(Apr 20, 2007)

Hamilton politicians are ready to reduce the speed limit on Cootes Drive at McMaster University to improve safety along the roadway. Meanwhile, the university is proposing to implement safety measures in the area, including installing a fence to force students to cross at the designated pedestrian crossing area.

Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie introduced a motion this week at the public works committee asking that the speed limit south of the overpass at McMaster University along Cootes Drive be reduced from 80 km-h to 40 kkm-h.

Mr. McHattie said the request came from the university and the McMaster University Student Union.

"There is a lot of frustration among students and residents that things are not happening," he said.

Pedestrian safety has been an ongoing concern after a 19-year-old McMaster University student was struck last year at the pedestrian-activated traffic lights on Cootes Drive. The city had installed the traffic lights even though there had been no record of an accident at the location in the last 10 years.

McMaster University conducted a study and found that between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. just over 3,700 individuals crossed Cootes Drive at the pedestrian traffic light. At the peak hour, between noon and 1 p.m. about 425 people crossed at the traffic light. The study found, stated Mr. McHattie in his motion, that "near accidents" involving individuals and vehicles were observed.

The purpose of his motion, said Mr. McHattie would establish the area as a "school zone" similar to council-designated school safety zones created in front of elementary schools.

Public works staff suggested instead of cutting the speed limit from 80 km-h to 40 km-h, the speed limits should be reduced gradually from 80 km-h, to 60 km-h to 40km-h.

"That should be looked at," said Dundas councillor Russ Powers. "(Dropping it from 80 km-h to 40 km-h) may cause problems."

As vehicles drive from Dundas to the overpass the speed limit is 80 km-h. But after driving past the overpass, the speed limit quickly drops to 50 km-h. Mr. McHattie said since the pedestrian fatality, he formed a committee with representatives from the university's student union and the university to see how to improve the roadway's safety.

Suggestions that have been discussed among committee members include installing a speed limit sign on the overpass revealing drivers' speed as they pass under the bridge; and installing a fence to "channel" pedestrians to cross only at the activated cross area.

Hart Solomon, director of roads and traffic, suggested the city and McMaster University build the fence and promote education initiatives before lowering the speed limit.

"We want to get to the root of the problem first," said Mr. Solomon.

Mr. McHattie disagreed, saying the university community is anxious for the city to do something.

"I have no interest to wait," he said.

Mr. Hattie, though, did agreed to defer his motion for two weeks until an implementation strategy to reduce the speed limit can be introduced by staff. The next public works meeting is scheduled for May 7.

"We want people to adjust to the (new speed limit)," said public works general manager Scott Stewart.

"The enforcement will also have to be a big part of it too."

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