Imagine a busy intersection where chaos reigns, accidents lurk, and frustrated drivers honk in unison. That's the reality residents near Wallace Terrace and Goulais Avenue have been facing. But fear not, change is coming! After a recent review revealed a surge in traffic, city councillors have voted to bring back traffic signals to this contentious crossroads. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the lights. This decision comes with a tech upgrade, including new traffic detection systems and optimized signal timing during quieter hours. Here's the twist: the north-south lights will only turn green if a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, aiming to streamline traffic flow. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a step towards safer streets, or an overreaction to a temporary traffic spike? Maggie McAuley, the city's design and transportation engineering manager, highlights the intersection's notorious reputation, especially during shift changes at Algoma Steel and school hours. Left turns from Goulais Avenue onto Wallace Terrace have been a nightmare, causing backups that block driveways and force drivers to detour. But is this enough to justify the return of traffic signals? When the lights were removed earlier this year for a traffic study, six collisions occurred in the first month alone, including one caught on camera by SooToday. Over the past five years, there have been 10 accidents at this intersection. McAuley describes it as a four-leg intersection with Wallace Terrace as the main arterial road and Goulais Avenue as a collector road, serving businesses, Algoma Steel's Gate No. 4, and providing access to Manzo Park. Surveys consistently show that Saultites prefer keeping traffic signals here, citing concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety, especially for children. But is public opinion enough to outweigh the data from previous studies? McAuley's observations shed light on the complexities: 90 to 120 pedestrians cross daily, 40 students without bus service rely on this route, and traffic volumes are nearing the threshold for signal justification—a stark contrast to the 2022 study. The recent increase in traffic could be linked to road resurfacing or changes at nearby industries. Interestingly, speeds have risen on one side of the intersection while dropping on the other. Future housing developments in the area could further intensify traffic, but is this enough to warrant immediate action? Temporary pedestrian crossover equipment will be removed and repurposed elsewhere. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker, who campaigned on removing unnecessary traffic signals, acknowledges that this intersection now nearly meets the threshold for signals, with anticipated growth likely pushing it over the edge. But is this a case of reacting to current conditions or planning for a future that may never materialize? Shoemaker insists that signals should be installed where needed and removed where unnecessary. What do you think? Is this the right call, or are we overcomplicating a simple intersection? Share your thoughts below!
