Motorists will soon not be able to turn left from South Davis Rd. onto the Trans-Canada Hwy. as part of imminent changes announced this week by the province. (Google Earth)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

traffic flap

Ladysmith mayor concerned about pending change to highway intersection

Oct 21, 2021 | 4:42 PM

LADYSMITH — Adjustments to how a busy intersection in Ladysmith’s south end is configured are being questioned by the community’s Mayor and Council.

This week the Ministry of Transportation announced work would start imminently to restrict left turns onto the Trans-Canada Hwy. from South Davis Rd. and adjoining Baker Rd.

The change will have the most profound impact on people living in the ever-growing south Ladysmith area where motorists would be funneled to the signalized intersection on North Davis Rd in order to proceed north on the Trans-Canada Hwy.

A news release from the Town on Thursday, Oct. 21 outlined access concerns to the highway for local residents.

“While the intersection changes will increase safety within the narrow scope considered by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the negative impacts of these changes will be felt by many Ladysmith residents for years to come,” Mayor Aaron Stone said in the release.

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The town prefers a traffic signal to be installed at South Davis Rd and the highway.

“I look forward to hosting Minister Fleming and MLA Routley on a tour of South Ladysmith to review the far reaching impacts of the proposed changes,” Stone added.

An illustration of pending traffic configuration adjustments impacting traffic feeding onto the Trans-Canada Hwy. in south Ladysmith. (Ministry of Transportation)

The Ministry of Transportation is planning future enhancements at North Davis Rd. in anticipation of potential increased traffic volumes, including lengthening the green light for left-turning motorists heading onto the highway.

The province is anticipating minor and short delays at South Davis Rd. and Baker Rd. as a result of the reconfigured intersection.

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