FAQs
Why is coloured concrete being used in the Cultural Heritage Landscape (CHL) area?
During the preliminary design the design team was proposing the use of asphalt curb in the CHL. The design team is now recommending the use of concrete curb to minimize long-term maintenance requirements since asphalt curb would require frequent repairs. It is being proposed that a dark grey coloured concrete be used in the CHL to be sensitive to and distinguish the CHL.
How does the design mitigate the environmental impacts?
The design aims to minimize impacts to the existing wetlands, and compensate for unavoidable impacts by creating new wetland on the east side of the Speed River. Construction work will be limited to areas which will be altered by the roadway and bridge to minimize unneeded disturbance to wetland areas. The roadways and bridge approaches have been designed using retaining walls to minimize grading impacts to the environmentally sensitive areas.
Where is the funding for this project coming from?
Currently funding for this project is from the capital works reserve fund and the development charge fund. Final funding for construction will need to be approved by Council.
How is the intersection of Black Bridge Road and Townline Road being improved?
A 3-way stop has already been implemented at this intersection. As part of this project a widening and daylight triangle will be implemented on the south west corner of the intersection which will improve sightlines at this intersection.
What type of street lighting will be used?
The lighting within the Cultural Heritage Landscape (CHL) will include low level lighting along the MUT, with the intersections having LED street lights for safety. This recognizes that the CHL area will not have roadway illumination except at the intersections. LED street lighting matching other street lights used in the area will be installed along the other sections of Townline Road and Black Bridge Road that are outside of the CHL.
With these improvements will there be more truck traffic in the area?
These roads will remain a no truck route after the improvements are implemented so truck traffic will not increase.
Will there be additional parking in the area as part of this project?
A new parking area is proposed at the corner of Townline Road and Black Bridge Road, as well there will be an improved canoe launch area which will include additional parking. During the preliminary design a need for more parking was identified and several comments were received during public/stakeholder consultation suggesting more parking was desirable so residents could access the natural and built amenities in the area.
What are Reinforced Vegetated Retaining Walls?
A reinforced vegetated retaining wall consists of bags filled with granular material and soil that are tied together and supported by a geogrid that is tied back into the slope. The geogrid allows for a steep slope, which minimizes the impacts to the wetland, and the soil in the bags enables vegetation to grow on the slope.
During the preliminary design armourstone walls were proposed, however with further detailed review there were concerns identified with the stability of using armourstone for this project.
A reinforced vegetated wall provides several design advantages, is less intrusive than a stone or concrete wall, and will blend in well with the natural and cultural heritage setting.
When is construction expected to start?
Utility relocation work is expected to begin later this year. Construction of the new bridge and improvements to Black Bridge Road will be started in 2023 and continuing into 2024. Work on Townline Road could begin in 2024, continuing through 2025. Residents will be notified prior to the start of any work impacting their property.