About the study
Study area
Study overview
Based on existing travel demands, there is a need to improve traffic flow and operations at the intersection of Guelph Line and Harvester Road/Queensway Drive in the City of Burlington.
Localized infrastructure improvements will be necessary to improve traffic flow and operations at the intersection. The potential improvements may include, but are not limited to:
- new turning lanes;
- pavement marking and changes to roadway signage;
- localized improvements to existing active transportation infrastructure; and
- traffic signal control upgrades.
The study is being conducted in accordance with the planning and design process for ‘Schedule B’ projects as outlined in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment document (external link) (October 2000, as amended 2007, 2011 & 2015), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
Long-term, broader infrastructure requirements in this area will be considered through a seperate study.
Study highlights
Below you can find a summary of the existing conditions at the intersection, alternative solutions to improve the intersection and the preferred solution for the Municipal Class EA Study.
Existing conditions and study inputs
Each alternative solution is evaluated using the following factors: natural environment; cultural heritage; technical and engineering; social and economic; and transportation. Analysis and evaluation will also consider comments received from agencies, stakeholders and members of the public.
Available background information regarding existing conditions around the study area was collected from a number of sources and used to help understand any direct or indirect impacts resulting from the proposed improvements.
Natural environment
- Study area is within an urban environment.
- Located adjacent to Roseland Creek Regulated Flood Plain.
- Does not contain any Significant Wetlands, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), or an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).
- Detailed tree inventory was undertaken.
Cultural heritage
- A Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment was completed.
- As required, Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment will be completed at Detailed Design.
- Field stone residence (known as “Locust Lodge”) was built in 1838 and designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Technical and engineering
- Burlington Hydro (overhead) located along Harvester Road and Guelph Line.
- Hydro Substation located on Guelph Line, south side of Harvester Road.
- Cogeco, Telus, Bell, and Allstream services within the study area.
- Watermain, storm and sanitary services along both Guelph Line and Harvester Road.
Social and economic
- Region of Halton Official Plan
- Urban Area with majority of surrounding lands designated as Employment Area.
- City of Burlington Official Plan
- Adjacent Land Use designated as Residential and Employment.
- Business Corridor Lands include broad range of office, industrial, hotel, retail and commercial spaces.
Transportation
- Transportation analysis conducted to assess existing and five-year conditions to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Transportation analysis has identified the westbound right (PM) and southbound left (AM) as heavily used turning lanes for motorists.
Alternative solutions
Alternative solutions are planning alternatives to help solve the problem that this study is addressing. The alternative solutions evaluated for this Municipal Class EA study are summarized below.
Evaluation summary
| Alternative |
Evaluation |
Recommendation |
| Do nothing |
- Does not address existing problem at intersection.
- No impacts to existing conditions.
|
- Carried forward for comparison purposes only.
|
| Limit development |
- Future development to be addressed through separate study.
- No impacts to existing conditions.
|
|
| Travel demand management measures |
- On its own, does not address the problem at intersection.
- Part of the overall transportation strategy, which includes the Transportation Master Plan (PDF file)
- No impacts to existing conditions.
|
|
| Improved transit infrastructure and active transportation |
- On its own, does not address the problem at intersection.
- Part of overall transportation strategy, which includes the Transportation Master Plan (PDF file)
- No impacts to existing conditions.
|
|
| Improvements to other roadways |
- On its own, does not address the problem at intersection.
- Part of overall overall transportation strategy, which includes the Transportation Master Plan (PDF file).
- Impacts to existing conditions addressed through separate study.
|
|
| Intersection and operational improvements |
- Addresses existing problem at intersection.
- Minimal impacts to existing conditions, to be mitigated through detailed design.
|
- Carried forward as overall solution for this Municipal Class EA Study.
|
Preferred solution
New intersection concept
- Addition of westbound through lane on Harvester Road.
Signal timing/phasing upgrades
- Add a traffic signal phase specifically for westbound traffic making a right-hand turn. This will be indicated by a green arrow pointing to the right.
- Extend the green light for southbound traffic making a left-hand turn during morning peak hours.
Signage recommendations
- Additional signage along the QEW westbound off-ramp to enhance driver awareness of connection to the South Service Road.
Please click on image to enlarge
Next steps
Timeline
-
2019
Review all public and agency comments received
-
2019
Confirm preferred solution
-
2020
Prepare Project File*
*A Project File documents the process taken to complete a Municipal Class EA Study and the activities associated with the planning of a project.
-
2020
Project File available for 30-day public review period
Municipal Class EA Process
To learn more about the Municipal Class EA process and what stage this project is at currently, please click on the image below:
If you require any of these files in an alternate format, please call 311, TTY: 905 827-9833 or email accesshalton@halton.ca.