction, however Aurorans have stated there is a lack of visibility in all directions during rush hour.
There have been many complaints on Facebook forums stating the same concerns, with most citizens choosing to avoid this intersection all together to decrease the stress and anxiety of going through that intersection. It is unacceptable that we cannot feel safe within our own community, therefore I am requesting that we brainstorm solutions to this issue. Perhaps we can look at modifying the timing and function of the advance green lights or even a mirror to increase the visibility of incoming cars.
The purpose of this petition is to motivate York Region to reevaluate this matter so that the community can feel safe and heard.
375
The Issue
The intersection of Yonge Street and Wellington Street has been a dangerous intersection for Aurorans for many years, some stating it has been an area they have avoided for over 30 years.
Due to the increase in population, the current layout of the intersection, and the absence of dedicated left turn lanes, there has been countless accidents and dangerous close calls causing stress amongst the community.
The York Region previously did a pilot in 2017, restricting left turns during busy hours. The stated purpose of the study was to see the impact of northbound and southbound traffic flow on Yonge St. The results showed no improvement to traffic flow, and no further actions were taken. The study did not look at left turns from westbound Wellington St to southbound Yonge St, where there is a lack of visibility of oncoming eastbound traffic on Wellington St. The blind spot is significant in this direction, however Aurorans have stated there is a lack of visibility in all directions during rush hour.
There have been many complaints on Facebook forums stating the same concerns, with most citizens choosing to avoid this intersection all together to decrease the stress and anxiety of going through that intersection. It is unacceptable that we cannot feel safe within our own community, therefore I am requesting that we brainstorm solutions to this issue. Perhaps we can look at modifying the timing and function of the advance green lights or even a mirror to increase the visibility of incoming cars.
The purpose of this petition is to motivate York Region to reevaluate this matter so that the community can feel safe and heard.
375
The Decision Makers
Petition created on February 10, 2022