Rupke wants something done about traffic on Highway 9
By Bill Rea

Traffic numbers on Highway 9 are getting higher, and residents are calling for action.

Councillor Jack Rupke brought the matter up at Monday night's council meeting, telling his colleagues people have been commenting and sending letters to Township staff. He wondered if there could be some direction passed on to York Region officials to do something.

Between Newmarket and Highway 400, there is nothing to stop traffic, meaning people trying to get onto the road frequently have a hard time finding breaks that enable them to enter the flow.

He suggested traffic lights could be installed at Keele Street, commenting that when the highway was redesigned a couple of years ago, the necessary wiring was put in place.

Mayor Margaret called for a staff report, pointing out operators of some local business have written letters about the situation.

Township CAO Scott Somerville observed this is complicated by the fact there is more than one jurisdiction involved. But he said staff will draft a report to be considered at council's Sept. 24 meeting.

"Traffic counts are going up and up and up," Rupke commented after the meeting. "Should we wait until there's a severe accident before we address the problem? I don't think so."