Posted on: July 31, 2020 | Return to News
Town of Conception Bay South Implements Strategies for Topsail Beach Road Traffic Management
In June, the Town of Conception Bay South engaged the services of a local traffic engineering consulting firm to review traffic flows and safety enhancements to Topsail Beach Road. The Topsail Beach Road Traffic Management Report is now available and the Town has begun actioning many of the recommendations outlined in the report to alleviate traffic concerns raised by residents who live in the area.
“Topsail Beach Road has had notable traffic complaints from local residents for several years, especially during the summer months. Traffic count data in this report confirms that there is indeed a higher volume of traffic during daytime hours associated with activity at the park. Reducing unnecessary traffic and the related safety and noise concerns during peak seasonal times is important for the Town, and we’ve already begun actioning many of the short-term recommendations of the report,” said Mayor Terry French.
Noted in the report was that visitors are unaware of parking availability until they are at the Topsail Beach Park parking lot, after driving through the residential area on Topsail Beach Road. To reduce unnecessary vehicle trips, the Town is now informing motorists of the parking availability before they turn onto Topsail Beach Road, by using digital message boards on both sides of Topsail Road (Route 60), in advance of the intersection.
Additional staff, including Municipal Enforcement Officers and Recreation and Community Services employees, have been on site all summer to assist with parking issues and to monitor activity. The Town has also been in regular communication with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, who have increased their presence in the area. The Town is grateful for their continued support and cooperation.
Other enhancements include reviewing sight distance obstructions by vegetation at the intersection of Topsail Road and Topsail Beach Road, installing road signage with important residential reminders to help slow traffic and reduce unnecessary noise, and the reconstruction of exiting speed humps.
“We’re committed to taking action to make this area safer. Many of the short-term recommendations in this report will be completed this year. We will also be engaging a consultant to provide us with options for a phased approached to upgrade Topsail Beach Road if that is something that can be accomplished, given the topography and available space on the edge of the road. This park is a top attraction for our town and we look forward to taking a comprehensive look at long-term recommendations to keep this area safe and enjoyable,” said Mayor French.