County considers IBR upgrades

Lighting, drainage and road widening among proposed improvements
By Chris Simon Innisfil Scope November 17 2010
The County of Simcoe is proposing several improvements to its stretch of Innisfil Beach Road.
Widening an 11 kilometre swath to four lanes, and upgrades to the 5th Sideroad and Yonge Street intersections have been proposed for County Road 21, the section of Innisfil Beach Road that is owned by the upper tier municipality.
The widening would help alleviate traffic congestion, correct stormwater drainage issues, and improve illumination and safety along the roadway. A sidewalk is also proposed between Yonge and County Road 39.
“The county is proposing to improve County Road 21,” said Transportation Construction Director Jim Hunter. “The county is proceeding with an (environmental assessment) to consider the impacts associated with the improvements, particularly the widening.”
While the town is generally supportive of the proposed project, the county should consider extending the sidewalk and including an underground infrastructure corridor to the Innisfil Heights employment zone in the final plans, said town engineer and director of infrastructure Jim Zimmerman.
“The proposed design appears acceptable to staff, with the exception that a pedestrian pathway be added to the roadway design from Alcona to (Yonge),” he said.
“A service corridor for underground infrastructure (water and sewers should) be established to support growth in Innisfil Heights,” said Zimmerman.
“The pathway would provide a corridor for pedestrians or bicycles travelling between Alcona and the town campus.”
The intersection improvements would also attempt to address safety concerns. Left and right turning and additional ‘through’ lanes, and additional curbs, gutters and lighting could be added.
“The county is proposing … to improve safety and operations at these locations,” said Hunter.
County staff are seeking input on the plans, and will also host a public information centre within the next few months.
For more information, or to provide feedback, e-mail jim.hunter@simcoe.ca or mcullip@cctatham.com.
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