City approves funding for Van Vliet extension
Posted Feb 26, 2010 By Charelle Evelyn
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Tweet ThisEMC News - A big step has been taking in solving traffic problems on Bridge St. thanks to approval of long-awaited funding from the City of Ottawa.
As a part of the recently approved 2010 budget, the city identified $750,000 to extend Van Vliet St. The extension would create a four-way intersection at Bridge St. and improve safety coming from South Island Park Dr.
The motion for funding was put forward by Rideau-Goulbourn Coun. Glenn Brooks last November, but the idea has been floating around since before amalgamation, he said. According to Coun. Brooks, former Rideau Township Coun. Mike Calman initially proposed the extension.
"We didn't have the money to do so (then), so it was never done," Coun. Brooks said.
Subsequent attempts to get funding were blocked by an insufficient warrant, or traffic counts, to necessitate additional traffic lights.
A 2007 survey of village residents conducted by the Manotick Community Association indicated that a connection between Van Vliet St. and Long Island Rd. was a top priority among local transportation issues.
"Finally the staff agreed that something had to be done on Bridge St. even though it didn't meet warrants," said Coun. Brooks, adding his thanks to his colleagues on council and South Island residents for their ongoing support of the project.
The installation of another light standard on the new extension will make turning left onto Bridge St. much safer for the residents on the south end of Long Island.
"This is not the end solution, but it's a big step," Coun. Brooks noted, explaining that the new lights will reduce the ability of large trucks to roll through the light.
"Once we put another street in there, that will give (truck drivers) second thoughts," he said.
Now that the funding is in place, Coun. Brooks said he is awaiting information regarding the project's timelines.
"Once I have all that information on how this is going to move forward then I will notify the residents of the south end of the island, specifically, but certainly the community as well."
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