Reconstruction of Regional Road 38 (Martindale Road)
Notice of Study Commencement - Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
The Study
Niagara Region has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the reconstruction of Regional Road 38 (Martindale Road) between Elderwood Drive and the QEW, in the City of St. Catharines.
The study will identify and evaluate a variety of reconstruction and widening alternatives to help improve traffic flow along Regional Road 38 (Martindale Road), potentially including a combination of the following:
- Addition of through lanes and auxiliary lanes;
- Intersection and entrance modifications;
- Traffic control upgrades;
- Roadway realignments
In addition to potential road improvements, the study will identify and address other engineering aspects of the study area including drainage, culverts, current pavement condition, utilities, and services.
Background
Situated in the west end of the City of St. Catharines, Regional Road 38 (Martindale Road) includes both two and three lane rural and urban cross sections. This north-south thoroughfare provides access to residential, commercial and employment land uses. The previous West St. Catharines Transportation Study (2006) recommended a series of short to long term improvements, including new traffic signals, turning lanes and widening.
The Region is undertaking this study with the main goal of improving traffic flows within the Regional Road 38 (Martindale Road) corridor, to reduce traffic congestion and delay, reduce traffic infiltration through local neighbourhoods, and improve the overall safety of the roadway.
The Process
This notice signals the commencement of the Class Environmental Assessment, a study which will define the problem or opportunity, identify and evaluate alternative solutions, and determine a preferred solution in consultation with the City of St. Catharines, regulatory agencies, and the public. The study is being conducted in compliance with Schedule C of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. Public and review agency consultation is a key element of the Class Environmental Assessment process and input will be sought from various parties throughout this study. At this time, it is anticipated that two Public Information Centres will be conducted to solicit public input for this study.
Upon completion of the study, a comprehensive Environmental Study Report will be prepared and tabled for public review and comment. The document will detail the planning process and the preferred alternative including how the public and agency input was received. A notice of completion will be issued at that stage.
Comments
The public will be notified through advertisement in the local newspapers and mail outs regarding the Public Information Centres. The Public Information Centres will provide an opportunity for the public to review the alternative solutions, provide comments and discuss concerns and issues with representatives from the Project Team. Comments received from the public will be considered in the preparation of the Environmental Study Report. With the exception of personal information, all comments will be part of the public record. For further information, please contact one of the Project Team members identified below:
Mr. Frank Tassone, C.E.T.
Project Manager
Transportation Engineering
Niagara Region
2201 St. David's Road
Thorold, ON L2V 4T7
Telephone: 905-685-4225 ext. 3349
Fax: 905-685-0013
E-mail: Frank Tassone
Mr. David Sinke, P. Eng.
Consultant Project Manager
AMEC Earth & Environmental
3215 North Service Road
Burlington, ON L7N 3G2
Telephone: 905-335-2353
Toll Free: 1-866-751-2353
Fax: 905-335-1414
Email: David Sinke