Kingston Election 2010

Portsmouth District 2010

Archive for category Third Crossing

Third Crossing Update

Mar 6

Posted by admin in Third Crossing | No Comments

Some things in this article may be a repeat of some others. I will layout why we should build a third bridge.

 1 )I  have had to cross the causeway a number of times for work during various times of the day ( day, evenings and midnight shifts)  so I have seen traffic volumes during different times of day as well as different days of the week.  From the west of the causeway, traffic can be backed up on Queen Street to Clergy as well as some parallel streets such as Princess St.. Adjusting light timings will not help. The lights on Ontario Street are timed OK if you get them just right. One problem is people making turns and then stopping in the intersection. Even if we try and teach people good driving habits this will still be an issue. On the east I have seen traffic backed up on Hwy 15 near the old Base hospital. CFB and RMC does have some staggered time (3:00, 3:15, 3:30, or 4:00). Even without the construction going on, traffic is a problem. In a March 12th  Kingston Whig Standard article, the fire chief ( Harold Tulk”was quoted as saying “It’s common sense that a bridge will be effective,” said Tulk. “In the meantime, we recommend these traffic signals controlled by technology. It could be good for many years, for 10 or 12 years out.”  –  end quote . After 10 years the environmental study will have to be restarted and will more than likely cost even more.

2) The causeway is a major crossing point for ambulance and police. Even though  there are fire departments on both sides of the water, There are fire trucks coming through with lights  I have seen emergency vehicles get delayed because of traffic.

3) when i first arrived in Kingston in 1982, I was posted at CFB Kingston. There was talk for a crossing as well. During this time many subdivisions in this area did not exist.

 4) From my vantage point at work (RMC) as well as getting to and from work, I can see how traffic backs up. It is not just a CFB /RMC problem.

 5) Before I became a resident of Kingston, I lived in St. Catharines. For anyone that does not know, the Welland canal goes to Lake Eire to Lake Ontario passing through St. Catharines.  The Welland canal also has a few bridges exactly like the current causeway bridge.  I remember the bridge getting stuck in the up position a few times. Luckily  St. Catharines has a few  other bridges including on tunnel nearby.

 6)  We also need a by-pass for the 401 in case it is closed due to an accident from Hwy 15 to Montreal St.

( This may even help to argue a case for funding). Navigating  an 18 wheeler through the causeway then downtown may be tricky. Even more challenging would be through Kingston Mills. If  traffic currently  would be diverted through downtown it could create a big problem.

 7) This crossing would also complement the John Counter widening.

 In conclusion, I believe that this bridge is a requirement to reduce traffic, increase public safety and reducing pollution from cars stuck in traffic. I would encourage  the city to seek out Federal funding  through such programs such as ” The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund” as well as similar Provincial funding.

Third Crossing

Nov 8

Posted by admin in My Opinions, Third Crossing | No Comments

Note:  Any text in red is a quote from the City of Kingston website and anything in blacks my viewpoint.

For those of you that do not know,  Third crossing refers to another possible bridge that crosses over the Cataraqui River.  Currently we have Highway 401 and Hwy #2. that serves as crossing points. The Hwy #2 crossing (better known as the LaSalle causeway connects at the end of Ontario St to the other side to Royal Military College (RMC). 

 I arrived in Kingston in 1987. I remember that already there was talk about a third crossing.  I also remember that lots of the houses and the business park on Hwy 15 did not exist yet.  Based on personal experience in from working and travelling in this area, I strongly support a third crossing.

Here are a few quotes (in red)  from the City of Kingston Website

Studies dating back to 1964 have recognized the need for a third crossing of the Cataraqui River in the City in order to:

  • Relieve traffic congestion on the LaSalle Causeway during rush hour times and when Highway 401 is closed.
  • Improve access to areas of the City on both sides of the Cataraqui River.
  • Enhance routes for the delivery of emergency services in the City

I agree with all of the above points

Here is another quote

More recently, the 2004 Kingston Transportation Master Plan reconfirmed the increasing need for a third crossing as the LaSalle Causeway was operating at full capacity.

So far so good. The city understands that there is a need, but we are studying this to no end.  I say the time for action is now.

Here is another quote:

A: Briefly stated, the purpose of this Environmental Assessment is to evaluate the need for and the feasibility of implementing additional transportation capacity across the Cataraqui River. This will involve an assessment of the following alternative solutions:

  1. Status quo or “do nothing”; As I stated previously no longer acceptable.
  2. Increasing the capacity of the LaSalle Causeway (Highway 2);  Not acceptable as this would not reduce the traffic jam downtown.
  3. Increasing the capacity of Highway 401 from Montreal Street to Kingston Road 15; or  I do not believe this is a municipal issue. We stick need a local solution
  4. Implementing a new crossing at a location between the LaSalle Causeway (Highway 2) and Highway 401 through either a bridge or tunnel, including but not limited to, the John Counter Boulevard — Gore Road corridor option recommended in the 2004 Kingston Transportation Master Plan. – Best choice

My initial assessment would be a bridge connecting  Gore Rd in the east and John Counter in the west. This connection would also complement the widening of  John Counter Blvd. ( when ever that will start is another issue). I have also looked at the report (Preliminary Constraints Analysis – from the environmental assessment) and it appears that this crossing would have minimal impact. There are a few issues that I am not sure if it would hold back building the bridge ( such as the old library building on Gore Rd and the possibilities of fish habitat).

Hopefully some of these environmental concerns will be answered during this months meeting which I plan to attend.

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