A complete street is
designed to consider the needs of all users, such as people who walk, bicycle,
take transit or drive, and people of varying ages and abilities. While not
every type of use or user may be accommodated on every street, the goal is to
build a city with a well-functioning street network that supports and sustains
our quality of life.
Why is the City changing the layout of the road on Elm Street?
The Transportation
Master Plan for the City of Greater Sudbury recommends a network of cycling
facilities to be installed throughout the community, including on Elm Street.
To view the recommended cycling facility network, visit Section
9 of the Transportation Master Plan.
In addition, City Council
adopted a Complete Streets Policy in June 2018 which ensures that when roads
capital projects are undertaken, that the opportunity to provide more safe and
convenient transportation options for people who walk, ride a bicycle and use
public transit is taken.
How will this change in lane configuration impact traffic in the area?
Staff anticipate that Elm
Street will continue to function well for vehicular traffic while making it
safer and more convenient for people who walk, bike and take public transit. Staff
will monitor the street post-construction to determine if there are any
unintended impacts.
Why is the project on Elm Street only from Ethelbert St to Regent St? Why does the project not extend all the way to downtown?
The limits of this project
are determined by the need to replace the pavement surface of Elm Street
between Ethelbert Street and Regent Street. As the traffic pavement markings
will need to be reapplied after the asphalt is replaced, this provides an
opportunity to reconfigure the traffic lanes. Cycling infrastructure is installed
as opportunities arise with road construction projects and the City makes every
effort to provide connected routes as outlined in the Transportation Master Plan for the
City of Greater Sudbury.
Will the bike lanes be physically separated from vehicular traffic?
Traffic volumes, along
with vehicular operating speeds on this segment of Elm Street do not meet the
minimum requirements outlined in the Ontario Traffic Manual Bool 18 – Cycling
Facilities warrant for phsyical separation. On-street, dedicated cycling lanes
will be provided for people who bike in this corridor. Learn more about Cycling Facilities in Greater Sudbury.
Where will snow be stored in the winter months? What impact will this have on vehicular traffic flow?
Snow on this section of
Elm Street is currently stored within the boulevard and may be encroaching into
the outside lanes of travel to some extent. With the new lane configuration,
snow will continue to be stored primarily within the boulevard. As the City
does not currently have a winter maintenance policy for cycling infrastructure,
snow may also be stored within the bike lanes over the winter months, allowing
for full, clear vehicular travel lanes.
