Just in time for snowmobile season, Muskoka Lakes council has agreed to reinstate a sledding trail on the west side of the Bala Falls Bridge.
According to a Jan. 16 report from Ken Becking, director of public works, it will stretch between the north and south intersections of Muskoka Rd. 169.
He explained sleds will have two-way access along the west sidewalk on the one-way bridge. The sidewalk on the other side of the bridge will be for pedestrians.
Becking explained the Muskoka Lakes Snowmobile Association used to operate the trail but when the Bala Falls bridge was closed last year for construction, it meant the trail had to be closed, too.
“Now that the bridge has been reopened and only accommodates one-way vehicular traffic in the westbound direction, it can no longer accommodate a two-way snowmobile trail unless there are modifications to the traffic control measures,” he said.
Since snowmobiles aren’t considered vehicles in the Highway Traffic Act, he said the one-way vehicle rule doesn’t apply to them. Becking explained the rule states that vehicles can only travel down a one-way road if they’re going in the way designated by signage.
With council’s approval, he said it allows township staff to create a special rule allowing snow machines two-way access on the bridge. He said the township will keep the sled side of the sidewalk maintained throughout the winter.
Becking shared that signage will be placed detailing the changes and cautioning drivers snowmobiles may be using the bridge.
He added he’s hopeful the trail will for this snowmobile season.
