Stretch of Lundy’s Lane due for a rebuild
A busy 1.8-kilometre stretch of Lundy's Lane will be reconstructed, after Niagara Region declared the road has operational and safety issues.
A virtual information session is set for April 20 at 6 p.m. for the public to learn more about the plans, and provide feedback on work to take place on Lundy's Lane from Highland Avenue to Montrose Road.
This area of Lundy's Lane was selected for improvements to address the poor pavement condition, operational issues, and safety issues such as motor vehicle collisions resulting from left and right turn manoeuvres into businesses/developments," said Graeme Guthrie, capital projects manager for the Region.
Lundy's Lane is a major roadway extending from Allanport Road in Thorold to Main Street in Niagara Falls. It provides direct access to the tourist area of Niagara Falls and crosses two major barriers - the Queen Elizabeth Way and Sir Adam Beck Power Canal.
Niagara Region said records show there are high numbers of collisions involving vehicles, as well as vehicles and pedestrians.
In October, it started a municipal class environmental assessment to evaluate and recommend improvements along four-lane Lundy's Lane from Highland to Montrose.
Guthrie said once that is complete, the Region will move to a detailed design phase for a preferred design solution."
At this time, the scope of the intersection improvements has not been determined," he said.
The type of intersection improvements will be determined as part of the assessment of design alternatives being undertaken as part of the (environmental assessment). Safety and operational improvements will also be determined as part of the assessment of design alternatives and will include a review of access management."
The study is expected to develop and evaluate improvement alternatives, including components of the Region's transportation master plan involving active transportation and complete streets; transit requirements; intersection improvements; safety and operational improvements; and heritage requirements.
The project is very important for the Lundy's Lane business district," said Guthrie.
It is a key project for the creation of an integrated network of roads for the movement of people and goods. The project will also support Niagara Region's vision of safe and healthy streets supporting active transportation."
He said the Region and City of Niagara Falls identified the Lundy's Lane Business Improvement Area as a significant" stakeholder and met with the business group to obtain some preliminary feedback."
The response to the project was positive," said Guthrie.
According to a timeline provided by the Region, an environmental study report is expected to be filed in July, followed by a 30-day review. Detailed designs are scheduled to start during the first quarter of 2023, with construction slated to begin in 2025.
Guthrie said the April 20 information session will be the first of three to solicit input from the public on the future vision of the area."
A second session will present possible planning alternatives and a preferred one, and offer an opportunity to provide feedback. The third session will present design alternatives and preferred design alternative and again allow for feedback.
Guthrie said after that, Niagara Region will have a preferred design that will be brought forward for approval. Dates for the second and third sessions have yet to be determined, he said.
To register for the April 20 virtual public information session, visit NiagaraRegion.ca/projects/lundys-lane.
Ray Spiteri is a St. Catharines-based reporter for the Niagara Falls Review. Reach him via email: raymond.spiteri@niagaradailies.com