Early designs approved for roundabouts, underground tunnel at busiest intersection in Cambridge
Posted Oct 9, 2024 11:09:00 AM.
Last Updated Oct 9, 2024 11:09:05 AM.
On Tuesday, preliminary designs were approved for a project at one of the busiest intersections in Cambridge.
The Region of Waterloo’s Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee looked over designs for roadwork meant to improve the flow and safety of traffic on Franklin Boulevard between Bishop Street and Avenue Road.
The region has been collecting public opinions on the future of the intersection since 2021, including a public meeting at the nearby St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School back in April.
Multiple councilors now say more public input needs to be gathered.
The most significant piece of the proposed work is the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Saginaw Parkway, where a multi-million dollar project would see a roundabout and an underground tunnel installed.
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School is located at that intersection. The safety of students, who often cross Franklin Boulevard on their lunch break, has been heavily considered in the planning.
Jennifer Rose, the region’s commissioner of engineering and environmental services, lives in Cambridge and recognizes the difficulties for drivers and pedestrians in the area.
“It’s the busiest intersection in Cambridge,” said Rose at the committee meeting on Tuesday. “We’re committed to working with city staff and everyone in the community to make this as balanced an approach as possible.”
“Not everyone’s going to be happy with the solution,” added Rose.
There are also multiple busy parking lots that feed into that intersection, including the high school and Elgin Centre Mall.
The proposed underground tunnel would connect the East and West sides of Franklin Boulevard. Public consultation that has been collected indicates that people are concerned that the tunnel could pose a danger at night, as in the concepts, it’s not well lit.
The plans were approved, but they are just the first of many. Designs will continue to come in front of councilors and committees as they progress.
The start of construction is set for 2027.
