Niagara Region is undertaking a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, including a detailed transportation assessment for Merritt Road (Regional Road 37) and Rice Road (Regional Road 54) in Pelham, Thorold and Welland.
Wood Canada Limited has been retained to undertake this study on behalf of Niagara Region.
After the planning phase and approval of the Environmental Assessment, a separate assignment will start to carry out the approved improvements.
Purpose of the study
This study will provide an opportunity to reimage the two corridors (Merritt Road and Rice Road) so they will meet the future needs of the surrounding community from the perspective of all road users, supporting multi-modal travel and improve safety. The City of Thorold's Transportation Master Plan, completed in 2020, recommends that capacity improvements be undertaken on Merritt Road.
This project was initiated to:
- Identify and evaluate a range of alternative solutions to accommodate growing traffic volumes along both corridors, including:
- Geometric and intersection improvements
- Complete streets and urban design concepts
- Access management and transit
- Provide a key transportation link that will allow for direct access between Rice Road and Highway 406 (via Merritt Road) in view of the environmentally sensitive lands
- Address active transportation needs by providing a dedicated facility for pedestrians and cyclists that is safe, attractive and keeps with the changing land use in the study area
