Active transportation and road improvements

Albert Street Bicycle Facility

Watermain replacement and road resurfacing provides opportunity to reconfigure roadway for bike facility

• Not full road reconstruction
• No changes to curbs except bus stops and pedestrian crossings
• Repurpose road space - remove one lane in each direction
• Tie in to existing and planned active transportation facilities

This project will include unidirectional (one-way) bike travel on both sides of the road.

Bi-directional (or multi-use path) bike travel was also considered, but it was determined that one-way bike lanes on both sides of the street will make intersections less complex, driveway crossings safer for cyclists, and make for easier connections to other cycling facilities.

When reconstructed, Albert Street will have two traffic lanes, and one-way (unidirectional) bike lanes on both sides of the road, with left turn lanes at:

• Columbia Street
• Weber Street
• Bearinger Road/Hazel Street
• Phillip Street
• Quiet Place

There will be pedestrian crossings at:

• Quiet Place
• Waterloop Trail
• Waterloo Technology Park

The reconstruction of Albert Street presents several opportunities for improvement. By removing one lane of traffic in each direction, we can repurpose the road space. Median pedestrian islands will improve mid-block crossings between intersections, and on-street parking will be provided from the WaterlooLoop Trail to Weber Street. The sidewalks, currently in poor condition in some areas, will be rehabilitated.

Other potential opportunities with this work include:

Bus stop integration. Island bus stop reduces conflicts with bikes and provides more space for pedestrians.

Sample image from OTM Book 18

Bike box / 2-stage left turn box. Provides space for bikes to wait.

Sample image from OTM Book 18

Bicycle signals / crossrides. Provides improved crossings for cyclists at intersections.