The region's planning and works committee will be asked to support three interim active transportation safety improvements along Myers Road in Cambridge next week.
The recommended improvements and traffic calming measures proposed on Myers Road include construction of a pedestrian/cycling ramp to connect Myers Road to California Road, adding raised pedestrian crossings just east of Lorraine Drive at the existing traffic signal and in front of Moffat Creek Public School at a future Level 2 Pedestrian Crossing, and the installation of a Level 2 Pedestrian Crossing on Myers Road at Gatehouse Road/Lisbon Pines Drive, shortening the crossing distances.
Level 2 pedestrian crossings are designated crossing areas where vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians.
The proposed ramp connection from Myers Road to California Road will significantly decrease the walk times to Moffat Creek Public School from the adjacent neighbourhood.
The raised pedestrian crossings, with pavement markings, signage, and a “speed hump,” will provide greater visibility to the pedestrian crossing area and help slow down traffic, and the third crossing, with pavement markings and signage, highlights and prioritizes the pedestrian crossing area.
Additional lighting will be reviewed as part of the detailed design of the ramp.
The ramp will be in place long-term, and the raised crossings and adjacent curb work will require removal and reinstatement during the major reconstruction project in 2026.
This project has approved budget for design and construction in 2023.
The major reconstruction of Myers Road from Water Street to Branchton Road was deferred to years 2026 to 2028 in the draft 2023-2032 Transportation Capital Program to allow staff additional time to review the concerns that were raised about the proposed design.
In January 2022, regional council directed staff to change the speed limit for the entire length of Myers Road to 40 km/h, in advance of the major reconstruction project.
Concerns about insufficient space for the drop-off and pickup of students at Moffat Creek Public School will be addressed when the Waterloo Region District School Board begins construction of a 32-space parking lot expansion behind the school, with access off Dundas Street later this spring.
This will provide space for parents to drop off and pick up students.
The parking lot expansion is being completed in order to divert school traffic from Myers Road to the back of the school since the existing shoulders on Myers Road in front of the school are no stopping and no parking zones.
