The City of North Bay is developing a Road Safety Strategy to establish goals, guidelines, and initiatives to help make North Bay’s streets and sidewalks even safer, according to a news release issued Wednesday.
A Request for Proposals seeking submissions from qualified and experienced engineering consultants for the development of the strategy closes on May 10. Work to develop the strategy is expected to get underway this spring once a contract has been awarded. The completed strategy is expected to be presented to Council for approval in the summer of 2024.
This new strategy will include a review of the City’s existing transportation infrastructure standards and will be used to help guide everything from road design and traffic speeds to signage and signalization. The strategy will also include a traffic calming policy to help manage traffic safety concerns on local and low-volume streets.
See related: 'Our city is a speed zone' — citizen warns Council
“Rather than looking at each traffic concern individually, this Road Safety Strategy will provide a comprehensive plan for improving safety for everyone on our roads, which we know is a priority for our residents,” said Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield.
See: Local blitz leads to 20 traffic charges — 5 for use of phone
The consultant will provide recommendations regarding the potential use of road safety measures such as automated speed enforcement and red-light cameras, as well as the adoption of road safety initiatives such as Vision Zero and a Safe System Approach in the strategy.
See also: Sudbury looks at installing more traffic-calming bollards
As part of the development of the strategy, there will be consultation with the public and stakeholders, including in-person public meetings/workshops.
“Whether you’re a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian, everyone wants the confidence of knowing our roads and sidewalks are safe,” said Coun. Lana Mitchell, chair of infrastructure and operations. “This strategy will provide this city with a set of guidelines and measures to improve traffic safety throughout the city.”
And: City flags notorious intersection for reconfiguration
The implementation of the Road Safety Strategy will be dependent on the recommendations, council priorities and budgetary considerations.
