Serious crashes prompt new traffic signals for Greater Sudbury roadway

City staff is recommending left turn signals be installed at two intersections with MR35 in Azilda because of the severity of collisions there in recent years.

A study found that while traffic volumes don’t warrant the new traffic signals, the fact the speed limit is 80 km/h means when crashes do occur, they are more serious.

The report said between Jan. 1, 2020, and April 1, 2025, there were 23 collisions at the corner of MR35 and Marier Street.

“Ten of these collisions were either angle type or turning movement type collisions, which are the collision type most associated with left turn movements,” the report prepared for the June 16 meeting of the operations committee.

“During the same time at MR35 and Montee Principale, a total of 15 collisions occurred and 10 of those were either angle type or turning movement type collisions.”

MR was expanded to four lanes in 2020, becoming a four-lane cross-section from two. A traffic study at the time concluded that no left turn signal was needed.

While an average of two collisions a year normally wouldn’t lead to left-hand turn signals, the report said as a result of the higher speed limit on the roadway, “a number of these collisions resulted in injury.”

Because of “the posted speed limit and the severity of the collisions which have occurred, staff are proceeding with installing fully protected left turn signals for both left turn lanes at both intersections,” the report said.

“The required material and installation costs will utilize existing traffic signal operating budget and existing staff compliment will be used to reprogram the traffic signal controllers. It is anticipated that the left turn signals will be installed and operational in June 2025.”

Read the full report here.