Lancaster St W / Highway 85 Ramp Closure Study
Project Overview
The Region of Waterloo is currently undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) study that is considering options for reconstruction of Lancaster Street from Wellington Street to Bridgeport Road in the City of Kitchener. Alongside this EA study, the Region is undertaking the Lancaster Street/Highway 85 Ramp Closure Study.
Background
Why are we considering closing the ramps?
The highway section on southbound Highway 85 between where traffic from Bridgeport Road merges on and the traffic exiting to Lancaster Street diverges is short and creates a weaving section known to have a high number of collisions. This condition reduces highway speed, capacity and makes for problematic traffic operations. Removing the ramps will create safer more smooth traffic operations on the highway in this area.
Additionally, the ramps connecting southbound Highway 85 to southbound Lancaster Street and Northbound Lancaster Street to northbound Highway 85 create a condition on Lancaster Street where cyclists and pedestrians need to cross free-flowing traffic on the ramps. This creates a conflict between the active transportation users and the vehicles on the ramps. Removing the ramps will also allow for a safer and more comfortable all ages and ability separated cycling facility on Lancaster Street across the bridge.
The two Lancaster Street ramps carry relatively low traffic volumes that can be accommodated elsewhere on the transportation network. The closure of the Lancaster Street ramps would improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians and cyclists on Lancaster Street while reducing the number of collisions on Highway 85 and improving the highway operations in the vicinity.
Potential alternative routes
You can see the project's study area as outlined on the map on the right side of this page. We have also posted the potential alternative routes for southbound off-ramp and northbound off-ramp to enter/exit Highway 85.
We'd like your feedback!
Please review the improvements being considered for this project and let us know what you think are the benefits or challenges of closing these ramps. This is also your opportunity to ask us any questions about the project.
Share your thoughts with us by completing the form under the Comment tab below by December 19, 2022.
Project updates
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Update March 27, 2023:
The project team will take a report to Planning and Works Committee on April 4, 2023 (deferred from March 7, 2023) recommending the permanent closure of the two ramps at the Lancaster Street and Highway 85 Interchange. This will allow for an AAA cycling facility along with sidewalks on the Lancaster Street Bridge over Highway 85 and improve Highway 85 operations by reducing collisions.
The next steps for this study are:
- Subject to Council approval, file the Notice of Completion and place the Environmental Study File on the public record for a period of 30 days.
- Continue to work with MTO on the design of the highway in the area of Lancaster Street and Bridgeport Road to implement the ramp closures.
- Confirm timing with MTO for their project to rehabilitate Hwy 85, including the full decommissioning of the Lancaster street ramps.
- Adjust the timing as necessary of the Regional contract to reconstruct Lancaster Street to coordinate construction with MTO, subject to the receipt of all technical and financial approvals, relocation of utilities and property acquisition.
You can view the staff report, the appendices, and register to delegate at the April 4 Planning and Works Committee meeting. The meeting start time to be announced.
Questions?
If you have specific concerns or questions regarding your property please email the project managers Paula Sawicki or Natalie Wennyk.
