Chatham-Kent council has approved a series of parking and traffic adjustments along King Street in downtown Chatham aimed at supporting local businesses and maintaining safe traffic flow during ongoing construction in the area.
Council authorized municipal staff to implement the changes following a successful motion by Mayor Darrin Canniff. The adjustments focus on the area near the intersection of King Street and Fifth Street, where construction at 100 and 130 King Street has resulted in the temporary loss of some on-street parking spaces and the placement of construction fencing.
Over the next two days, a portion of the westbound right-turn lane on King Street at Fifth Street will be converted into two new one-hour on-street parking spaces. The existing 15-minute parking space will be relocated closer to the intersection at the west limit of the parking area. In addition, all remaining on-street public parking spaces along King Street between Fifth Street and William Street will be changed from two-hour parking to one-hour parking in an effort to encourage turnover and improve access for customers.
A new “no right turn on red” restriction will also be introduced for westbound traffic on King Street turning onto Fifth Street. Municipal officials say the restriction is intended to enhance safety at the intersection while construction fencing remains in place at the corner. The restriction applies only during a red light for westbound vehicles, with right turns still permitted when the traffic signal is green. New signage is being installed on the traffic signal to clearly indicate the change, similar to other turning restrictions already in place in the area.
“These adjustments are intended to help offset the loss of parking caused by the ongoing improvements to downtown while also ensuring safe and effective traffic movement in a busy downtown area,” Canniff said. “Supporting our downtown businesses and keeping people moving safely remains a priority as our work to revitalize downtown Chatham continues.”
The municipality says the changes are expected to remain in place for the duration of the construction activity. Residents and visitors are encouraged to watch for new signage and pavement markings as the updates are implemented.
