Frequently asked Questions:
- Full reconstruction of the pavement structure
- New curb and gutter in Wallenstein
- Installation of new stormwater management measures to improve drainage
- Improved pedestrian, cyclist and buggy facilities
- Utility relocation where necessary, to accommodate these improvements
Why is the Region of Waterloo considering Road Improvements?
The Region of Waterloo is planning upgrades for a section of Line 86 through Wallenstein that will make it easier for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and buggies to travel along the corridor.
There are a number of needs driving this project. The following sections describe these needs and how the Preferred Design would address these needs:
Deteriorated Road Condition
The pavement condition on many sections of Line 86 is fair to poor. In general, the deterioration is simply due to the age of the asphalt. As part of this project, the existing asphalt would be fully replaced to provide an improved riding surface.
Cycling Needs
A portion of Line 86 West of Hergott Road is a designated cycling route in the Regional Transportation Master Plan. To accommodate cyclists and buggies, it is proposed that a reserved multi modal lane for cycling and buggies will be provided in select areas.
Cross-section views have been developed to illustrate what the proposed improvements would look like. Typical cross-sections are found in Appendix B.
Storm Sewer
There is a partial storm sewer on Wallenstein Road within the project limits. There is little information available on the existing storm sewer system. Complete replacement is being proposed to improve drainage.
If residents are aware of private storm sewer connections from their property to either the existing storm sewers or the existing road ditches (i.e. sump pump discharges, foundation drains etc.) you are encouraged to make this information known to the Region’s Project Manager so they can be accommodated in the design.
Street Lighting
Existing lighting within the project limits will be reviewed to ensure it meets current Region standards. It is anticipated that some additional lighting may be included in the project.
What improvements will be made to Line 86
Proposed roadway improvements for Line 86 include:
Refer to Appendix B for proposed cross sections along the project limits.
Refer to Appendix C for a a plan drawing of the proposed improvements.
Who was responsible for planning these Improvements?
The planning and design for this project is being directed by a Project Team consisting of staff from the Region of Waterloo, The County of Wellington, The Township of Wellesley and the Township of Mapleton including councillors: Carl Smit (Wellesley) and Michael Martin (Mapleton). MTE Consultants Ltd has been retained to provide planning and engineering design services on the project.
Are active transportation upgrades or road widening being considered ?
Potential active transportation upgrades are being considered to enhance the roadway for cyclists, pedestrians and buggies along with left turn lanes at the Hergott Road/Yatton Sideroad intersection.
How will private property, trees, driveways and lawns be affected?
Construction will be confined to the Region’s road allowance.
It is not expected that any trees will have to be removed during construction to accommodate the proposed improvements.
There will be some work required at private driveways and front yards to blend smoothly with the reconstructed roadway. Restoration to driveways will be fully restored to preconstruction conditions or better. using materials which match those which are existing (asphalt will be replaced with asphalt, etc).
Any grassed areas disturbed during construction will be repaired to equal or better condition with topsoil and sod.
No property acquisition is required for this project.
How will traffic and access to properties be accommodated during construction?
During the construction, access to private driveways will be over temporary gravel surfaces and will be maintained at all times to the greatest extent possible. The Contractor will, however, be required to temporarily block access into and out of driveways on Regional Road 86 and side streets when completing any deep excavations or concrete pours (for curb and gutter, driveway aprons ) across each driveway/side street. Where a disruption to a residential driveway is expected, the Contractor will be required to hand-deliver a notice at least 48 hours in advance advising you of the time and duration of the driveway disruption.
For commercial properties, access for customers will be maintained at all times. If an alternate, secondary access is not available, the Contractor will complete the work across your driveway one ½ at a time, while maintaining the other ½ for customer access to your property.
Property and business owners are asked to contact the Region’s site representative if they have any concerns in relation to access, signage or other issues during the project so it can be determined if reasonable changes or modifications can be made.
Special attention will also be given to ensure access is maintained for emergency vehicles during and after construction hours.
Pedestrian access Pedestrian access will be maintained on at least one side of Line 86 for the duration of the construction. Where the pedestrian area is close to deep excavations, it will be separated from the work area by plastic fencing. Pedestrians may be required to cross Line 86 on some occasions to use the opposite side of the street.
Please plan for some delays and travel carefully in the construction zone and obey the construction traffic signage for your safety and for the safety of the workers.
How do the improvements relate to the objectives of the Regional Official Plan, the Regional Transportation Master Plan and the Regional Transportation Corridor Design Guidelines?
This project is being planned as a Schedule ‘A+’ undertaking in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment document. This means the project is pre-approved to proceed provided that appropriate public consultation is conducted.
Consultation is a key component of any Class EA study, involving input from the public; federal, provincial, and local agencies; utility corporations; and other interested stakeholder groups
The Project Team planned these improvements to address both the deteriorated roadway and drainage infrastructure on Line 86 as well as to take the opportunity include enhancements to the road.
The Region's Official Plan gives direction that any new or reconstructed roads consider all modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, cars and transit.
By including improvements to cycling and pedestrian facilities on Line 86, the planning of this project supports the Regional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP) goals of optimizing our transportation system, promoting transportation choice and supporting sustainable development.