Muskoka Road 118 West - Safety Updates

August 11, 2026
Community Update – Muskoka Road 118 at Westmall Road (‘the Flats’)

Temporary concrete barriers were installed in early 2025 on Muskoka Road (MR) 118W between Balls Drive and Westmall Road to make the area safer for drivers, pedestrians, and businesses along the corridor by removing hazards created by left turning vehicles.

Based on feedback from the community, and now that driver behaviour has adapted to the changes, the current set up is being replaced with a concrete curb and asphalt median while the District reviews options for the road’s future design and completes the environmental review required by the Province. The review will define both the road and underground servicing (water and sewer infrastructure) through the area. The future design will continue to restrict left-turns through this area but will include enhanced infrastructure to provide easier movement of traffic.

Why are left turns restricted?

Between January 2020 and October 2024, there were 29 collisions on this stretch of Muskoka Road 118, including a fatality.

The study found that left turns and crossing movements at entrances along this corridor were dangerous with drivers needing to cross several lanes of busy traffic to get in or out.

Specific concerns included:

• Drivers crossing up to five lanes of traffic as part of their turning or crossing movement
• Cars waiting to turn left blocking the lane behind them while waiting for a gap
• Hills and property elevation made it hard for drivers to see oncoming traffic
• Numerous close calls between cars, pedestrians, and trucks, especially in the busier summer months

These left-turn and through restrictions are a direct response to the accident history, field observations and a full engineering review on this section of MR 118.

The District's goal is to prevent serious collisions and maintain safe access for local businesses, motorists, and pedestrians.

Improvements made to enhance safety

• Eliminated left turns (and crossing the road) at entrances using barriers and signage

• Repainted and improved road markings
• Sending drivers to nearby traffic lights to turn safely, instead of crossing multiple lanes from a private driveway

The study looked at several options and found that removing left turns and crossing movements improves safety without causing major traffic backups.

What's next?

The District is currently working on a preliminary concept design and environmental review for the corridor, which will consider:

• Rebuilding this stretch of MR 118W with a permanent median restricting left turns
• Water, storm, and sanitary sewer improvements and potential capacity expansion
• Intersection and active transportation improvements along the corridor

Together, these changes aim to make the road safer and keep traffic moving.