Abstract Manager

The Regional Municipality of York (York Region) is in the design phase of upgrading McCowan Road from 14^th Avenue to Highway 7, in the City of Markham, Ontario from 4 lanes to 6 lanes, which includes High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes and Active Transportation Facilities.  The corridor crosses Highway 407 ETR which is a privately run Electronic Toll Route (ETR) operating under a Concession Agreement with the Province of Ontario.  Since 407 ETR controls the highway corridor they are also responsible for safety of their users and any potential liabilities.  When assessing how to cross the Highway 407 corridor with Active Transportation Facilities (ATF), 407ETR had a concern with users crossing the interchange ramps.  The interchange at McCowan Road is a Parclo A4 interchange which includes free flow ramps from McCowan Road.  Currently, at locations along the corridor where there are pedestrian facilities in the interchange, they cross the free flow ramps uncontrolled.  407 ETR wanted a solution that would reduce/eliminate the pedestrian/cyclist conflict.  In addition to 407 ETR, the City of Markham and the Markham Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) were also significantly involved in the discussions of the different options reviewed.  The design team looked at options including signals on the ramps, grade separations at the ramps crossings (both over and under),  elimination of the free flow ramps and making the turns at signalized intersection.  The preferred option being carried forward is a Multi-Use Path (MUP) in the middle of the road with access and egress at signalized intersections outside the limits of the interchange.