The speed limit on NOTL's problem-plagued Concession 6 Road between York Road and the Mewburn Road Bridge will be reduced to 60 km/h from the current 80 km/h.

The reduction will improve traffic safety and address residents' concerns, town staff said in the report presented to council Monday.

Several concerns about road safety have been raised since the Mewburn Road Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls and NOTL, reopened last November. The road provides an alternative route for drivers coming from Niagara Falls into town and has proved to be a popular shortcut.

Among the concerns were drivers speeding northward toward NOTL and ignoring the stop sign at York Road. There have been at least five collisions at the intersection since it reopened, Niagara Regional Police said.

Several other options proposed to council included implementing traffic calming measures such as rumble strips and curb extensions or cutting the crest of the escarpment and filling its bottom.

The cost of replacing the existing speed limit sign is estimated to be about $125, according to the staff report.

As part of Niagara Region’s transportation master plan, there could also be a potential new interchange at Concession 6 Road and Highway 405.

Coun. Gary Burroughs asked town staff to send a letter to the region pushing for this project so that NOTL could have another access to the QEW in addition to the one at Glendale Avenue.