The Town of BWG had already started work on a new Transportation Master Plan, identifying transportation needs and frameworks to the year 2041 – but the announcement on Aug. 16 that the province would be moving ahead with the Highway 400-404 Link has changed the terms of reference.
On Sept. 3, councillors approved the updated terms of reference for a town-wide Transportation Master Plan, that would include modeling traffic patterns to the year 2041, help develop a sustainable transportation system that incorporates active transportation and that relieves congestion on major routes like Dissette/Bridge Street and Holland Street in Bradford.
The master plan study will look at the potential need for designated truck routes, identify deficiencies in the current transportation network, and develop a policy framework for improved transit coverage, safer and quieter residential streets and improved road safety through design and layout.
Manager of Capital Projects Mahesh Ramdeo was asked if the study will require the purchase of additional software for the proposed traffic modelling, and possibly the hiring of additional staff.
New software will be needed Ramdeo confirmed, but “training will allow our staff to undertake that.”
The modelling will allow transportation to look at projected traffic flows with and without the Bradford 400-404 Link, and the expected impact it is a toll road, or not.
“This is an important document that will guide road infrastructure and trail infrastructure,” said Mayor Rob Keffer. He asked if the Transportation Master Plan would also co-ordinate with the town’s transit study.
The Transportation Master Plan will look at ways of integrating transit on arterial roads, through considerations “such as lane widths, stopping locations, integration with other active transportation, like bike lanes,” replied Ramdeo.
The manager suggested a first draft of the plan could be back to council “within about six to eight months.”
