ALTERNATIVE ONE PICKED AS A FIRST STEP TO FIXING BRIDLEWOOD TRAFFIC PROBLEMS

Based on the feedback from the community, alternative one as an interim solution for dealing with traffic problems on Richmond was the preferred option. Because an environmental assessment is not required, work can get started a lot faster and it will make it a lot easier to get a long-term solution in place.

With the other alternatives, an environmental assessment would have been needed. This would add at least a year to the time it will take for work to be done. Instead, with alternative one much of the work needed for other options can be put in place while the work needed for a long-term solution is completed.

Under alternative one, the double lane on Richmond going north from Stonehaven would be extended. I am concerned that it will not provide a double lane all the way to West Hunt Club, but traffic engineers feel that the more than doubling the length of the receiving lane will remove many of the problems that now exist when people try to merge.

The right turn lane for traffic turning right from Richmond to Stonehaven will also be extended. This will reduce delays in the afternoon rush hour.

At Richmond and West Hunt Club turning lanes in both directions would be extended. This will help improve traffic flow during both morning and evening rush hour.

Paved shoulders will be put in place all the way from Stonehaven to West Hunt Club. By providing space for cyclists we can speed up traffic on Richmond and improve safety for cyclists.

ALTERNATIVE ONE PROVIDES A BUILDING BLOCK FOR A LONG-TERM SOLUTION FOR RICHMOND

The extension of the double lane on Richmond going north from Stonehaven, extending the right turn lane for southbound traffic, adding a receiving lane on Richmond at West Hunt Club, and adding paved shoulders will all be needed for a long-term solution for Richmond. Getting this work done now will make it easier to get a long-term solution in place.

WORK ON LONG TERM SOLUTION IS GOING AHEAD

Richmond Road will be looked at as part of the environmental assessment for the extension of Hope Side Road. This will mean that, as alternative one is being implemented, the work needed to get a long-term solution in place will be done.

Extending Hope Side Road to Moodie, with the completion of Crownridge, will provide an additional route out of Bridlewood. A third lane on Richmond all the way to West Hunt Club will eliminate most of the congestion on Stonehaven at Richmond.

NCC RESTRICTIONS MEANS ANY SOLUTION MUST FIT WITHIN THE EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY

Between Stonehaven and West Hunt Club, Richmond Road passes through Stony Swamp. The National Capital Commission (NCC) has made it clear it will not provide more land from Stony Swamp for Richmond Road to be widened. This means that all of the alternatives for dealing with traffic problems have had to stay within the existing right-of-way.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK – AUGUST 25

This year “WALL-E” will be shown at the Family Movie Night in the Park. It will be held at dusk on Tuesday, August 25 at Clarence Maheral Park at 170 Castlefrank Road. The rain location is the Glen Cairn Community Centre at 182 Morrena at 8:00 p.m..

There will also be a chance to see equipment used to deliver city services including a garbage truck, “spider”, fire truck, paramedic vehicle, police car and city waste containers.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2752 (office), 580-2762 (fax), www.feltmateforkanata.com or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca