Life is a highway to Wildwood

Input sought for Hwy 7 reconstruction

By Mark Schadenberg

The northern reaches of Oxford County will see modifications to a major artery through the area.

The section of Highway 7 from Wildwood Conservation Area (UTRCA) to Stratford is due for significant upgrades. While I haven’t seen much press on this in Oxford, the Stratford paper is noting that the 30-day public review period continues until March 19.

You can have your say or supply your input.

Here’s the Beacon Herald bit:

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Public invited to comment until March 19

By Mike Beitz, The Beacon Herald

Friday, Feb. 22, 2013

ST. MARYS -- Construction could begin as early as next year on planned improvements to Hwy. 7 between Stratford and the Wildwood Conservation Area that could include two roundabouts.

The project is currently in the “detailed design phase,” which is expected to be complete in the fall, explained MTO communications co-ordinator Liane Fisher in an email this week.

In the meantime, a transportation environmental study report on the project has just been made available for a required 30-day public review.

Two roundabouts on the horizon

It outlines the ministry’s preferred improvements, including pavement and culvert rehabilitation, as well as the construction of roundabouts on Hwy. 7 at the intersections of Line 20 (near Klomps nursery) and Line 26 (near D&S Downham Equipment).

A public information centre to gather feedback on the planned improvements was held in November, and Fisher said the project was “generally well received.”

“The comments included some who look forward to the improvements and see the benefits of the roundabouts, while others prefer traffic signals. We also received comments about traffic detours during construction,” she said. “We are continuing to meet with stakeholders and members of the public to address their concerns as the design process continues.”

Assuming there are no outstanding concerns raised in the review period, the ministry will proceed with finalizing the detailed design.

Planned work in Ontario budget 

The project is listed in the province’s 2012-2016 southern highways program, and construction is slated to start as soon as 2014, noted Fisher.

A copy of the transportation environmental study report is available in Stratford at the Stratford Public Library and the Perth County Courthouse, and in St. Marys at the St. Marys Public Library.

The review period runs until March 19.

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/2013/02/22/public-invited-to-comment-until-march-19