Province Improving Road Safety for Sydney Road, Intersection

Sydney residents are getting improvements to the Kytes Hill/Grand Lake Roadway with new and improved signs and clearer road markings.

They are interim steps as a safety review of the area continues.

"Road safety is always our first priority. For that reason, we are taking action even before the review is complete," said Maurice Smith, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "I've asked senior staff, including the deputy minister, to personally inspect the area. I want them to ensure interim measures are working the way they're intended, to improve safety for those using the road."

At a public meeting April 25, area residents called for short- and long-term solutions to improve the safety of drivers and residents in the area.

The interim measures are:

• new and clearer road lines, including edge lines
• installing new and oversize signs to more clearly identify intersections, turning directions and speed limits
• tree removal and brush clearing, where needed
• putting electronic speed signs on the Grand Lake Road to help curb speeding

"I want to thank the many residents who came out to the public meeting, and for the letters they wrote in support of road safety in this area," said Mr. Smith. "We're listening and responding to their concerns. I look forward to the final report this summer."

Consultant Hatch Mott MacDonald is working with a committee of representatives from CBRM, police, and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, for the report. It is expected to be complete by August.