Preliminary Alternatives Report: Identified Problems and Opportunities

2. Identified Problems and Opportunities

2.1 Transportation Problems

A detailed traffic assessment and a review of existing highway geometrics and conditions were undertaken at the outset of the study to determine the transportation needs for the Highway 417 corridor within the study limits. Existing and future problems and concerns were documented in detail in the Traffic Report, the Highway Geometrics Existing Conditions Report, and on the Corridor Analysis Plans.

The problems and concerns that have been identified to-date for the Highway 417 corridor within the project limits, and detailed in the documentation noted, are summarized below:

• Mobility and congestion are issues in some sections of Highway 417 during the existing a.m. and p.m. peak travel periods as there is insufficient capacity to accommodate travel demands;
• Mobility and congestion will become even greater issues in sections along Highway 417 during the future a.m. and p.m. peak travel periods as there is insufficient capacity to accommodate projected travel demands despite allowing for the achievement of the City of Ottawa's transit mode share of 30%;
• Congestion and associated delays adversely affect safety and the movement of people and goods;
• Portions of the existing highway infrastructure (e.g. pavement, bridges, lighting) are approaching the end of their expected service life; and
• Operational and safety concerns associated with interchange geometry at some interchanges.

These problems and concerns were considered in the development of alternatives for the corridor.

2.2 Transportation Opportunities

In addition to the transportation-related problems noted above, there are opportunities for improvements to the transportation system in Ottawa to:

• Support Ottawa's Transportation Master Plan (TMP), June 2003:

  In the Transportation Master Plan, the City notes its general support for any actions to change the provincial highway system to improve road safety and reduce emissions. It also notes its likely opposition to any actions that have substantial neighbourhood impacts or that increase congestion on City streets. The operational review of Highway 417 is referenced in the TMP but, as the results of this current study were not available during the preparation of the TMP, no changes to the provincial highway were assumed in the City's work.

• Support Planned Development and the City's Official Plan (OP), May 2003:

  In the Transportation Master Plan, the City commits to working with the provincial government to develop future transportation systems that support the City's growth management objectives. An efficient transportation system, inclusive of transit, arterial road and freeway improvements, would support intensification within the urban area and travel between the existing and proposed town centers in the West, East and South urban communities as defined in the Official Plan.

• Support Economic Development:

  A reliable transportation system is key to economic development in Ottawa and will encourage existing and future businesses to locate in the National Capital Region. This will help promote development of the mixed use, employment and enterprise areas established in the City's Official Plan.

• Support for a Responsible Mobility Solution:

  A transportation system comprised of freeway, arterial road, transit and other modes provides a range of choices. A network with route continuity and connectivity is also flexible as it provides alternative routes and modes during peak travel periods and when construction and collisions affect travel mobility. Transfer of longer distance trips from the arterial road system to the freeway system is consistent with the role and function of the road hierarchy.

Contents | Introduction | Problems & Opportunities | Assessment Methodology
Alternatives to the Undertaking | Alternative Methods