ERIN – The second phase of Erin’s Transportation Master Plan was unveiled to the public at the Erin Legion on Oct. 22.
The open-house-style public information session ran 6 to 8pm with representatives from Erin council and 30 Forensic Engineering asnwering questions and collecting feedback.
Study area
The study covered the entire municipality, about 298 square kilometres, including all roads owned by the town.
County-owned roads – including Wellington Roads 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 42, 50, 52, 124 and 125 – were excluded from the study, much to the dismay of residents.
“They excluded county roads? You have got to be joking me,” said one resident at the Oct. 22 event.
Future traffic volumes
The study looked at projected traffic volumes for 2031, 2041 and 2051 using an anticipated growth rate of 2.3 per cent.
“By 2041, traffic volumes are projected to exceed 2,000 vehicles per day along the 9th Line near Erin village and 1,000 vehicles per day along 8th Line near Hillsburgh,” stated one of the information boards.
By 2051 it is expected that Erin-Garafraxa Townline and Halton-Erin Townline will see traffic levels exceeding 2,000 vehicles per day on certain segments.
Truck detour
Large trucks on town streets has in the past been an issue of concern for residents, so the possibility of a truck detour was raised.
According to the study, truck volumes currently exceed 10%, confirming the need for a detour.
One such detour proposed would run from Wellington Road 24 along Winston Churchill Boulevard to Wellington Road 52, and from 52 to 9th Line.
The other detour would run from Wellington Road 24 across to 8th Line, down to Wellington Road 22 and back to Wellington Road 24.
Recommended improvements
The study outlined recommended improvements for roads and other transportation infrastructure, such as trails and bike lanes.
Eight intersections were flagged for improvements or monitoring:
– Wellington Road 24 and Sideroad 17 (traffic signals or a roundabout are recommended);
– Sideroad 27 and 2nd Line (stop control was recommended on Sideroad 27);
– Wellington Road 22 and 2nd Line (stop control recommended along 2nd Line);
– both Wellington Road 24 and Erin-Garafraxa Townline and Halton-Erin Townline and Wellington Road 125 (flagged for monitoring);
– Wellington Road 52 and 9th Line (the county is planning to convert the intersection to a three-way stop in 2026; the right turn lane and painted island will be removed);
– Wellington Roads 24 and 124 (recommended to adjust the traffic signal timing); and
– Wellington Roads 25 and 124 (traffic signals and left turn lanes along 124 recommended).
Other recommendations included expanding sidewalks, strengthening links to the Elora Cataract Trailway and improving regional and local connectivity to create more walkable downtowns.
Recommended strategies/policies
Horseback riding was provided its own section in the plan.
According to the study, Erin is home to 5,000 horses and 421 farms.
“Horseback riding is recognized as an active transportation mode, sharing facilities with cyclists and pedestrians,” states the plan.
To better include equestrians it was recommended trails be connected to equestrian facilities, adequate shoulder/lane widths be provided, “Horse with Rider” signs be installed, and road sharing and safety practices be promoted.
The study recommends a strong emphasis on active transportation strategies such as horseback riding and cycling as well as road safety and parking management.
Recommended improvements
The study recommended some improvements to infrastructure, including paving:
– Sideroad 10 between Wellington Road 24 and Winston Churchill Boulevard;
– 8th Line between Wellington Road 42 and Dundas Street West;
– 6th Line between Erin-Garafraxa Townline and Sideroad 24;
– Sideroad 27 between 6th Line and Trafalgar Road;
– 8th Line between Erin-Garafraxa Townline and Sideroad 27; and
– 9th Line between Erin-Garafraxa Townline to Wellington Road 22.
Next steps
The town and 30 Forensic Engineering and will accept feedback at Erinengaged.ca and the plan will come before council in November.
