Some things in this article may be a repeat of some others. I will layout why we should build a third bridge.

 1 )I  have had to cross the causeway a number of times for work during various times of the day ( day, evenings and midnight shifts)  so I have seen traffic volumes during different times of day as well as different days of the week.  From the west of the causeway, traffic can be backed up on Queen Street to Clergy as well as some parallel streets such as Princess St.. Adjusting light timings will not help. The lights on Ontario Street are timed OK if you get them just right. One problem is people making turns and then stopping in the intersection. Even if we try and teach people good driving habits this will still be an issue. On the east I have seen traffic backed up on Hwy 15 near the old Base hospital. CFB and RMC does have some staggered time (3:00, 3:15, 3:30, or 4:00). Even without the construction going on, traffic is a problem. In a March 12th  Kingston Whig Standard article, the fire chief ( Harold Tulk”was quoted as saying “It’s common sense that a bridge will be effective,” said Tulk. “In the meantime, we recommend these traffic signals controlled by technology. It could be good for many years, for 10 or 12 years out.”  –  end quote . After 10 years the environmental study will have to be restarted and will more than likely cost even more.

2) The causeway is a major crossing point for ambulance and police. Even though  there are fire departments on both sides of the water, There are fire trucks coming through with lights  I have seen emergency vehicles get delayed because of traffic.

3) when i first arrived in Kingston in 1982, I was posted at CFB Kingston. There was talk for a crossing as well. During this time many subdivisions in this area did not exist.

 4) From my vantage point at work (RMC) as well as getting to and from work, I can see how traffic backs up. It is not just a CFB /RMC problem.

 5) Before I became a resident of Kingston, I lived in St. Catharines. For anyone that does not know, the Welland canal goes to Lake Eire to Lake Ontario passing through St. Catharines.  The Welland canal also has a few bridges exactly like the current causeway bridge.  I remember the bridge getting stuck in the up position a few times. Luckily  St. Catharines has a few  other bridges including on tunnel nearby.

 6)  We also need a by-pass for the 401 in case it is closed due to an accident from Hwy 15 to Montreal St.

( This may even help to argue a case for funding). Navigating  an 18 wheeler through the causeway then downtown may be tricky. Even more challenging would be through Kingston Mills. If  traffic currently  would be diverted through downtown it could create a big problem.

 7) This crossing would also complement the John Counter widening.

 In conclusion, I believe that this bridge is a requirement to reduce traffic, increase public safety and reducing pollution from cars stuck in traffic. I would encourage  the city to seek out Federal funding  through such programs such as ” The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund” as well as similar Provincial funding.