Midhurst/October 27, 2023 – The County of Simcoe continues to build up local transportation infrastructure, including several significant roundabout projects. Recently, traffic began circulating the new roundabout on Wilson Drive in Springwater Township. Another roundabout in Essa Township is scheduled to open later this year.
“The County is building up critical infrastructure to support our residents and the needs of our regional economy,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “In 2023, the County invested more than $45 million into road construction projects. Growth is coming to Simcoe County, and we want to make sure Simcoe County’s infrastructure is ready.”
Roundabouts are commonplace across Europe, and they are becoming more and more common in Ontario, including in areas such as Waterloo, Hamilton, London. Several roundabouts have been constructed in the west part of Simcoe County by the MTO.
Roundabouts have several benefits, including improving safety for road users by reducing intersection entry and exit speeds. The Region of Waterloo now has 36 roundabouts on regional roads and constructed its first roundabout in 2004. According to their Safe Roads website, where roundabouts have replaced traffic signals, the Region of Waterloo has experienced a 51% decrease in collisions with injuries and fatalities. Since the County opened its first roundabout on Highway 93 in Midland, there has also been a reduction in serious accidents.
To help local road users, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, adapt to the new roundabouts, the County has created a roundabout brochure. To learn more about the County’s roundabouts, you can also visit simcoe.ca/roundabouts <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>. Updates on all current road projects, including roundabout construction, can be found at simcoe.ca/roadprojects <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Hedley
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-715-7654 (mobile)
Chris.Hedley@simcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca