“West Ferris has seen considerable new home builds and multi-residential housing developments,” said McDonald. “One of the biggest issues West Ferris residents tell me about is the flow of traffic to and through this part of the city.”
McDonald says Lakeshore Drive is an inefficient street.
“Left-hand turns hold traffic up and the lack of right-hand turning lanes can cause delays as well,” said McDonald
He's proposing turning lanes from Judge to Marshall Avenue.
McDonald said his preferred choice would be to maintain the four-lane approach with a centre left hand turning lane, but only if engineering determines enough room is available to do so.
“Some people have suggested no left hand turning on Lakeshore”, said McDonald “but I think that would be unfair to business. If we are unable to keep all four lanes and add a left hand turning lane then perhaps two lanes with a single left hand turning lane for both directions and right hand turning lanes at intersections with traffic lights would be a suitable compromise.”
McDonald said, “anyone who has traveled in West Ferris knows how challenging the flow of traffic can be. Lakeshore Drive can be a difficult section of road, especially during rush hour.”
He also wants another look at extending Marshall Ave. to the bypass, something the MTO has said would require the construction of a cloverleaf.
“I have advocated, for years, for some sort of extension to Marshall Avenue. A four-lane extension would go a long way to moving people in and out of West Ferris efficiently.” McDonald added, “I can envision increased investment flowing into West Ferris once we create the conditions needed to move people, goods and services.”
He plans to instruct engineering to begin development of plans "so we are ready to proceed the minute we are granted the necessary approvals.”
McDonald is running for his third term as Mayor.
