A four-way stop at the corner of Bouchard and Marcel streets is being removed because it's causing accidents.
Roads Director David Shelsted told the committee that drivers trying to get around construction on Regent Street were taking advantage of the four-way stop.
“By having a stop sign facing Bouchard traffic, it's facilitating cutting through,” Shelsted said.
Before the four-way stop was installed – despite a staff recommendation against - there was thru traffic on Bouchard Street, he said, meaning you had to wait at Marcel.
“Were the stop signs directly the cause of the accidents?” asked Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann, an outspoken supporter of four-way stop signs.
“Yes,” Shelsted replied.
While the four-way stop signs are being removed, a raised intersection and four temporary speed humps will be installed as a way to calm traffic. That option came from surveys of residents in the neighbourhood.
“We'll get a good idea of how these are working in our community,” Shelsted said.
Committee chair Jacques Barbeau praised the move, saying staff took the time to evaluate the best way to deal with traffic issues in the area.
“We'll probably get some hate mail,” for removing the signs, he said. “(But) you came back to us with a solid recommendation.”
