Written By David Gomez
MELBOURNE - A discussion about road safety at one of Middlesex County’s busiest rural intersections ended with council agreeing to consider full traffic signals as part of its 2027 capital budget, following concerns raised by local officials over increasing traffic volumes and a growing number of close calls in Melbourne.
The issue was introduced through a notice of motion by Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham, who initially proposed installing flashing overhead stop lights at the intersection of Melbourne Road and Longwoods Road. However, after hearing comments from staff and fellow councillors, the motion was amended to request that full traffic signalization be included for consideration during the 2027 budget process.
Grantham said residents have become increasingly uneasy about using the intersection, arguing that immediate action is needed. “Residents of Melbourne do go out of their way to miss that or go around that corner,” he told council. He said videos shared by residents show vehicles driving through the stop signs and several near misses.
Southwest Middlesex Mayor Allan Mayhew, who seconded the motion, said concerns about the intersection have existed for years. He noted that residents have documented hundreds of traffic infractions using trail cameras and pointed to increasing traffic volumes, partially driven by a nearby business attracting motorists from outside the area. While supporting the amended motion for full traffic signals, he cautioned against relying solely on collision statistics. “Sooner or later luck runs out,” Mayhew said.
County Engineer Chris Traini told council staff have monitored the intersection for several years and continue to assess it through the county’s road safety program. While he said overhead flashing lights are not recommended as a safety improvement at the location, he confirmed traffic volumes have grown substantially and that the intersection was already meeting about 92% of the provincial warrants for traffic signals during the county’s last review.
Traini said updated traffic counts will be completed as part of the county’s regular evaluation process, with a comprehensive staff report expected during 2027 capital budget discussions. The report will compare Melbourne with other intersections across Middlesex County being considered for signalization before council decides whether to fund the project.
