Safe roads and connected communities are at the heart of the County's committent to providing a safe and reliable transportation network. Through road maintenance, winter operations, infrastructure improvements, and road safety initiaitves, we work year-round to help keep Essex County moving safely and efficiently. 

Road Safety Program

The County’s Road Safety Program applies a data-driven approach to identify, prioritize and implement safety improvements across the County road network. The program includes developing a number of complementary approaches:

• Targeted safety measures
• Broader capital initiatives including the implementation of traffic controls (traffic signals, roundabouts)
• The implementation of pedestrian crossings
• Road Safety Education
• Speed Management Policy (future initiative)

Learn more about the 2026 Targeted Safety Measures identified through the Road Safety Program.

Learn more about the County Wide Active Transportation System.

Speed Limits

Our County roads serve many purposes, connecting our communities while supporting agriculture, freight movement, emergency services, and regional travel. It is important for us to prioritize road safety alongside the intended function of our roads.

Safer Streets start with safer choices, and choosing a safe speed is one of the most important decisions drivers make. While most County roads continue to operate at their existing posted speed limits, targeted changes are being implemented this fall in select locations where safety assessments have identified opportunities to enhance safety. This includes the introduction of transition speed zones, which provide drivers with additional distance to recognize and adapt to changing speed environments. Motorists are reminded to always obey posted speed limits and adjust their driving to reflect road, traffic, and weather conditions.

October 2026 Update: Over the coming weeks, the following changes are being implemented as part of the County’s approach to road safety. These changes are further to Council approval of the following two reports presented to Council on October 7th:

October 7, 2026 - Road Safety Management Program Update
October 7, 2026 - Traffic and Parking Bylaw Amendments[MM2] 

Speed limit changes

• County Road 8 from County Road 3 to just east of 3rd Concession (LaSalle/Amherstburg) – speed limit is being reduced to 40 km/hr in the Community Safety Zone in front of the church and school, connecting to the existing 40 km/hr zone to the west on South Riverview Drive
• County Road 8 from just east of 3rd Concession to Disputed Road (LaSalle/Amherstburg) – speed limit is being reduced to 60 km/hr to transition between the 40 km/hr zone to the west (noted above) and 80 km/hr zone to the east, and maintain reduced speeds in front of existing school
• County Road 18 from east of Meloche Road to 4th Concession (Amherstburg) – existing 50 km/hr zone is being extended in front of new fire hall, and 60 km/hr transition zone is being added to transition up to 80 km/hr to the east
• County Road 18 west of County Road 31 (Kingsville) – speed limit is being reduced to 60 km/hr approaching this intersection (intersection is also being converted to all-way stop)
• County Road 18 east and west of County Road 34 (Kingsville) – speed limit is being reduced to 60 km/hr approaching the intersection (intersection is also being converted to all-way stop)
• County Road 19 from Highway 3 to north of County Road 34 (Tecumseh/Lakeshore) – speed limit is being reduced to 60 km/hr to improve safety through the intersection
• County Road 20 east and west of Shaw Drive – speed limit is being reduced to 70km/hr to improve safety and align with surrounding land use
• County Road 31 from Highway 3 to north of County Road 18 (Kingsville/Leamington – speed limit is being reduced to 60 km/hr to improve safety through the intersection
• County Road 34 south of County Road 18 (Kingsville) – speed limit is being reduced to 60 km/hr to improve safety through the intersection
• County Road 46 east and west of County Road 27 (Lakeshore) – speed limit is being reduced to 60 km/hr to transition between 80 km/hr and 50 km/hr speed zones

All-way stops are being implemented at the following locations:

• County Road 18 at County Road 31 (Kingsville/Leamington) – with flashing beacons
• County Road 18 at County Road 34 (Kingsville) – with flashing beacons

Other measures:

• County Road 19 at Baseline Road (Tecumseh/Lakeshore) – enhanced signage and installation of a flashing beacon
• County Road 42 at County Road 22/Myers Road (Lakeshore) – enhanced signage and installation of flashing beacons
• County Road 46 at County Road 27 (Lakeshore) – new speed display signs are being installed in addition to speed reductions to transition between the 80 km/hr zones and the 50 km/hr zones
• County Road 34 at County Road 37/Mersea Road 19 (Leamington) – installation of flashing beacons
• County Road 43 at Baseline Road (Tecumseh) – enhanced signs and installation of flashing beacons