Latest news with #bikelanes
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington could see major changes soon
Upper Arlington is working on plans to revamp Zollinger Road, which could involve narrowing the roadway and adding bike lines. However, the city is considering feedback from residents before making a decision on the future of the roadway, City Engineer Aaron Scott said in an interview with The Dispatch. Construction is expected to start in 2027. 'It's one of our larger roadways, one of our bigger collector streets, so we wanted to make sure if we do it, we do it right — and if residents have changes they want to see, we can incorporate those,' Scott said. Plans to work on Zollinger Road have been in discussion since at least 2016, when the city identified that it would need to be repaved within about a decade. Adding multi-modal improvements could make sense on the roadway, Scott said, but feedback from residents is shaping the future of the project. The city held a public feedback session in 2022 ahead of submitting a grant application. At the time, one of the largest concerns residents shared was speeding on the road, Scott said. The city also held a public meeting July 10 at the Bob Crane Community Center and is collecting feedback from an interactive map. Zollinger Road serves as a collector road to help people move from residential streets to larger arterial roads, such as Riverside Drive, Tremont Road and Northwest Boulevard. However, Zollinger Road, which traverses the middle of the city from east to west, is one of the larger collector streets in the city with two lanes in both directions. The city received over $3.3 million in a grant for construction of the project of federal dollars via the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, which requires at least a 20% matching fund from the city. Although some federal funding has been canceled or put in limbo since the start of the Trump administration in January, Scott said construction funding has already been allocated. While specific changes to the road are still to be determined, the project will include adding streetlights to Zollinger Road between Tremont Road and Riverside Drive — the only segment of the road without lighting. The northern half of Redding Road is under construction and went through a similar process as Zollinger Road, but the city did not receive any outside funding, Scott said. The city is narrowing the road from a four-lane road to a two-lane road, with one lane traveling in each direction. Upper Arlington is not immediately working on other plans to revamp other streets in the city, but that could come up in future years as the city identifies roadways that need maintenance, Scott said. Anna Lynn Winfrey covers the western suburbs for the Columbus Dispatch. She can be reached at awinfrey@ This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Upper Arlington may add bike lanes, cut lanes on Zollinger Road Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
‘It shouldn't be touched': Opinions split on Halifax bike lane change on Morris Street
The fight to make Morris Street in Halifax a one-way continues, with many Haligonians offering differing opinions. Noah MacDonald, who works on Morris Street, hopes the project doesn't become a reality. 'I'm not a big fan of that. Neither are any of my coworkers. (There's) not a lot of places to park and not a lot of space there as is,' says MacDonald. On Wednesday, Premier Tim Houston said he would intervene if Halifax council didn't scrap its plan to change Morris Street into a one-way in favour of bike lanes. 'I agree, it shouldn't be touched. I think it's going to be even more of a hazard as a one-way,' says MacDonald. Mayor Andy Fillmore says he understands the concerns voiced by the premier. 'I think it's really important that the premier is paying attention to the decisions of council that affect our ability to move residents and business around the community, to keep our economy rolling through the streets of Halifax, especially when it impacts an economic generator like the Port of Halifax,' Fillmore said. 'I'm not at all surprised that the provincial government has involved themselves here. We had signals that they would.' Deputy Mayor Toni Mancini told reporters Thursday that everyone had been on board with the project during its planning stages. But Fillmore says their stance shifted from the initial consultations made in 2018. 'The city is different. The world is different than it is now. Our population is growing like it's never grown before. Congestion is record-breaking. The staff report was very clear that that consultation is stale,' he says. Fillmore also denied speculations about the timing of the polarizing issue, after some claimed it was being used to advance strong mayor powers. 'That's not it at all,' says Fillmore. 'In fact, the reverse is true. As the council struggles with some of these important decisions, I think the provincial government is watching a council get some things wrong, and they're wondering if maybe now is the time to help the mayor with some enhanced abilities.' Fillmore says he would rather Halifax council make the 'right decision' on Aug. 5 when they meet again. 'It's within their power to do the right thing for the residents of HRM. If the wrong result comes out of the council that day, then I have to support the premier in his intervention. He has got the best interests of the local economy and the safety of our residents at heart,' Fillmore says. Morris Street A section of Morris Street in Halifax is pictured. (Source: Vanessa Wright/CTV News Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
6 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Concerns about Morris Street bike lanes ‘should not be ignored': Halifax mayor
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore says turning Morris Street into a one-way for vehicles could affect public safety, and those concerns 'should not be ignored.' Fillmore's comments come after Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston sent an open letter to the mayor, saying his government would be 'forced to act' if Halifax council doesn't reverse its decision to turn Morris Street into a one-way as part of a bike lane project. 'Eliminating one lane to add bike lanes will contribute to traffic congestion, create unnecessary public safety risks and potentially jeopardize port activity,' said Houston in his letter, which he made public Wednesday. 'In addition, the Halifax Port Authority and PSA Halifax have raised concerns that should be respected. Simply put, it is irresponsible to prioritize bike lanes over a key economic driver for the province, which is exactly what the port is.' Fillmore echoed the premier's concerns in a statement to CTV News Thursday, adding that Emera, Ambassatours and local residents have also spoken out against the plan to transform Morris Street. Fillmore said Emergency Health Services recently warned that pre-hospital care delivery and public safety could be compromised if the project goes ahead. 'These types of interventions should not be ignored. They're data-driven warnings about operational impacts and public risk,' said Fillmore. 'As Mayor, I will not ignore threats to our economic competitiveness, risks to public safety, or alarm bells about dramatic cost escalations.' In his letter, Houston cited the recently-passed Bill 24, which gives the provincial government authority over transportation projects in Nova Scotia municipalities. As Premier, I have a responsibility to stand up for Nova Scotians who are concerned with ever-worsening traffic problems in Halifax. I won't stand by as decisions are made that will make their lives worse. If HRM Council proceeds with increasing congestion by making Morris a… — Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) July 16, 2025 In his statement Thursday, Fillmore noted the CAO cautioned council that the province could intervene if it proceeded with the plan to turn Morris Street into a one-way. 'It is not surprising that the Premier has asked the municipality to reverse its recent decision to make Morris Street one-way to accommodate new bike lanes,' said Fillmore. 'The province had made it clear that provincial intervention would be an option if municipal actions are inconsistent with broader goals of economic growth, easing congestion and enhancing public safety. 'Halifax, home to half of Nova Scotia's population and more than half of its economy, is growing faster than ever. It is a shared responsibility of municipal, provincial, and federal governments to ensure our city functions and our infrastructure keeps pace.' The premier has asked council to reverse its decision by Aug. 6. Halifax bike lane controversy The Morris Street East Connection is a proposed bicycle network that would connect Morris Street, University Avenue and segments of South Street, Cartaret Street and Oakland Road via bike lanes. Halifax council approved the 53-kilometre cycling network in 2017. Sixty per cent of it is complete and costs have gone from a projected $25 million to an estimated $90 million. 'In June, after learning that costs had dramatically escalated and realizing that some bike lane plans could worsen traffic congestion, I proposed that HRM Council pause the roll-out of the bike network,' said Fillmore. 'This would allow time to consult with key stakeholders and ensure that the bike network wouldn't compromise public safety and economic competitiveness.' Fillmore put forward a motion in June to pause the construction of new bike lanes in the municipality entirely, but it was defeated 12-to-five. The mayor made his case again during a council meeting last week, this time calling on council to halt the Morris Street segment of the network and consider alternative cycling connections for Morris Street. That motion was defeated 13-to-four. -With files from CTV News Atlantic's Sean Mott For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Major reconstruction projects to close busy Kitchener roads
Construction is expected on Victoria Street starting in July and ending in November. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News) Road construction season is well underway in the City of Kitchener. Crews have started work on one project, while another is set to start next week. Victoria Street Victoria Street, between Lawrence Avenue and Fischer-Hallman Road, will shut down on Wednesday, July 23. It's not set to reopen until November. The city said improvements will be made to that stretch of Victoria Street, including: Separated bike lanes and sidewalk replacement between Lawrence Avenue and Westmount Road Multi-use paths from Fischer-Hallman Road to Westmount Road Pedestrian refuge islands and traffic medians Upgrades to traffic signals, transit stops, shelters and lighting Replacing and upsizing storm sewers and underground infrastructure New asphalt pavement Phase two of the project is set to begin in 2026. The city said construction work will be done on Victoria Street from Fischer-Hallman Road to Lawrence Avenue. Drivers can find the planned detour on the city's website. detour victoria street Construction is expected on Victoria Street starting in July and ending in November. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News) Ottawa Street Ottawa Street has already closed between Westmount Road and Pinedale Drive for another improvement project. Construction began in April and is set to wrap in November. The city said the work will include: Reconstructed the intersection to be more pedestrian and cyclist friendly including shortening the distance of crossings, added pedestrian islands and raised the crosswalk on the right-turn lane going into Sunrise Plaza. Added multi-use paths on Ottawa Street Upgraded underground infrastructure including new electrical, water main and storm sewers Reconfigured the right-turn lane from Fischer-Hallman to Ottawa so all drivers now yield to oncoming traffic and then merge One nearby business said it's already feeling the impact of the construction. Mel's Diner typically fills 40 tables on a Wednesday morning – but not this week. 'We understand it is a lot of traffic, it's a lot of detours,' said server Danielle Linton. 'It's harder even coming into work. It takes even longer, so we understand, but it has affected us quite a bit… for example, I started at 9 a.m. and I've only had four tables, so it's definitely slowed down.' The restaurant, located at Ottawa and Westmount, is still accessible to traffic. More details on the project can be found on the city's website.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
N.S. premier says government ‘will be forced to act' if Halifax council does not reverse bike lane decision
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his government 'will be forced to act' if Halifax council does not reverse its decision to turn Morris Street into a one-way for vehicles as part of a bike lane project. In an open letter to Mayor Andy Fillmore, chief administrative officer Cathie O'Toole and the council, Houston said he has 'great concern' over the plan to transform Morris Street. 'Eliminating one lane to add bike lanes will contribute to traffic congestion, create unnecessary public safety risks and potentially jeopardize port activity,' the letter reads. 'In addition, the Halifax Port Authority and PSA Halifax have raised concerns that should be respected. Simply put, it is irresponsible to prioritize bike lanes over a key economic driver for the province, which is exactly what the port is. 'To say that I find it disappointing that public safety and economic impact concerns have been dismissed with a simple shrug of the shoulders would be a serious understatement.' The Morris Street East Connection is a proposed bicycle network. It would connect Morris Street, University Avenue and segments of South Street, Cartaret Street and Oakland Road via bike lanes. A motion to consider alternative cycling connections for Morris Street was defeated 13-to-four at council last week. 'I feel strongly that Morris is the best location for this cycle path that's been designed since 2017,' said Coun. Laura White in a previous interview with CTV News. 'It's a design that has been well-researched and consulted.' In the letter, Houston cited the recently passed Bill 24, which gives the provincial government authority over transportation projects in Nova Scotia municipalities. 'If HRM Council proceeds to make Morris a one-way street, the provincial government will be forced to act,' Houston said. Houston asked council to advise if it will reverse its decision by Aug. 6. Bike lane controversy Last week, Houston, talking about the ongoing discussions of possible 'strong mayor powers' in the province, said the recent debates over bike lanes is a point of disconnect between voters and the Halifax council. 'I think everyone in HRM is concerned with traffic at the moment,' Houston said at the time. 'The only people who don't seem concerned are the people on council. Those are the types of things that give me pause for thought.' Last month, Fillmore put forward a motion to pause the construction of new bike lanes in the municipality entirely, but it was defeated 12-to-five. 'Bike lanes do not cause congestion,' said Coun. Sam Austin during the debate over the motion. 'What does cause congestion is a municipality that has not done the work to provide alternatives. Delay makes it worse.' Halifax council approved the 53-kilometre cycling network in 2017. Sixty per cent of it is complete and costs have gone from a projected $25 million to an estimated $90 million. In late June, Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini put forward a motion that sought to have the chief administrative officer write a staff report on all AA bike network capital projects from 2026 to 2029. The motion passed 11-to-four. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
