The City of Barrie is making changes to the intersection of Anne Street North and Sunnidale Road to improve safety and reduce the risk of collisions. Last week, City staff proposed southbound drivers on Anne Street North no longer be allowed to make left-hand turns onto Sunnidale Road. The change would require an amendment to the City’s traffic bylaw to formally add a ‘no left turn’ restriction for southbound traffic at the intersection. According to the report, the recommendation came after staff were directed to review the intersection due to concerns “regarding the turning movement conflict between north and southbound traffic on Anne Street.” The report noted northbound and southbound left turns on Anne Street North currently “create a conflict zone when opposing movements enter the intersection at the same time.” Staff said the design of the intersection doesn’t provide enough space for vehicles turning left in opposite directions. “The current geometric design does not allow for adequate space between north and south left-turning vehicles when they arrive at the same time,” the report states. According to data collected by city staff, the intersection has had four collisions over five years related to turning movements. “The nature of these collisions suggests that vehicle conflicts associated with the left turn and opposing through movements may be a contributing factor,” staff note. It’s estimated the average daily traffic volume along Anne Street North is around 9,400 vehicles. Of those, roughly 880 vehicles make a southbound left turn at Sunnidale Road. The left turn restriction has since been given the green light, meaning come mid-January when it comes into effect, southbound drivers heading to Sunnidale Road in that area would need to use alternate routes. Staff estimated the cost to install new ‘no left turn’ signage at about $550, which could be covered, the report outlined, within the city’s 2025 operating budget.
