Following a two-vehicle collision at Division Road and Burnside line Wednesday afternoon, Severn Township officials say safety improvements are on the way for the intersection.
At 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, the Orillia OPP received a call about a collision between a pickup truck and a gravel truck at the intersection. OPP officials told OrilliaMatters there were no injuries reported following the crash.
The collision is the latest of several accidents to take place at the notorious intersection this year, with a nearby resident telling OrilliaMatters in September that he had seen five collisions in 2024 at that time.
Data from the township’s 2023 transportation master plan indicates there were 13 collisions at the intersection between 2017 and 2021, as well.
Both the resident and Severn Mayor Mike Burkett commented on the need for safety improvements at the intersection in September.
When asked by OrilliaMatters, township staff said they are taking “proactive steps” to address safety in the area.
“Severn is committed to advancing improvements at this intersection as part of our transportation master plan. We're taking proactive steps to address safety concerns by including the costs for detailed designs in the draft 2025 budget, and construction of a preferred solution to follow,” said Derek Burke, the township's director of public works.
“By addressing traffic flow issues at the Burnside Line and Division Road intersection, we are committed to creating a safer and more efficient travel experience for our community,” he said. “Enhanced infrastructure will reduce collision risks, improve accessibility, and increase the confidence of road users knowing that their safety is a priority for the township.”
While staff did not provide specific timelines for added safety measures, the 2023 transportation master plan lists the intersection for signalization in a 0-5 year timeframe.
More may be found in the township’s transportation master plan.
