Officials hope to fast track “Grimsby diamond” solution

By Mike Williscraft
NewsNow

Did you know Grimsby has a diamond…and it is not the expensive shiny variety one would typically desire.

Grimsby Ald. Dave Kadwell, who has spear-headed an initiative to get the Ministry of Transportation to address safety concerns along the town’s QEW off ramps, heard the term for the first time during a meeting with ministry officials in early September.

“You know when they have a name for the area, it is on their radar,” said Kadwell.

Kadwell invited Niagara West Glanbrook MPP Tim Hudak to the scene of a recent fatal accident – Ontario Street in Grimsby at the eastbound off ramp. He was hoping to get Hudak’s support for some fast-tracking measure at Queen’s Park to make the intersections more safe.

“I’ve been an MPP for 19 years. One thing that is clear is you have to get on the radar screen to get any attention. The fact they have a name of the area and they agreed to come out here for a meeting is very encouraging that the MTO is interested in what is happening,” said Hudak.

Kadwell said MTO numbers show there have been 31 accidents within the diamond since 2001, dubbed so because of the three connected exits.

Kadwell said five local representatives sat in the meeting with MTO officials and outlined concerns. He add that MTO officials were “not receptive” to installing warning road ruts due to concern over possible noise complaints.

While he said other measures were discussed, he wanted to have Hudak steer the matter to sooner-than-later resolution.

There have been three accidents within the diamond in the last six weeks alone.

“I will be glad to give this all the attention it deserves, said Hudak