Abstract Manager

This presentation will explore the complexities of managing spatial constraints and balancing competing demands within the confined corridor of Ontario Street (Regional Road 42) in the Niagara Region. Focusing on the section between Linwell Road and Welland Avenue/Fourth Avenue (Regional Road 77), this case study addresses the challenges and solutions involved in transforming a major arterial corridor with high traffic volumes and collision rates, and direct access to MTO freeways, into a safer, more efficient, and multimodal transportation route.

We will spotlight key issues such as the increased population and employment due to impending major developments on adjacent vacant lands. We will examine how the local municipalities’ vision to integrate bike lanes, improve sidewalks for pedestrians, and enhance transit facilities aligns with the development of a complete street. The presentation will also address the corridor’s safety concerns stemming from high collision rates and the necessity to accommodate business accesses and their parking and internal circulation needs—all within a constrained right-of-way.

A primary tool employed in tackling these challenges is the Detailed Transportation Assessment, which reviews existing conditions and identifies opportunities for improvement through rigorous traffic analysis and modeling. The initial traffic impact assessment fell short of addressing stakeholder needs and supporting recommendations, necessitating additional traffic assessments, including micro-simulations, to evaluate key elements and design options such as the number of travel lanes, access restrictions via concrete medians, two-way-left turn lanes, roundabouts, and transit lay-bys.

The presentation will emphasize how comprehensive traffic analysis guided decision-making, supporting the evaluation and selection of the preferred design. This data-driven approach enabled evidence-based decisions, ensuring that proposed solutions are practical and aligned with community needs and the local municipalities’ long-term vision. We will explore the role of traffic impact assessments in incorporating community input and addressing design constraints, demonstrating how these elements contributed to creating a safe, accessible, and efficient transportation infrastructure within the corridor's tight confines.

Attendees will gain insights into the methodologies and criteria used to balance multiple needs, the role of traffic analysis in guiding choices, and how to effectively manage the constraints of confined corridors to achieve a harmonious and functional transportation network. This case study underscores the importance of detailed planning and stakeholder engagement, providing a reference for similar projects facing spatial and operational challenges.