Oshawa Regional Councillor wants intersection changes after cyclist killed

An Oshawa Regional Councillor is asking Durham Region to investigate design improvements at the intersection of Simcoe and Wentworth streets after a teenage cyclist was struck and killed by a truck Thursday evening.

Brian Nicholson, who represents the south Oshawa neighbourhood, said the intersection has been “a cause for concern for many years” with a higher than normal number of accidents.

As both Simcoe and Wentworth are ‘Regional’ roads Nicholson is asking Durham to:

1.Investigate the design of the intersection, including pedestrian crossings to see if improvements can be made to sightlines and markings, to try to limit the number of accidents at this location. Pedestrians have been reporting that trying to cross the intersection has been an issue for a long time.

2. Investigate the approval of a Community Safety Zone on Simcoe Street South from Bloor Street to Ritson Road South and on Wentworth Street West from Nelson Street to Park Road South.

3. Investigate the addition of more speed limit signs in the approaches to this intersection and the location of radar cameras at this location

4. Reach out to the Durham Regional Police for more speed enforcement in this area.

“As this intersection is at the nexus of both residential and industrial communities, we need to find serious solutions to the ongoing problems,” Nicholson said. “Anything you can do to assist will be appreciated by area residents.