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City to review dangerous north end intersection

Move comes in the wake of the death of senior who was hit crossing the road at Kathleen and Speedvale

The City of Guelph plans on undertaking a review of a north end intersection many feel is unsafe for pedestrians.

A statistical and observational review of the intersection of Kathleen Street and Speedvale Avenue West will take place. No timeline for the review has been established.

Ward 3 councillor Phil Allt reached out to city staff after a senior was hit by a pickup truck crossing Speedvale Avenue West at Kathleen Street July 29.

Len Humphries, 77, suffered numerous injuries and died Friday at Hamilton General Hospital.

Several residents of the area and Humphries nephew Jordy McPolin all said there have been other vehicle/pedestrian collisions at the intersection as well as many near misses.

Humphries himself told his nephew that he felt that one day he was going to get hit and killed crossing the road there.

Allt asked city traffic staff what could be done about the intersection.

A respose from Allister McIlveen, Manager, Traffic and Parking, said that staff would be undertaking a review of the intersection “from both a statistical perspective i.e. vehicle and pedestrian volumes, historical collision information and field observations to review and ensure that all signing and pavement markings are in good repair as well as the traffic signals.

“Moving forward, once we have completed our data collection and analysis we will be able to provide, at the very least, a framework around which the discussion with the residents can take place. i.e. do the collision patterns show a trend that can be mitigated with an action,” said the email from McIlveen.

Allt has offered to meet with area residents and gather their thoughts on the problem and possible solutions.

“My concern will be that it does not get lost in the bureaucracy of time. I think the intersection warrants an expedited solution,” Allt said.

“I'm just looking for advice but feel I do need the assistance of staff and a sound proposal for alleviating the threat that is clearly there to pedestrians of all ages,” Allt had said to city staff.

Speed, traffic heading east on Speedvale coming downhill, traffic volume and the fact that Kathleen Street does not cross Speedvale in a straight line are some of the issues with the intersection.


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Tony Saxon

About the Author: Tony Saxon

Tony Saxon has had a rich and varied 30 year career as a journalist, an award winning correspondent, columnist, reporter, feature writer and photographer.
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