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Union Street East reconstruction

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Union Street East reconstruction from King Street to Moore Avenue

Welcome to the project page for the planned reconstruction of Union Street East between King Street South and Moore Avenue South. The city intends to completely reconstruct this section of Union to replace the aged watermain, sewers, and road structure (i.e. sidewalk, curbs and asphalt). This will also include the replacement of water and sanitary service laterals up to the common property line. In accordance with the Council approved Transportation Master Plan, separated bike lanes are planned. Additionally, to improve safety where the Spurline Trail crosses Union, a secondary crossing is planned that allows trail users to cross using the signal lights at Union and Moore.

Project updates will be posted in the News feed. and the current progress of the project is noted in the Project Timeline. The page will also be open to public comments for limited time periods, typically following the release of design information. Please check back often or sign up to follow the project to receive email updates.

Welcome to the project page for the planned reconstruction of Union Street East between King Street South and Moore Avenue South. The city intends to completely reconstruct this section of Union to replace the aged watermain, sewers, and road structure (i.e. sidewalk, curbs and asphalt). This will also include the replacement of water and sanitary service laterals up to the common property line. In accordance with the Council approved Transportation Master Plan, separated bike lanes are planned. Additionally, to improve safety where the Spurline Trail crosses Union, a secondary crossing is planned that allows trail users to cross using the signal lights at Union and Moore.

Project updates will be posted in the News feed. and the current progress of the project is noted in the Project Timeline. The page will also be open to public comments for limited time periods, typically following the release of design information. Please check back often or sign up to follow the project to receive email updates.

Commonly asked questions

Please ask us your questions about the design alternatives, and we will provide answers as soon as we can. Please try to keep your questions as short as possible, and focused on the alternative presented. (This project will include an opportunity to ask questions about the actual construction process in the future, once the final design has been selected).

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  • Share April 2022 has long since come and gone. What is the ongoing status of this project? on Facebook Share April 2022 has long since come and gone. What is the ongoing status of this project? on Twitter Share April 2022 has long since come and gone. What is the ongoing status of this project? on Linkedin Email April 2022 has long since come and gone. What is the ongoing status of this project? link

    April 2022 has long since come and gone. What is the ongoing status of this project?

    Cory asked about 2 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Please see our latest update on this project in the News feed.

  • Share Hello! There was supposed to be an updated design shared in January 2022, and I was wondering what the state of the updated designs are? I also want to know if council will accept a design that does not have protected bike lanes extending all the way to the intersection. I commute 80% by bike, and I personally would take protected bike infrastructure ONLY at intersections over protected bike infrastructure on all points of the road except the intersection (but really both is a bare minimum). Intersections are really where points of conflict are worst, and so where we need the most innovation. See Ottawa's protected intersection designs! They're awesome. on Facebook Share Hello! There was supposed to be an updated design shared in January 2022, and I was wondering what the state of the updated designs are? I also want to know if council will accept a design that does not have protected bike lanes extending all the way to the intersection. I commute 80% by bike, and I personally would take protected bike infrastructure ONLY at intersections over protected bike infrastructure on all points of the road except the intersection (but really both is a bare minimum). Intersections are really where points of conflict are worst, and so where we need the most innovation. See Ottawa's protected intersection designs! They're awesome. on Twitter Share Hello! There was supposed to be an updated design shared in January 2022, and I was wondering what the state of the updated designs are? I also want to know if council will accept a design that does not have protected bike lanes extending all the way to the intersection. I commute 80% by bike, and I personally would take protected bike infrastructure ONLY at intersections over protected bike infrastructure on all points of the road except the intersection (but really both is a bare minimum). Intersections are really where points of conflict are worst, and so where we need the most innovation. See Ottawa's protected intersection designs! They're awesome. on Linkedin Email Hello! There was supposed to be an updated design shared in January 2022, and I was wondering what the state of the updated designs are? I also want to know if council will accept a design that does not have protected bike lanes extending all the way to the intersection. I commute 80% by bike, and I personally would take protected bike infrastructure ONLY at intersections over protected bike infrastructure on all points of the road except the intersection (but really both is a bare minimum). Intersections are really where points of conflict are worst, and so where we need the most innovation. See Ottawa's protected intersection designs! They're awesome. link

    Hello! There was supposed to be an updated design shared in January 2022, and I was wondering what the state of the updated designs are? I also want to know if council will accept a design that does not have protected bike lanes extending all the way to the intersection. I commute 80% by bike, and I personally would take protected bike infrastructure ONLY at intersections over protected bike infrastructure on all points of the road except the intersection (but really both is a bare minimum). Intersections are really where points of conflict are worst, and so where we need the most innovation. See Ottawa's protected intersection designs! They're awesome.

    Andrew Jacob Rinehart asked almost 3 years ago

    City staff and Council are still working out some details before identifying the preferred conceptual design alternative.  We hope to be able to do this in April and will update the Engage Waterloo page to reflect this.

    Regarding intersection design, full reconstruction of the King Street South and Moore Avenue South intersections are not part of the scope of this project.  The intersections from Mary to Lucan will be designed in accordance with Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18: Cycling Facilities.  Book 18 was recently updated by a project team that included the authors of the City of Ottawa Protected Intersection Design Guide, and includes guidance on protected intersections.  Some design guidance from Book 18 on improving safety at intersection can be implemented, however space constraints will prevent implementation of most measures at most of the intersections.  City staff regularly work with the authors of the City of Ottawa’s design guide.  They also prepared the City’s recently completed Transportation Master Plan.  City staff reviewed the design context for Union Street with the lead author of the City of Ottawa’s design guide who concurred that most of what is presented in the design guide couldn’t be implemented in our context.  

  • Share The city claims to prioritize infrastructure towards vulnerable users but the preferred design for this project clearly prioritizes motorized vehicles by ending the bike infra at Mary Street. In driving bike traffic this way then suddenly ending it, future conflict is almost guaranteed given the city's own data shows that the vast majority of conflicts occur at intersection points such as this. There is plenty of room to extend the cycling infrastructure to King, seeing as there are three lanes for cars (left, straight and right turn lanes) being given priority over extending the bike lane to this point. If the city plans to increase cycling modal share then it needs to get the 60% of Waterloo citizens who are interested in biking but afraid out of cars by building well connected cycling lanes and doing so for 80% of Union is simply nowhere good enough to accomplish this goal. Now that the project has been delayed, will one of the "additional conceptual design options being considered" provide an option for bike infrastructure between Mary and King? on Facebook Share The city claims to prioritize infrastructure towards vulnerable users but the preferred design for this project clearly prioritizes motorized vehicles by ending the bike infra at Mary Street. In driving bike traffic this way then suddenly ending it, future conflict is almost guaranteed given the city's own data shows that the vast majority of conflicts occur at intersection points such as this. There is plenty of room to extend the cycling infrastructure to King, seeing as there are three lanes for cars (left, straight and right turn lanes) being given priority over extending the bike lane to this point. If the city plans to increase cycling modal share then it needs to get the 60% of Waterloo citizens who are interested in biking but afraid out of cars by building well connected cycling lanes and doing so for 80% of Union is simply nowhere good enough to accomplish this goal. Now that the project has been delayed, will one of the "additional conceptual design options being considered" provide an option for bike infrastructure between Mary and King? on Twitter Share The city claims to prioritize infrastructure towards vulnerable users but the preferred design for this project clearly prioritizes motorized vehicles by ending the bike infra at Mary Street. In driving bike traffic this way then suddenly ending it, future conflict is almost guaranteed given the city's own data shows that the vast majority of conflicts occur at intersection points such as this. There is plenty of room to extend the cycling infrastructure to King, seeing as there are three lanes for cars (left, straight and right turn lanes) being given priority over extending the bike lane to this point. If the city plans to increase cycling modal share then it needs to get the 60% of Waterloo citizens who are interested in biking but afraid out of cars by building well connected cycling lanes and doing so for 80% of Union is simply nowhere good enough to accomplish this goal. Now that the project has been delayed, will one of the "additional conceptual design options being considered" provide an option for bike infrastructure between Mary and King? on Linkedin Email The city claims to prioritize infrastructure towards vulnerable users but the preferred design for this project clearly prioritizes motorized vehicles by ending the bike infra at Mary Street. In driving bike traffic this way then suddenly ending it, future conflict is almost guaranteed given the city's own data shows that the vast majority of conflicts occur at intersection points such as this. There is plenty of room to extend the cycling infrastructure to King, seeing as there are three lanes for cars (left, straight and right turn lanes) being given priority over extending the bike lane to this point. If the city plans to increase cycling modal share then it needs to get the 60% of Waterloo citizens who are interested in biking but afraid out of cars by building well connected cycling lanes and doing so for 80% of Union is simply nowhere good enough to accomplish this goal. Now that the project has been delayed, will one of the "additional conceptual design options being considered" provide an option for bike infrastructure between Mary and King? link

    The city claims to prioritize infrastructure towards vulnerable users but the preferred design for this project clearly prioritizes motorized vehicles by ending the bike infra at Mary Street. In driving bike traffic this way then suddenly ending it, future conflict is almost guaranteed given the city's own data shows that the vast majority of conflicts occur at intersection points such as this. There is plenty of room to extend the cycling infrastructure to King, seeing as there are three lanes for cars (left, straight and right turn lanes) being given priority over extending the bike lane to this point. If the city plans to increase cycling modal share then it needs to get the 60% of Waterloo citizens who are interested in biking but afraid out of cars by building well connected cycling lanes and doing so for 80% of Union is simply nowhere good enough to accomplish this goal. Now that the project has been delayed, will one of the "additional conceptual design options being considered" provide an option for bike infrastructure between Mary and King?

    Martin W. asked over 3 years ago

    Based on community and council feedback, City staff have prepared a concept to extend cycling infrastructure from Mary to King. This concept was presented to council at the May 31st council meeting and can be viewed in the packet for the May 31st council meeting on our website. The conceptual design still needs further development and may change following a safety review and as we move through into the detailed design and property acquisition process.

  • Share Is the plan for phase 2 of the project to focus on the section of Union from Moore to Margaret matching the design which is selected from King to Moore? on Facebook Share Is the plan for phase 2 of the project to focus on the section of Union from Moore to Margaret matching the design which is selected from King to Moore? on Twitter Share Is the plan for phase 2 of the project to focus on the section of Union from Moore to Margaret matching the design which is selected from King to Moore? on Linkedin Email Is the plan for phase 2 of the project to focus on the section of Union from Moore to Margaret matching the design which is selected from King to Moore? link

    Is the plan for phase 2 of the project to focus on the section of Union from Moore to Margaret matching the design which is selected from King to Moore?

    Graham McCormick asked almost 4 years ago

    The implementation of any new design on Union Street between Moore and Margaret would likely be done concurrently with the full reconstruction of that section of road or possibly in conjunction with the resurfacing of the road.  Currently there are no plans to fully reconstruct Union Street from Moore Avenue to Margaret Avenue within the next 10-years.  That section of Union may be up for resurfacing within the next 10 years, at which time changes to the design of the road may be considered.  Engineering design standards are always being revised and updated and different designs can be recommended for different sections of road based on available space, traffic volume, speeds and surrounding land use.  The future design of cycling infrastructure on Union Street between Moore and Margaret will be assessed to the most up to date standards at that time and the most appropriate design will be selected for that section of road.

  • Share Why can't the hydro lines be buried? It would make the neighborhood more pleasant.. on Facebook Share Why can't the hydro lines be buried? It would make the neighborhood more pleasant.. on Twitter Share Why can't the hydro lines be buried? It would make the neighborhood more pleasant.. on Linkedin Email Why can't the hydro lines be buried? It would make the neighborhood more pleasant.. link

    Why can't the hydro lines be buried? It would make the neighborhood more pleasant..

    JanK asked about 4 years ago

    Burying overhead hydro and utilities is extremely costly. As such, the Council-approved budget for the project does not include funds for burying of overhead utilities, only relocation where required for the implementation of the preferred design alternative. For context, the City had given consideration to burying the overhead hydro on Albert Street when new cycling infrastructure was implemented between Bridgeport Road and Erb Street, but decided against it as it would have nearly doubled the cost of the project.

  • Share Why is there no pedestrian island or light near Union and Willow? The distance between the one at the rail path and the one at Herbert leaves crossing the street for those on foot a challenge. on Facebook Share Why is there no pedestrian island or light near Union and Willow? The distance between the one at the rail path and the one at Herbert leaves crossing the street for those on foot a challenge. on Twitter Share Why is there no pedestrian island or light near Union and Willow? The distance between the one at the rail path and the one at Herbert leaves crossing the street for those on foot a challenge. on Linkedin Email Why is there no pedestrian island or light near Union and Willow? The distance between the one at the rail path and the one at Herbert leaves crossing the street for those on foot a challenge. link

    Why is there no pedestrian island or light near Union and Willow? The distance between the one at the rail path and the one at Herbert leaves crossing the street for those on foot a challenge.

    dnlrbchd asked about 4 years ago

    A new pedestrian refuge island at Herbert was preferred as it provides better connectivity with adjacent side streets and allows for the existing left-turn lane to be maintained. Installation of new islands at both streets would be unwarranted as there is just over 100 metres between the two locations.

    New traffic signals are the responsibility of the Region of Waterloo and are not being considered as part of this project.

  • Share The City has designated speed limits of 40 kph around schools. This should be done on John E and Allen E around Elizabeth Ziegler School, especially since there will be increased traffic on both b/c of the construction. on Facebook Share The City has designated speed limits of 40 kph around schools. This should be done on John E and Allen E around Elizabeth Ziegler School, especially since there will be increased traffic on both b/c of the construction. on Twitter Share The City has designated speed limits of 40 kph around schools. This should be done on John E and Allen E around Elizabeth Ziegler School, especially since there will be increased traffic on both b/c of the construction. on Linkedin Email The City has designated speed limits of 40 kph around schools. This should be done on John E and Allen E around Elizabeth Ziegler School, especially since there will be increased traffic on both b/c of the construction. link

    The City has designated speed limits of 40 kph around schools. This should be done on John E and Allen E around Elizabeth Ziegler School, especially since there will be increased traffic on both b/c of the construction.

    Terry Olson Stewart asked about 4 years ago

    Speeds around school zones on surrounding streets are outside the scope of this project, but we will forward your feedback to our Transportation team.

  • Share I would greatly value a pedestrian crossing at Mary or Herbert Street. There are many children who walk to school and have to cross Union, which is currently very unsafe. A pedestrian crossing is very important to consider in this design. on Facebook Share I would greatly value a pedestrian crossing at Mary or Herbert Street. There are many children who walk to school and have to cross Union, which is currently very unsafe. A pedestrian crossing is very important to consider in this design. on Twitter Share I would greatly value a pedestrian crossing at Mary or Herbert Street. There are many children who walk to school and have to cross Union, which is currently very unsafe. A pedestrian crossing is very important to consider in this design. on Linkedin Email I would greatly value a pedestrian crossing at Mary or Herbert Street. There are many children who walk to school and have to cross Union, which is currently very unsafe. A pedestrian crossing is very important to consider in this design. link

    I would greatly value a pedestrian crossing at Mary or Herbert Street. There are many children who walk to school and have to cross Union, which is currently very unsafe. A pedestrian crossing is very important to consider in this design.

    KG asked about 4 years ago

    Union Street Design Alternative 2 includes a pedestrian refuge island at Herbert Street. 

  • Share Since the street will be dug up, have you contacted any service providers about laying optical fiber? I live one street over on John East and I'm told there's no fiber in the area by Bell. on Facebook Share Since the street will be dug up, have you contacted any service providers about laying optical fiber? I live one street over on John East and I'm told there's no fiber in the area by Bell. on Twitter Share Since the street will be dug up, have you contacted any service providers about laying optical fiber? I live one street over on John East and I'm told there's no fiber in the area by Bell. on Linkedin Email Since the street will be dug up, have you contacted any service providers about laying optical fiber? I live one street over on John East and I'm told there's no fiber in the area by Bell. link

    Since the street will be dug up, have you contacted any service providers about laying optical fiber? I live one street over on John East and I'm told there's no fiber in the area by Bell.

    Terry Olson Stewart asked about 4 years ago

    Coordination with third-party utilities takes place during the preliminary and detailed design phases of all road reconstruction projects; however, improvements such as installing new optical fiber are completed at the sole discretion of the utility agencies. As of November 2019, Bell had indicated that they do not have plans for improvements within the project limits.

  • Share Is the current yellow line or center of the roadway accurate to these design alternatives. Or could the center be adjusted at the time of the project. on Facebook Share Is the current yellow line or center of the roadway accurate to these design alternatives. Or could the center be adjusted at the time of the project. on Twitter Share Is the current yellow line or center of the roadway accurate to these design alternatives. Or could the center be adjusted at the time of the project. on Linkedin Email Is the current yellow line or center of the roadway accurate to these design alternatives. Or could the center be adjusted at the time of the project. link

    Is the current yellow line or center of the roadway accurate to these design alternatives. Or could the center be adjusted at the time of the project.

    Mike K asked about 4 years ago

    While the centreline may shift slightly in some locations during detailed design, it is unlikely that the alignment of the road will significantly change from these design alternatives to the final design.

Page last updated: 04 Mar 2024, 04:46 PM