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Press Release |
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Press Release |
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PRESS RELEASE The Hanlon Upgrades – At What Price? Guelph- January 7, 2008. If the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO)'s Preferred Plan for the Hanlon Improvements are implemented, the Hanlon, from south of Maltby Road to the Speed River, would become a freeway with access restricted to interchange locations only. The intention of the Hanlon Improvement plan is to eliminate traffic lights on the Hanlon which are unsafe and cause unnecessary delays. No one objects the intent to improve traffic flow on the Hanlon; only to the proposed implementation. So far this plan has taken place with little public consultation or awareness. Neighborhood groups in the south end, where interchanges would be built, have pointed to the increase in traffic in residential neighborhoods, the increase in noise and air pollution, the cost of the upgrades, the destruction of neighborhoods, lack of planning due to changes in traffic patterns, isolation of neighborhoods, and loss of homes or property value as causes for concern. But there are other far more reaching issues that should alarm all Guelphites, and ultimately anyone who pays taxes in Ontario. Risk to our watershed: The Downey Well is too close to the proposed Downey Rd. Ramp. Fugitive contaminants from vehicles as well as salt runoff and risk of catastrophic spills could endanger our water supply. The Water Supply Master Plan proposes doubling the Downey Well water taking . The Downey Well could supply over 15% of city water or more. Source water protection was not listed as a weighted evaluation criterion for the MTO's Preferred Plan. Click here for diagram Endangering our wetlands: again the Downey Rd. Ramp with possible traffic contaminants could cause damage to the Hanlon wetlands and the Hanlon creek. This area contains a critical wetland and wildlife link between the upper and lower Hanlon Creek Watershed and should be protected from further degradation. Downstream fish habitat may be negatively impacted. Risk of flooding: The proposed Downey Rd. underpass requires that the road bed be lowered by approximately 6 meters. The old Downey Rd. was completely flooded in this area during Hurricane Hazel. The proposed underpass may flood creating safety and emergency access problems for residents on the west side of the Hanlon. The MTO makes no mention of flood lines in their Preferred Plan. Click for reference document. Click for Mining Review Board Decision-Downey Rd. floodplain- July 2000See the collapse of the Finch. The collapse took place in 9 minutes! The size and cost of the Stone Rd. Interchange: Why has the MTO chosen a Partial Cloverleaf Interchange (PARCLO) over a Single Point Diamond interchange? The latter is similar to a conventional Diamond, but with a single set of lights controlling all arterial traffic. This type of interchange is more efficient and half the footprint of a PARCLO. Why not select an interchange that reduces the impact to adjacent residents and has the added benefit of saving taxpayers millions of dollars? Stone Rd. PARCLO interchange analysis Take action: Ask your local MPP, Liz Sandals to get involved. She can take a leadership role in creating an MTO/City of Guelph plan. |