The province is taking aim at unsafe entrances to Highway 11 and a pair of access points in Gravenhurst are in their sights.
During their most recent meeting Gravenhurst council received staff recommendations regarding upcoming modifications to Highway 11 in Gravenhurst, which include the closure of entrances at Manson/Cowbell Lane and another at Mitchell Road
Andrew Stacey, the director of infrastructure services, detailed in the report that the province is set to undertake a comprehensive design and planning initiative aimed at rehabilitating the Highway 11 corridor, stretching from the Severn River Bridge to South Kahshe Lake Road.
As part of this design process, the province evaluated entrances along the highway and has made recommendations concerning the maintenance or removal of specific access points.
Stacey noted that, following a review based on technical and safety assessments, the province has identified the two entrances as candidates for permanent closure.
At Manson/Cowbell Lane, there are currently two access points from Highway 11. The first, located 100 meters north of the Severn River Bridge, is recommended for closure, while a secondary access point, situated 500 meters north of the bridge, will remain open. Residents will still have full access via the secondary entrance, which includes a properly designed deceleration taper to enhance safety for turning movements.
Mitchell Road currently has two access points connected to the northbound side of Highway 11. The southern entrance is located about 2.1 kilometers from the Severn River Bridge, while the northern entrance is approximately 2.7 kilometers from the bridge. The north entrance is recommended for permanent closure, and a cul-de-sac will be constructed to assist with municipal operations. The south entrance is set to remain open and will be improved with a formal right-turn taper.
Stacey confirmed that after thorough discussions with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the administration concurs with MTO’s functional concerns. It agrees that the closure of the south entrance to Manson/Cowbell Lane and the north entrance to Mitchell Road will enhance safety at both locations.
In light of this, Council has instructed staff to issue a public notice concerning plans to pass a bylaw for the closure of the entrances.
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So excited to hear they are looking at closing Manson/Cowbell exit as I’ve been in communication with MTO for 3 years. We live on Cowbell Lane and we’ve witnessed probably 20 mishaps on this exit, and coming to their aide. We had 3 rollovers in 3 years, 1 involving 3 kids, and many pull outs, and 1 motorcycle accident. Just so glad no one has died or been seriously injured as we are always the first on scene. Hopefully they can get it closed before anything tragic happens.
I’m pleased the Province is committing to road and access improvements .
I do hope it is completed on schedule and budget.
Keeping Safety in mind!
After all the right Construction Group will do all.
As it has in the past!
Regards,
Donna