New traffic means North Front "needs a light"

(BELLEVILLE, ON) – Jack Tweedy of Belleville overlooks the intersection at North Front and Evans Streets, a dangerous area he feels need a traffic light. Photo by Keenan Weaver

Jack Tweedy looks out his kitchen window to the busy intersection he’s seen for 25 years. He sees an endless stream of cars flash by at the corner of Evans Street and North Front Street in Belleville.

A new development might be on the way, and Jack is worried what it will mean for the already busy traffic.

“The cars really fly over that hill,” he said. “Like try crossing that intersection right now man, you put your life in your hands.”

The proposed development has been brought to Belleville city council for the property along the corner of North Front and Evans Streets. While still in the planning stages, it could have eight apartments and an office space.

Between Evans Street and College Street lies a plaza for the neighbourhood, where high-school students to seniors go for food and household necessities.

His concern is that there is currently no traffic light at the busy corner.

Day in and day out he sees countless people jaywalk the four-lanes of North Front Street to save a walk to the College Street traffic lights. Time is of the essence for students at Quinte Secondary School, who seem to prefer a dangerous journey across the unregulated intersection than a hike down to the traffic lights.

“As far as I’m concerned it would be safer for the children getting across with the proper crossing walks put in,” Tweedy said.

He recently wrote a letter to city council requesting a traffic light be put up in the intersection to increase safety and help the busy flow of traffic.

“It was mentioned the concern was about the flow of traffic and not keeping it flowing (if a light were put in). Well, I think there’s a safety factor there too and we have to be vigilant with the community,” he said.

Tweedy feels traffic is already an issue at the intersection, and without proper regulation the new building would make it even more hectic and dangerous. He hopes to have the intersection looked at in greater detail by council.

“They wanted to bring in a traffic committee and do a survey on the intersection,” he said.

Tweedy said he’s gotten support from councilor Jack Miller for a traffic light. Miller was unavailable for comment.

Tweedy went around the neighbourhood to see if other residents agreed. He said many thought the intersection needed a light.

Paula Watts, owner of Pasta Tavola at the corner of North Front and Evans Streets, thinks a traffic light would be beneficial to the safety of the neighbourhood.

“If it’s something that can create a safe environment and (increase) accessibility, and not even just to my shop just to the area, I think it’s a good idea,” she said.

Watts said the corner is very busy, and has seen several accidents there over the years. She feels anything that could “alleviate the congestion” would be very helpful to the neighbourhood.

With a plaza and a high school so close to her store, she said many people cross over the four lanes to buy some pasta during all times of the day. Whether it’s during rush hour or not, many people find left turns off of North Front Street a bit stressful.

“For me with the business as well it also gives better access to our parking area,” she said.

Watts recognizes the benefit for her business, but is thinking more of the greater safety and convenience value for the community.

“I think allowing that easy access across the street could really be beneficial to the residents in the area,” Watts said. “That’s just how we all see it, whether it affects a business or it affects personal.”