Firstly I wish to congratulate the Wellington Advertiser for your continuing coverage of the Morriston Highway 6 bypass issue.
However, I am exasperated by the Ministry of Transport’s arrogant and cavalier ” Highway is my way ” approach to public consultation and engagement. The “Public Information Centre” planned for 2017 has yet to materialize and we are now into 2018. Further as detailed in the October 20 issue of the Wellington Advertiser. the MTO’s has balked at a request by the Puslinch council for a town hall meeting with council and residents to discuss the issue. Rather in the words of Patrick Puccini, the Consultant Senior Project Manager “We are planning public meetings as part of this process to present information on the refinements … and to present the final plans.” Basically the MTO’s concept of the PIC is for the MTO and its consultants to display shiny posters of the proposed project for the public to marvel at their knowledge and expertise. I see little real chance in this process for the public input to effect real change the MTO plans despite Mr. Puccini’s statement that “if there is a need to make significant changes from the prior environmental assessment, an addendum would be made to the EA.” I also note that my attempt at correspondence with Messers. Organ (The MTO’s Senior Project Manager) and Puccini has met with resounding silence.
As a long time Puslinch resident who moved from Morriston to Aberfoyle, in part to escape the traffic congestion on Highway 6, I support the Morriston bypass south of Highway 401. However I have severe reservations concerning the changes planned North of the 401 and on the 401 itself. My principal concerns are:
1. The proposed expansion of the 401/Highway 6 interchanges to a 10 lane corridor, will likely affect Mill Creek, a cold water stream which flows under the 401. There were significant adverse effects to the stream caused by increased sedimentation resulting from construction of the Hanlon/401 interchange in earlier construction.
2. Much of the proposed construction north of the 401on the Hanlon on the Galt/Paris moraines and associated wetlands. In fact the proposed new Hanlon/Maltby Rd. interchange appears be located on top of the moraine. These features are critical to groundwater recharge and have akready been adversely affected by pervious construction activities in the area.
3. Further, the replacement of the Wellington Rd 34/Hanlon intersection which is now a traffic light with a bridge over the Hanlon and no Hanlon access will occur on wetlands associated with a significant tributary of Mill Creek. The lack of Hanlon exchanges could also increase travel times and distance for residents traveling from S of the 401 north into Guelph.
4. Is a 10 lane 401/Hanlon interchange and a controlled access highway from the 401 to Highway 7 really needed in light of the Ontario government’s plans for high speed rail transportation for the region, and potential developments with driverless cars and subsequent changes in vehicle usage?
Dave Rodgers
Puslinch ON
Dave Rodgers