Latest news with #Barrie
CTV News
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Construction on Big Bay Point Road raises questions: Why wasn't it done during 2021 reconstruction?
Traffic is down to one lane in each direction along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade. Drivers along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie will notice lane reductions this week as the City begins major water main work between Bayview Drive and Huronia Road — a busy stretch that was already under construction just a few years ago. The question on the minds of many now is, why wasn't the water main work done in 2021 when the road was completely overhauled and widened to five lanes? In an email sent to CTV News, the City explained that the full extent of the declining condition of the water main wasn't evident during the road project four years ago. 'Recent assessments identified corrosion and deterioration on parts of a large water main, which presents risk of significant failures,' wrote Scott Lamantia with the City of Barrie. The City says this stretch of pipe is now being relined as a precaution, to avoid future issues and reduce the risk of a major break. Big Bay Point Road construction Traffic is bumper to bumper along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade. (CTV News Barrie) While motorists who dealt with the delays the last time around will be frustrated with the return of pylons, single lanes, and construction crews, the City says decisions around timing are made through careful planning. 'The City has significant infrastructure needs related to roads, sewers, water mains and other infrastructure,' the email continues. 'As staff prepare the capital plan we consider a number of factors, including lifecycle of the related assets, timing and sequencing.' Officials acknowledged the inconvenience to the public but say some disruptions are inevitable when maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure. 'While we always aim to minimize disruption to the traveling public, we recognize there is a certain amount of inconvenience that is unavoidable in order to ensure our infrastructure is renewed or expanded in a timely manner,' the City added. Big Bay Point Road construction Traffic is down to one lane in each direction along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade. (CTV News Barrie) The current water main work began on Thursday and will continue for several months. One lane in each direction will remain open, but motorists will have to pack their patience as traffic may be slower in the area during peak hours. The city is urging motorists to plan extra time or take alternate routes if possible. The project is expected to be completed by December.
CTV News
a day ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Speed cameras changing driver behaviour: CAA
A new report from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) reveals speed cameras are helping to make roads safer. Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras are influencing how people drive, the report noted, adding many drivers are either slowing down near the cameras or avoiding roads where they are located. 'When drivers choose to slow down or change their routes because of photo radar, it means the technology is doing what it's meant to, reminding us to be more mindful behind the wheel,' stated Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. The City of Barrie announced it purchased two more photo radar cameras recently, bringing its total to four, which are currently in the testing stage along Livingstone Street, Grove Street East and Rose Street. CAA says 73 per cent of drivers in Ontario reduce their speed when approaching an ASE camera, and over half said they don't speed up again after passing one. 'These insights show how useful a tool ASE cameras can be,' said Stewart. 'This technology isn't about 'gotcha' moments; it's about preventing real harm and changing driver behaviour.' In Barrie, ASE cameras have been set up in school and community safety zones, where pedestrian traffic is highest. The City says the goal is to slow drivers down, especially where children are present. But not everyone is slowing down, the CAA report showed 23 per cent of Ontario drivers received a ticket this year, up from 17 per cent last year. Still, the survey indicated strong public support for the cameras. About 73 per cent of drivers support ASE use in areas like school zones and near parks. And 76 per cent believe these cameras help stop speeding. 'While speed cameras may not solve every road safety issue overnight, they play an important role in nudging driver behaviour in a safer direction,' added Stewart. The City of Barrie has posted signage to alert motorists to the coming cameras, which are not currently issuing tickets.
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
One person seriously injured in collision on busy Barrie street
One person has been rushed to the hospital with serious injuries following a collision on a busy Barrie road Wednesday morning. Police have closed Bayfield Street from Ferris Lane to Coulter Street for the investigation. There is no timeline for when it will reopen. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. Simcoe County paramedics tell CTV News an individual suffered critical, life-threatening injuries in the collision, which happened shortly before 8:30 a.m. Early reports are that a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. Police have not confirmed these details. This is a developing story. CTV News will provide updates as they become available.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Barrie is testing four new photo-radar locations around the city
Motorists driving through several community safety zones in Barrie may have noticed new signage warning of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras - but the cameras aren't issuing tickets just yet.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Crown seeks 7.5 years for Toronto man who pleaded guilty in 2017 Barrie home invasion
The sentencing hearing for a Toronto man who pleaded guilty for taking part in a 2017 home invasion in Barrie was held Tuesday morning.
