Muskoka Road 118 West - Safety Updates

May 15, 2025
Traffic Update – Muskoka Road 118 at Westmall Road (‘the Flats’)

Thank you for your patience and your input. Together, we’re working toward a safer, more functional road network in Muskoka.

We recently made changes to road markings along Muskoka Road 118 at West Mall Road (‘the Flats’) to improve safety and traffic flow — but we’ve heard from many of you that the new layout wasn’t working as intended.

We’re listening, adapting, and committed to safety and solutions that work.

After carefully reviewing performance data and community feedback, we’ll be reverting back to the previous lane markings. Median barriers and left turn restrictions will remain in place. This is a reflection of our commitment to making decisions that serve the people who use our roads every day.

Engineering often involves trying, testing, and adjusting — especially in busy areas with many different users.

Say Goodbye to Stressful Left Turns in 'the Flats'

Let’s face it - turning left often feels like a guessing game.
Moments of hesitation, waiting for the right time to push the gas, it’s stressful, especially in busy areas like 'the flats' along Muskoka Road 118 West in Bracebridge, from Balls Drive to Westmall Road.

Bracebridge is growing, and there's more traffic than ever before. What used to work just fine now feels like a constant challenge. That’s why the District is rolling out evolving changes designed to keep things moving and make navigating ‘the flats’ safer and easier for everyone.

We are reducing the need for left turns along Muskoka Road 118 West, adding clear signage and helping to take the stress out of your drive.

What to Expect

✔️ New Traffic Patterns
Starting after Family Day, we are reducing the need to turn left. Right-in and right-out access from businesses and parking lots will replace left turns.
If you are driving straight on Muskoka Road 118 West, nothing will change.

✔️ Clear, Simple Signage
New signs will guide drivers where to go, they will be clear and easy to read.

✔️ Safety Barriers
Barriers will separate traffic, making navigation easier and reducing wait times for safer driving conditions.

✔️ Built for Muskoka's Weather
Our local project team understands the area's unique seasonal challenges. These changes are designed to withstand Muskoka's weather events and support winter maintenance activities.

✔️ Designed to Evolve
As Bracebridge grows, more businesses come to town and and traffic continues to increase, we’ll monitor data and adjust as needed to ensure safety and to keep everyone moving.

Have questions?
Why are we doing this now? Are these changes permanent? Get answers to these questions, and more, see our FAQ.