Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment. Executive Summary

Transcription

1 Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment Executive Summary June 2002

2 Simcoe Area Transportation Network Assessment PREFACE A safe, efficient and integrated transportation system supports economic investment, promotes job creation, and contributes to the preservation of the environment and the overall quality of life for all residents of the Province of Ontario. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is taking the steps necessary to plan for the future of transportation in Ontario. Long-range transportation planning is underway across the province in support of the government s made-in-ontario Smart Growth commitment to build a stronger economy, stronger communities and a healthy environment. The ministry is working closely with the Ontario SuperBuild Corporation, leading the largest infrastructure building program in Ontario s history, to develop new and innovative financing and public/private partnership approaches to create new infrastructure to meet Ontario s transportation needs over the next 30 years. MTO has also recently completed consultation workshops with stakeholders on a draft Strategic Transportation Directions report for Central Ontario, which includes Simcoe County. This report is being provided to the recently created Smart Growth Panel for the Central Ontario region for their consideration. The Panel was established to provide advice to the Province on the development of Smart Growth Plans and in the areas of reducing gridlock and building liveable communities in the Central Ontario area. The Simcoe Area Transportation Needs Assessment is a comprehensive study that supports Smart Growth principles. The study provides a long-range context to guide provincial and municipal transportation planning in Simcoe County, southern Muskoka and the northern Greater Toronto Area. MTO recognizes the importance of developing a vision for tomorrow s transportation system that encompasses all modes. The Needs Assessment provides recommendations in support of transit, travel demand management and transportation systems management to reduce automobile dependence and better utilize existing and future highways. Key recommendations include the widening of Highway 400 and the proposal for a new transportation corridor extending northerly from the terminus of Highway 427 to north of Barrie. Planning work for this transportation corridor would include consideration of a new highway, as well as a transitway or high occupancy vehicle/bus lanes to promote ridesharing and transit use. This study also recommends further analysis of the extension of commuter rail service from Bradford to Barrie. The province s Golden Horseshoe Transit Investment Partnerships initiative (GTIP) will provide long term investment in transit renewal and transit expansion projects. The evaluation of the extension of commuter service to Barrie would be considered as part of the GTIP process. Page i

3 The Study is the first step in the ministry s transportation planning process. The next stage is to undertake the environmental assessment process for proposed new facilities and proposed expansion of existing facilities. Through the environmental assessment process for specific projects, the Ministry of Transportation will consult extensively on the needs assessment study results with municipalities, regulatory agencies and the general public. This, a draft Technical Report and supplementary technical reports will made available for review and comment as part of the environmental assessment process. Page ii

4 Table of Contents PREFACE...i Study Area Overview...1 Transportation Needs Assessment Study...3 Study Goals and Objectives...4 Transportation Needs Assessment Process...5 The Transportation Challenge...6 Future Outlooks...8 Existing and Future Transportation Problems...10 The Transportation Development Strategy...11 Roadways...11 Travel Demand Management/Transit...12 Transportation Systems Management...13 Rationale for Proposed Improvements...13 Cost of Recommended Major Highway Improvements...18 Next Steps...19 Study Reports...20 Page iii

5 Study Area Overview Simcoe Area Transportation Network Assessment Simcoe County is located between the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to the south and cottage country to the north. The county is a gateway to all-season tourism and recreational destinations located along Georgian Bay from Grey County in the west through to Lake Simcoe and north to the District of Muskoka. The southern border of Simcoe County is a half-hour drive from Toronto and is part of the commutershed for the residents working in the Greater Toronto Area. Transportation has been essential in supporting the rapid economic and population growth of Simcoe County. Seven provincial highways, three major railways, two short rail lines, and the new Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, which can accommodate commercial jets, serve the county. Various harbours and the Trent-Severn Waterway provide access to local industry and for tourist travelers. Highways 400 and 11 are key provincial highway linkages between southern and northern Ontario. Highway 12, on the east side of Lake Simcoe, provides another north-south route from the east side of the GTA to Orillia. Highways 26, 93 and 12 provide access to the Georgian Bay area. Highways 89 and 9 facilitate east-west travel in south Simcoe. Georgian Bay Simcoe County Transportation System Midland 400 Severn Sound MUSKOKA Gravenhurst Washago Nottawasaga Bay Collingwood Wasaga Beach Orillia Lake Couchiching Lake Simcoe SIMCOE Barrie GREY DUFFERIN Alliston Cookstown Bradford Newmarket DURHAM 48 LEGEND: PEEL Provincial Highway Other Major Road Railway Airport YORK Page 1

6 Simcoe County consists of two cities, seven towns, and nine townships totalling 382,000 people in The county population has grown by 170,000 or 80 per cent over the last twenty-five years. The City of Barrie is the economic and service hub for the county and is strategically located at the juncture of Highways 400, 11, 26. The population of Barrie has tripled over the past 25 years to 104,000 and now comprises 27% of total county population. Population Growth , , , , ,000 Barrie Simcoe 150, ,000 50, Highway 400 and parallel routes between Barrie and the GTA have experienced substantial growth in commuter automobile trips as a result of the high population growth in the City of Barrie and south Simcoe. This population increase is due primarily to the attraction of households from the GTA: population out-migration from the GTA accounted for 80 to 90 percent of the population increase between 1986 and Simcoe County employment opportunities have not grown at the same pace so out-commuting from Simcoe to the GTA has doubled over the same period The provincial highway system, and Highways 400 and 11 in particular, play a critical role in facilitating travel to the widely dispersed tourist and recreational activities in Simcoe and Muskoka, as well as destinations to the west and north. Over 10 million visitors were attracted to the broader Georgian Lakelands region encompassing Muskoka, Simcoe, Grey and Huron Counties accounting for almost $1 billion in tourism expenditures and 26,000 jobs in Highway 400 is also a key artery for the shipment of goods by trucks. On an average day, almost 9,000 trucks carry over $200 million worth of goods on Highway 400 between Simcoe County and the GTA. Truck traffic has grown roughly 40% since 1995 and now accounts for 12-15% of the total volume on Highway 400 between Barrie and the GTA. At the other end of the study area, on Highway 11 near Gravenhurst, truck traffic has grown 18 per cent since 1995 to approximately 3,300 commercial vehicles per day, representing 12% of the total traffic. Page 2

7 Transportation Needs Assessment Study This transportation needs assessment study is a component of the Ministry of Transportation s strategic long-range transportation planning program to improve travel through Ontario s major international gateways and key transportation corridors. Long-range planning is critical to ensure that transportation investment is made where required, when needed, and in the most cost-effective way. Transportation Needs Assessment Studies play a critical role in this process, but represent only the first step in a longer implementation process. It can take between eight and ten years to plan, design and build new transportation facilities. A variety of stakeholders, agencies and the public are consulted in the process, after the first phase is complete. Transportation Planning Process Public Consultation Phase 1 Phase 2 Transportation Needs Assessment Study Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference Provincial Environmental Assessment Study Design Financing, and Property Acquisition Construction 1 Year 1 Year 3 Years 1 to 2 Years 3 Years A Transportation Needs Assessment Study is primarily a technical exercise to determine the need and justification for transportation improvements and the feasibility of various transportation alternatives. It is a precursor to the formal environmental assessment process for major provincial transportation infrastructure, such as new highways, transitways or major extensions to existing highways. Needs assessment studies may be considered as doing our homework to determine what action, if any, should be initiated prior to undertaking costly and time-consuming environmental assessment studies. In the event that a new provincial transportation facility is recommended, the Ministry begins Phase 2, which involves public consultation on the technical findings of the needs assessment study and development of a Terms of Reference for an Environmental Assessment (EA) Study. The Terms of Reference outline the purpose, scope and consultative process for the EA study. It is subject to public review and the approval of the Minister of the Environment and Energy. Depending on the project, there may also be a need for approvals under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Page 3

8 Study Goals and Objectives Building upon the Provincial Policy Statement and the government s Smart Growth principles, the following Goals and Objectives were established: Goal: To create a Transportation Development Strategy that provides a safe, efficient, effective and reliable transportation system. Objectives - Move people and goods more efficiently by minimizing delays and reducing congestion. - Maximize use of existing infrastructure and resources. - Expand and enhance transportation choice. - Promote technological innovation to improve system efficiency and reliability. Goal: To support economic growth at the provincial and municipal levels. Objectives - Promote economic growth and position industry and services to better compete at the local, provincial and national levels. - Develop new opportunities for tourism and recreation development. - Support development in ways that maintain or enhance quality of life and promote housing and transportation choice. - Improve overall accessibility to facilitate new growth opportunities. Goal: To create a Transportation Development Strategy that promotes a healthy environment. environment. Objectives - Protect natural resources, areas and farmland. - Encourage growth in areas where it will have the least impact on the environment. - Avoid or minimize adverse impacts to significant environmental features. - Consider all travel modes to reduce transportation impacts on air, land and water. Page 4

9 Transportation Needs Assessment Process The Simcoe Area Transportation Needs Assessment Study included an examination of the transportation network and long range planning problems, opportunities and transportation options in the study area. This initiative provides a multi-modal, Transportation Development Strategy for safe, efficient and cost-effective travel for long distance regional, inter-regional and inter-provincial travel. STUDY PROCESS Identification of Transportation Problems and Opportunities Identification and Selection of Transportation Alternatives Identification and Selection of Roadway Alternatives Rail, Air, Marine Transit Recommended Alternatives to be Carried Forward Travel Demand Management Transportation Systems Management Identification of Potential Implementation Strategies Recommendations Transportation Development Strategy The needs assessment examines all travel needs commuter, tourist, and goods movement in identifying long term problems and opportunities and considers all modes road, rail, air and marine as possible options to improve the overall transportation system. The transportation needs assessment process involves consideration of how proposed transportation planning alternatives meet the study goals and objectives. Reasonable options that meet the mobility and economic goals are carried forward for further assessment. Roadway alternatives are then assessed in more detail in terms of transportation, economic and environmental considerations. The recommended initiatives are then included in the Transportation Development Strategy. Through this approach a multi-modal transportation network plan can be developed to address future transportation needs and broader economic and environmental objectives. Page 5

10 The Transportation Challenge The Highway 400 corridor is the only major 400 series highway linking the GTA to the City of Barrie. Highway 26, the Highway 400 extension and Highway 11 funnel into Highway 400 through Barrie. Therefore, during peak congestion periods, the six-lane highway is presently slowed in its entirety from Barrie south. Traffic slow downs affect commuters, tourist and recreation travelers and commercial carriers. Diversions to parallel county roads extend traffic congestion through the broader north-south corridor affecting small communities between Barrie and the GTA. The development of the City of Barrie is constrained by Lake Simcoe on the east and so the city has expanded west of Highway 400 and southward. Highway 400 now essentially bisects the city. Several closely spaced interchanges on Highway 400 provide access to city arterials. Future growth in traffic will place more pressure on Highway 400, the interchanges and cross-over structures. MTO is currently undertaking a planning study to examine alternatives to widen Highway 400 and improve interchange design and highway safety over the next 10 years. The Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment study addresses transportation requirements over the next years. Highway 400 Through Barrie Page 6

11 Highway 26 linking the Georgian Bay area to Barrie enters the city from the west on an urban arterial Bayfield Street that connects to Highway 400 within the city. This road is a high traffic commercial strip that is not conducive to the free flow of long distance tourist and recreational travellers. Highway 11 from north of Barrie to Gravenhurst is a four lane divided facility with driveway access to commercial and residential properties, which present operational and safety issues during peak traffic periods. The intensity of the traffic flow on the Highway 400/11 corridors is shown below for both weekend (Sunday) and weekday travel. The weekend picture exhibits the dispersed nature of tourism and recreational trips from Simcoe and Muskoka funneling through Barrie into the Highway 400 corridor and into the GTA. The weekday pattern illustrates the same pressure on Highway 400. In this case, there is a substantial flow of workers into Barrie and from the city and southern Simcoe to the GTA. The distance between communities and the spread of tourism, recreation and economic activities contributes to the high dependence on the automobile for travel within Simcoe, Muskoka and from the GTA to these areas. Currently GO bus, GO rail (from Bradford) and motor coach carriers provide services within the study area and into the GTA. While these services offer a transportation alternative for commuters, they cannot compete with the advantages and preferences for the automobile for recreational or vacation travel. The challenge, therefore, is to develop a transportation strategy that addresses present and future transportation network needs while enhancing alternatives to the automobile in the major travel corridors in the study area Weekend Southbound Auto Flows Weekday Southbound Auto Flows MUSKOKA Y Y7 Y Y Y1 0 Y Y YORK YORK YORK PEEL 1 Y 40 9 Y PEEL PEEL PEEL Y6 Y6 Y DUFFERIN DUFFERIN 401 5,000 WATERLOO HALTON HALTON QE W Y4 07 Y4 03 Y QE W Legend : Y Y7 Y Y 01 Y4 HALTON HALTON HALTON 01 Y4 TORONTO TORONTO TORONTO WATERLOO WATERLOO DURHAM 4 9 Y DUFFERIN DURHAM DURHAM Legend : 5,000 Page 7 Y 35 VICTORIA 1 Y Y4 00 Y VICTORIA 1 Y1 2 Y Y9 3 Y9 26 SIMCOE Y SIMCOE 118 MUSKOKA MUSKOKA

12 Future Outlooks Over the next 30 years, the population of Simcoe County is anticipated to increase from 382,000 today to 683,000. County employment is projected to increase from 148,000 in 2000 to 283,000 by The population growth in Barrie and south Simcoe County will generate significant commuter travel to the GTA in the future. However, since employment is anticipated to grow at a higher rate than population, a greater proportion of Simcoe residents will work within the county: 34% of the labour force worked outside the county in 2000; by 2031, 28% is forecast to work outside the county. The population of Barrie is projected to more than double to 231,000 by 2031 accounting for 42% of total Simcoe growth. It is possible that Barrie could reach its build-out population of 165,000 by To accommodate more population would require urban growth beyond Barrie s existing municipal boundary. Employment opportunities in Barrie are forecast to increase at a higher rate than population, reaching 131,000, accounting for 56% of new jobs in Simcoe County by As a result, work trips internal to Barrie and commuting into the city will more than double by The proportion of out-commuting trips, however, is anticipated to fall from 27% in 2000 to 20% in The increase in population and, hence commuter traffic, will place great pressure on roadways within the City of Barrie and to and from the city during peak commuter hours. If the employment projections are realized, out-commuting is forecast to grow by over 60%. Should sufficient jobs not be provided to support the resident labour force, outcommuting traffic to the GTA could double by Barrie Forecast Population (000's) Urban Limits Outside Limits Page 8

13 As most out-commuting traffic focuses on Highway 400, future commuter growth combined with seasonal tourist and recreational traffic will generate severe traffic congestion unless transportation improvements are implemented. Tourist and recreational trip growth is closely related to future growth in GTA population and the propensity for people to partake in tourism and recreational activities. With the ageing of the GTA population, a greater number of people will have more leisure time and disposable income to spend vacationing. Based on these trends, tourist and recreational travel to Simcoe and Muskoka is expected to increase by approximately 60 percent over the next 30 years. While the number of prime lakefront cottages will be built out over the near term in these areas, significant growth in tourism/recreational activity is still anticipated due to several factors: - more intensive use of cottages over the season/year; - backlotting to increase cottage properties; - new all season resorts; - greater demand to escape from GTA urban areas; and - higher per capita travel due to the ageing of the baby boom population, interest in leisure activities and higher disposable incomes. The increase in travel from the GTA to Simcoe and beyond will have a great impact on Highways 400 and 11 as the primary north-south corridors. Demands on other provincial highways and municipal roads can be expected, but the dispersed nature of recreation and tourism sites effectively spreads the travel demand over a number of routes emanating from the Highway 400 corridor. The growth in population, services and economic activity will result in a corresponding increase in truck traffic. Rail transport can be expected to play a role in the transport of bulky goods that are not time-sensitive (e.g., logs, ore, etc.), however, trucking will remain the predominant mode for Just-in-Time based industry, delivery of goods to businesses in small communities, and the transport of goods to and from retail outlets. As Highway 400 is the only major provincial highway running from Barrie to the GTA, truck traffic is anticipated to grow substantially in this important corridor. Automobile travel will continue to be the primary mode of travel in the area. The auto mode, however, is much better utilized for tourism, recreational and vacation trips than the typical commuter trip. Traffic survey results for this study indicate an average auto occupancy rate of greater than 2.5 persons/car for social/recreation/vacation travel and 1.3 for work trips. The enhancement of passenger bus and rail services would provide an alternative to the automobile for the journey to work in the GTA. Increased traffic congestion on Highway 400, however, will impede express bus services. The provision of commuter rail service, commuter parking lots and consideration of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and/or transitways would provide transportation choice and make transit more efficient and competitive with the automobile over the longer term. Page 9

14 Existing and Future Transportation Problems Future growth in commuter, truck, tourist and recreational traffic will require extensive transportation improvements in key travel corridors over the next 30 years to serve communities, support industry and realize tourism growth opportunities in Simcoe and the broader area. In the southern part of Simcoe County, Highway 400 from Barrie southerly and Highways 9 and 89 are currently experiencing weekday commuter and weekend tourist/recreational traffic problems. As Highway 400 is the only major provincial highway linking the GTA with Simcoe, improvements to Highway 400, alternative travel modes and the possibility of new highways must be considered to address the anticipated traffic growth in this important economic corridor. The Highway 11 corridor, from Barrie to Gravenhurst, also experiences congestion during the summer peak travel periods. Additional capacity along Highway 11 or alternative corridors is required to accommodate future growth in tourist/recreational travel north of Barrie. The Highway 26 corridor presently experiences summer related traffic congestion in the Collingwood and Stayner area and is expected to face congestion problems in the two-lane section west of Midhurst by Nottawasaga Bay 93 SIMCOE Lake Couchiching VICTORIA Over the longer term, operational and capacity deficiencies on Highways 93 and 12 serving the Georgian Bay area are anticipated. Near term improvements are required to serve travel demands on Highway 12 on the east side of Lake Simcoe. GREY DUFFERIN Lake Simcoe YORK DURHAM PEEL Existing and Future Congested Provincial Highway Segments Year Congested (LOS E): Currently Congested not congested in 2031 TORONTO Page 10

15 The Transportation Development Strategy Simcoe Area Transportation Network Assessment The Transportation Development Strategy includes recommendations for roadway improvements, transit and travel demand management strategies to reduce automobile dependence, and transportation system management to optimize highway usage. Each recommended improvement has a specific but complementary role in addressing the transportation pressures in the area as well as supporting economic growth, linking communities and promoting a healthy environment. The components of the recommended Transportation Development Strategy are shown on the drawing below and described in more detail on the following page. Transportation Development Strategy Recommended Improvements Page 11

16 Roadways 1. Plan for additional highway capacity through/around Barrie. Widen Highway 400 initially to 8 lanes, protect for 10 lanes: - Complete Highway 400 Preliminary Design studies. - Conduct Detail Design study for widening of Highway Plan for a new transportation corridor extending northerly from the terminus of Highway 427 to Highway 11 north of Barrie: - Initiate Environmental Assessment process EA Terms of Reference. 3. Municipalities consider planning for a new municipal arterial south of Barrie connecting to the proposed new transportation corridor and Highway 400: - City of Barrie and County of Simcoe study integration with municipal road network and urban development plans. - Barrie and Simcoe County initiate Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. 4. Plan for additional capacity for Highway 11 corridor between Barrie and Gravenhurst: - Conduct a Class Environmental Assessment Study Design for widening/twinning of Highway If Highway 11 upgrading is not technically or environmentally feasible, initiate Environmental Assessment process for a new Coldwater to Gravenhurst/Washago link. 5. Plan for improvements in Highway 26 corridor from Barrie to west of Collingwood: - Construct re-alignment of Highway 26 from Wasaga Beach to Collingwood. - Initiate environmental assessment process for a new alignment of Highway 26 around Collingwood. - Undertake study to address future capacity and operational needs on Highway 26 from Barrie westerly to Wasaga Beach area. 6. Over long term, plan for capacity and operational improvements on: Highway 10, Highway 12, Highway 89 and Highway 93: - Add permanent traffic counting stations in Simcoe County to monitor traffic volumes. - Initiate further study and Environmental Assessment Process as required. Travel Demand Management/Transit 1. Further study of potential to extend commuter rail service (two to three trains) from Bradford to Barrie. 2. Promote ridesharing and transit use in major transportation corridors: - Expand/protect property for commuter parking lots and high occupancy vehicle lanes on Highway Protect for a transitway or reserved lanes for high occupancy vehicles in the proposed new transportation corridor. 3. Promote ridesharing and transit in Barrie: - City of Barrie TDM/Transit study. Page 12

17 Transportation Systems Management 1. Improve roadway efficiency in north-south transportation corridors: - Study implementation of driver messaging/directional signing, ramp metering, incident monitoring and other systems to improve traffic flow and safety during high congestion periods, bad winter weather, traffic accidents, special events, etc. Rationale for Proposed Improvements The specific rationale for the Transportation Development Strategy and the associated recommended improvements are outlined below. Traffic Volume Doubling Auto Preferred Mode Commuter Options Commuter Rail Service The major travel demand is in the north-south corridor between the GTA and Simcoe County. Current volumes are forecast to double over the next years. Consequently, major north-south transportation improvements are required to accommodate this increase in demand. Tourism and recreational related travel is responsible for major traffic congestion during the summer, particularly on weekends. As these are long distance trips with dispersed trip ends and substantial baggage being transported, the automobile has been and will continue to be, the preferred mode by travellers. Given that there is generally three to four persons in a car, tourist/recreational auto trips are more optimal than the typical commuter auto trips where single occupant vehicles are common. Thus, while it would be very challenging to shift tourist/recreational travellers to transit, there are benefits to shifting commuter drivers into transit and car pools. The needs assessment study concluded commuter rail service to Barrie might reduce commuter highway traffic but not eliminate the need for highway expansion to accommodate longer-term commuter and tourist/recreational traffic needs. A two or three train peak period service could attract 200 to 400 users in the short term and up to 800 riders in the long term. However, there are significant constraints and costs ($200-$500 million), associated with all-day rail service to Barrie as recognized in the Business Case for Barrie Commuter Rail Service completed for the Barrie Passenger Rail Advisory Committee. The feasibility of extending commuter rail service to Barrie requires further study, possibly through the Golden Horseshoe Transit Investment Partnerships (GTIP) initiative. Page 13

18 Additional study should be considered to assess the potential for service improvements and new stations over the longer term. Ridesharing Express Bus Services TDM/Transit Highway Optimization Proposed New Transportation Corridor In view of the continued dependence on automobile use, strategies to increase commuter ridesharing between Barrie and the GTA should be considered including carpool lots, ride matching programs, and High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV) lanes. A highway facility in the proposed new transportation corridor would increase the level of service for express bus and motor coach carriers. Express bus operations connecting to east-west routes in Simcoe County, Peel and York Regions and Toronto could provide all-day services to dispersed work and commercial destinations and intermodal connections. It should be noted, however, that the bus services, commuter rail, and ridesharing strategies could be competing for the same commuter market. The substantial population and employment increases projected for Barrie will result in significant traffic growth on city roads. Travel demand management (TDM) strategies (e.g., ridesharing) should be developed and transit use promoted to alleviate traffic congestion within the city. In view of the anticipated increase in automobile and truck traffic, additional highway capacity is required. In order to ensure its optimal use, transportation management systems and strategies should be implemented in major transportation corridors. These include driver messaging, highway monitoring, ramp metering etc. to address traffic congestion, bad weather, traffic incidents, special events, etc. The needs assessment study found that both a staged widening of Highway 400 and a new transportation corridor, extending from the terminus of the existing Highway 427 in the City of Vaughan, to Highway 11 in the vicinity of Crown Hill, north of Barrie, are the preferred major network improvements. The first leg of the new transportation corridor includes the previously announced extension of Highway 427 to the Highway 400 in the Cookstown area and is a fundamental component of the overall Simcoe area transportation development strategy. As urban development pressures in Vaughan and in the vicinity of Barrie could preclude a new corridor in the near term, it is important to proceed with the environmental assessment process to protect a preferred route as soon as possible. Page 14

19 Through the provision of two major transportation corridors from the GTA to north of Barrie, travelers are provided with both a high level of service and an option in case of traffic congestion, incidents or construction on Highway 400. The added reliability and accessibility provides greater opportunity for industrial and tourist related development in the Barrie area and throughout Simcoe County. Two transportation corridors connecting southern and northern Ontario supports a strong and secure linkage for trade, commerce and tourism/recreation travel. Transitway Protection Highway 400 Widening A new transportation corridor provides an opportunity to consider the inclusion of High Occupancy Vehicle/bus lanes with the potential of leading to a dedicated transitway in the long term. The protection for high occupancy vehicle/bus lanes and transitways would be examined in the environmental assessment process for the proposed new transportation corridor. Traffic forecasts indicate that there is an immediate need to widen Highway 400 to 8 lanes and that by 2008 further widening will be required in the area of Essa Road in Barrie. The implementation of an alternative transportation corridor to Barrie would defer the need to widen Highway 400 to an ultimate 10 lanes from Highway 9 through Barrie to Highway 11. Assuming that the planning, design and construction of the proposed new transportation corridor takes 8-10 years, short sections of the proposed 8-lane Highway 400 through Barrie (Dunlop Street area) could experience deficiencies in the short term. Over the long term, Highway 400 could be widened to 10 lanes as traffic warrants, or if the proposed new transportation corridor does not receive approval. In view of this possibility, the Highway 400 corridor will be protected for a potential future widening to 10 lanes. Any structures requiring replacement as part of the Highway 400 widening to 8 lanes will therefore be designed to accommodate 10 through-lanes on Highway 400 from Highway 9 northerly through Barrie to Highway 11. South Barrie Arterial The proposed new transportation corridor would extend around the west side of Barrie connecting to city arterials. A proposed new municipal arterial south of the city could link Barrie with the new transportation corridor and Highway 400, thereby improving accessibility and reducing congestion on existing arterials. Page 15

20 Over the longer term, the proposed arterial could be extend easterly to Yonge Street, possibly connecting to a new commuter rail station serving southern Barrie and Innisfil. It is recommended that the City of Barrie and Simcoe County examine the compatibility of this proposed link with the municipal road network and urban development plans. New Transportation Corridor Partnership Opportunities The financial analysis conducted as part of the study indicates a private-public partnership opportunity for a toll highway within the proposed new transportation corridor. Financial viability can be improved with a reduction in capital costs, a longer payback period, deferral of construction, phased widening, etc. Further analysis, however, is required to address these opportunities. Consistent with past MTO experience, there are opportunities to costshare interchange improvements for both the Highway 400 widening and the proposed new transportation corridor. These opportunities require examination in the future. Similarly, there could be opportunities for cost-sharing on the proposed South Barrie Arterial. Future municipal transportation studies should assess this potential. Highway 11 Capacity Improvements Highway 11 EA Study Design Additional highway capacity is required to accommodate future growth in north-south travel between Barrie and Gravenhurst. A widening of Highway 11 from the existing 4 lanes to 6 lanes, coupled with the ongoing widening of Highway 11 north of Huntsville, increases capacity, improves reliability and enhances safe travel between southern and northern Ontario. These transportation benefits support economic development within the Highway 11 corridor and Muskoka in particular. However, further study is required to address the technical and environmental feasibility, property impacts and costs of widening or twinning, and providing local bypasses through the corridor. It is proposed that a Class Environmental Assessment Study Design Report be prepared to assess highway improvement options. If it is determined that a Highway 11 upgrading is not feasible, environmental assessment for a new highway link between Highway 400 (Coldwater) to Highway 11 (Gravenhurst/Washago) should be initiated. Page 16

21 The proposed new transportation corridor would facilitate traffic movements on all north-south facilities, as well as providing an alternative route around Barrie, thereby minimizing Highway 400 expansion needs through the city over the long term. The proposed new transportation corridor would support either the Highway 11 upgrading or a possible new Coldwater to Gravenhurst/Washago link. Highway 26 Improvements The Town of Collingwood is projected to grow by more than twothirds in size from 2001 to 2031, largely due to increases in tourism and recreational attractions. Improvements to the existing Highway 26 corridor between Barrie and the Collingwood area are required to accommodate the growth in recreational travel demand and enhance accessibility to the area. Highway 26 Realignment New Highway 26 Around Collingwood Bayfield Street Benefits Highway 26 Corridor Study Long Term Improvement The ministry s construction of Highway 26 realignment will address long term capacity needs between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. The recently completed Georgian Triangle Area Transportation Study concluded that additional highway capacity is required through or around the Town of Collingwood. The study recommended a new corridor from the re-aligned Highway 26 east of the town, connecting to Highway 26 on the west side of Collingwood. The Simcoe Area needs assessment study supports proceeding with the environmental assessment process for a new alignment of Highway 26 around Collingwood. In the eastern part of the Highway 26 corridor, the proposed new transportation corridor will provide a more direct connection to Highway 26 and divert traffic from Bayfield Street through Barrie. Further study is proposed to address future capacity and operational improvements on Highway 26 between Barrie and the east limit of the new alignment for Highway 26. This study would be initiated following completion of the environmental assessment for the proposed new transportation corridor. Beyond the next 30 years, a new highway corridor branching from the proposed new transportation corridor to the Georgian Bay area could be considered. However, this study has indicated no need or justification for a new highway link before It would also be contingent on the implementation of the proposed new transportation corridor. Page 17

22 Other Highway Improvements Initiate further study and Environmental Assessment process as required for capacity and operational improvements as required by future traffic growth on Highway 10, Highway 12, Highway 89 and Highway 93. Cost of Recommended Major Highway Improvements The following table is a summary of the estimated costs associated with the recommended major highway improvements. More detailed study is required to determine definitive costs. The total cost for the overall transportation development strategy is estimated at over $1.6 billion. The proposed improvements will, therefore, have to be implemented over a long time frame. The actual timing of the projects will depend on partnership opportunities, the availability of funds from the province and other sources, and transportation priorities across the province. Recommended Improvement Widen Highway from 6 to 8 Lanes (Highway 9 to Crown Hill) Proposed New Transportation Corridor (from Highway 427 to Highway 400 Cookstown area) Proposed New Transportation Corridor (Highway 400 Cookstown area to Crown Hill north of Barrie) South Barrie Arterial Connecting Highway 400 and the Proposed New Transportation Corridor Widen Highway 11 from Crown Hill to Gravenhurst Widen Highway 26 from Bayfield Street to Collingwood Other Highway improvements Estimated Total Cost (Millions) $ 410 $ 350 $ 350 $ 20 $450 $ 80 Not costed Page 18

23 Next Steps The provides the long range context to guide provincial and municipal transportation planning in Simcoe County, southern Muskoka and the northern Greater Toronto Area. The proposed new transportation corridor, extending northerly from the terminus of Highway 427 to Highway 11 north of Barrie, requires protection for the future due to rapid urban growth in the Barrie area and in southern Peel and York Regions. As a result it is recommended that MTO immediately proceed with the environmental assessment process for the proposed new transportation corridor. This will require integration of the findings of the ministry s Highway 427 Extension Transportation Needs Assessment, released December 2001 and the Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment study. The integration will be carried out through the preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) Terms of Reference for the proposed new transportation corridor. The recently announced Highway 427 Terms of Reference will be expanded to include the scope of the proposed new transportation corridor. This phase will involve extensive consultation with municipalities, regulatory agencies and the general public on the results of the ministry s needs assessment studies and the EA Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference will outline the scope and consultation process for a subsequent Environmental Assessment Study of possible new highway and transit opportunities. These include consideration of protection for a transitway or reserved lanes to promote transit and ridesharing in the new transportation corridor. The Ministry will finalize planning for improvements to Highway 400 including a widening of Highway 400 to 10 lanes and the expansion or protection of carpool lots in the corridor. MTO will also initiate the environmental assessment process for a realignment of Highway 26 to provide additional east-west capacity around the Town of Collingwood and the expansion of Highway 11 from Barrie to Gravenhurst. Together, these new initiatives, will lead to the development of an extensive transportation infrastructure that will address future travel demands and support economic prosperity region wide. MTO will work closely with municipal partners and the recently announced Central Ontario Smart Growth Panel to co-ordinate transportation and land use planning and explore partnership opportunities. Page 19

24 Study Reports The following reports have been prepared as a part of the Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment Study: - - Technical Report Supplementary Reports: - Design and Conduct of the Origin-Destination Survey - Simcoe County Origin-Destination Survey Summary Report - Demographic and Economic Trends Shaping the Future of Highway Travel in Simcoe County - Simcoe County Existing and Future Travel Demand - Evaluation of Alternatives Report - Environmental Report The Report is available from the Ministry of Transportation's public website at All reports may be purchased from the Ministry of Transportation s publishers, Ronen House at or (800) The reports may also be viewed at the following locations: MTO Southwestern Region - Government Information Centre 659 Exeter Road, London, ON N6E 1L3 Phone: (519) Hours/Days of Operation: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./monday to Friday MTO Northern Region - Government Information Centre 447 McKeown Avenue, Suite 111, North Bay, ON P1B 9S9 Phone: (705) Hours/Days of Operation: 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m./monday to Friday MTO Central Region - Government Information Centre 2680 Keele Street, Building A, Downsview, ON M3M 3E6 Phone: (416) Hours/Days of Operation: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./monday to Friday Ministry of Transportation's Head Office, Government Information Centre, 301 St. Paul Street, Ground Floor South, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7R4 Phone: (905) Hours/Days of Operation: 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m./monday to Friday Page 20

25 The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is voluntarily posting an Information Notice on the Ministry of Environment (MOE) Environmental Registry to advise the public of the opportunities to provide comments on the results of the Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment Study. Comments can be provided in response to this notice and during the environmental assessment process for recommended projects when initiated by MTO. For the MOE Environmental Registry postings, see: Page 21