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Four-way stop coming to Line 3, Concession 2 intersection

That intersection has been identified as the site of several collisions and near-misses over the last two years, as well as an increase in traffic.
Kris Dube, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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The intersection at Line 3 and Concession 2 will soon be a four-way stop.Penny Coles

A problematic intersection in rural Niagara-on-the-Lake will see improvements to address safety issues.  

Approved by council last week during committee-of-the-whole, an all-way stop will be installed at Line 3 and Concession 2.  

Staff said residents in the area have noted a marked increase in traffic and touring cyclists moving along Line 3 without obeying the existing two-way stop sign, resulting in an “increased number of collisions and near-misses at the intersection.”  

Analysis of the most current traffic and collision data shows that while the intersection does not qualify for an all-way stop based on traffic volumes, it does exceed the minimum collision criteria, with six preventable right-angle collisions in each of 2021 and 2022, a staff report said.

Based on this, the intersection is expected to meet or exceed that number of collisions again this year, said staff, adding that this reality also warrants putting in an all-way stop out of concerns for public safety.  

One of the issues cited in the report is that motorists headed east and west on Line 3 are going through the intersection when it is unsafe to do so, primarily due to “unfamiliarity with the area and the intersection controls.” The intersection has been the subject of concern for several years, as a busy route between two major wineries.

Cost of these measures is being pegged at $8,000 and will be taken out of money set aside for traffic control in the 2023 budget.  

Coun. Wendy Cheropita said the improvements are “very much required,” and noted that she wants residents to know that this isn’t the only spot being considered.

The town’s master transportation strategy will consider bicycle lanes in other parts of the community, she said.

The intersection currently has a two-way stop sign with through traffic travelling north and south on Concession 2. 

Earlier concerns from the public also resulted in the installation of advance stop signs, which “held the collision incidence in abeyance for several years," along with other measures.

But residents are now saying incidents are increasing, particularly involving cyclists.  

Motorists using LIne 3 as a bypass to avoid congestion caused by construction on Niagara Stone Road through Virgil is also a factor, the staff report said.