Northumberland County is extending a welcome for residents to attend an upcoming information session about the future of the intersection in the rural hamlet of Welcome.
The county is planning to upgrade the point where County Road 2, County Road 10, and County Road 74 (Dale Road) intersect in the Municipality of Port Hope, around 1.2 kilometres north of Highway 401. The goals of the work are to improve safety and provide a better traffic flow at this juncture.
During a public information session from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23 at New Hope United Church (4651 County Road 2), the county will provide an overview of the recently released Welcome intersection feasibility study.
The study provides recommendations for enhancements at the intersection which, according to the county, “has a unique configuration that may contribute to possible traffic incidents and driver confusion.”
Denise Marshall, director of public works for Northumberland County, shared with kawarthaNOW her hopes for the session.
“Northumberland County’s goal is to ensure residents have a clear understanding of the proposed improvements to the Welcome intersection three-way stop and how these changes will enhance safety and traffic flow,” Marshall said.
The study of the intersection evaluated various design alternatives, including converting the juncture to a four-way stop, constructing a roundabout, or — the preferred design option — maintaining the current three-way stop configuration with improvements.
“The upcoming public information session will detail the pros and cons of each option reviewed and the engineering considerations that led to this final decision,” Marshall noted. “We encourage residents to attend the session to learn more about the safety enhancements planned for this intersection, and to get answers to questions about the design and construction schedule.”
The session will include a presentation of the study’s findings, a discussion of the planned three-way stop intersection reconstruction, and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.
The feasibility study launched in 2022 “carefully considered three different design options, thoroughly investigating both the pros and cons of each, including a technical engineering review of each option,” Marshall noted.
“After extensive analysis and consultation, the option to enhance the existing three-way stop was confirmed as the preferred option, as it addresses many of the complexities of this unique intersection while minimizing impact and disruption.”
She said the county appreciates the public’s input, feedback and patience throughout the process.
“This has played a key role in helping to determine the final design option,” the director added.
No advance registration is required to take part in the October 23 information session.
For those unable to attend, the Welcome intersection improvements feasibility study and additional information is available at joinin.northumberland.ca/welcome-intersection-improvements, where questions and feedback can also be directed to the project team.
