Creative traffic-calming measures helping make Clarington streets safer

Clarington is testing creative new ways to influence a change in driver behaviour and encourage slower vehicle speeds to improve road safety in the community. Beginning this summer, residents will see a number of traffic-calming projects in action, including a painted chicane pilot on Mearns Avenue in Bowmanville and lane narrowing on West Beach Road in Port Darlington.

Painted chicane pilot coming to Mearns Avenue

New chicanes have been installed on Mearns Avenue, between Flaxman Avenue and Apple Blossom Boulevard, creating a series of painted S-shaped curves to visually narrow the roadway and encourage drivers to reduce their speed as they travel through the area. Flexible bollards have also been installed to help guide motorists along the curved path.

New chicane installed on Mearns Avenue in Bowmanville as a traffic calming measure.

The location for this pilot was selected following speed studies that identified low compliance with the 30 km/h speed limit in the school zone. It is expected to remain in place for up to one year while staff monitor traffic conditions and collect data to evaluate its effectiveness. The findings will help inform future traffic-calming initiatives across Clarington.

Upcycled apple bins helping calm traffic in Port Darlington

Residents travelling along West Beach Road may also notice a unique traffic-calming initiative taking root in the neighbourhood.

Large upcycled apple bins, sourced from local apple orchards, have been placed along the roadway to visually narrow the driving lane and encourage slower vehicle speeds.

Building on the success of a smaller pilot project in 2025, Clarington expanded the program this year to include 20 apple bins. The Municipality partnered with area residents, who volunteered to plant and maintain flowers, greenery and vegetables in the bins.

This project not only encourages lower traffic speeds but also adds colour and character to the neighbourhood. The bins have also been decorated with historic photographs of the Port Darlington area, courtesy of Clarington Library, Museums & Archives, celebrating the community's heritage while contributing to a safer streetscape.

More safety improvements coming this summer

Additional traffic calming improvements are also planned in several Clarington neighbourhoods and expected to be completed by the end of the summer:

• Nash Road, in front of St. Worden Public School: A new pedestrian crossing with a curb bump-out on the north side of the road to improve pedestrian visibility and safety.
• Old Scugog Road, in front of Enniskillen Public School: Two permanent speed humps and Clarington's first raised crosswalk within a pedestrian crossing to help slow traffic and enhance safety for pedestrians.
• Port of Newcastle (Milligan Street): Two permanent speed humps to help reduce vehicle speeds in the area.
• Lovers Lane: The speed limit has been reduced to 30 km/h. Seasonal speed cushions will be installed, and additional traffic studies will continue throughout the remainder of the season.

A key priority of traffic calming is creating safer streets for everyone who uses them, whether they're walking, cycling, driving or rolling through the community. These projects support the Municipality's commitment to improving road safety through evidence-based traffic-calming measures. Clarington's Traffic Calming Manual provides a fair and consistent process for assessing traffic concerns and identifying solutions that enhance safety for residents.

To learn more about traffic-calming measures in Clarington, visit www.clarington.net/RoadSafety.