Video: See how innovative design should help ease Niagara QEW traffic
Published September 9, 2022 at 4:52 pm
It’s called a “diamond interchange” but local politicians and transportation officials hope they will strike gold with Niagara drivers when it tries to solve an ongoing traffic problem later this month.
The “diamond interchange” is a new concept — the first of its kind in Ontario — that is supposed to alleviate some of the problems drivers have faced over the years along the QEW where it splits off near Highway 405 in Niagara-on-the-Lake (at Glendale Ave. with White Oaks Resort and Spa nearby).
The design will allow drivers direct access to four on/off ramps with the expectation that it will eliminate…or at least reduce…gridlock through the area which will be welcome news to daily commuters and those headed to the Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake or shopping at the outlet mall on weekends.
Set to open next week, the $54 million project is a joint effort by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Niagara Region and the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and it incorporate the unique criss-cross design along Glendale that transportation experts say is more efficient for traffic flow, especially when getting on and off the highway.
As well as the hoped for benefits to cars and trucks, the design is also expected to be friendlier for cyclists and pedestrians as a new pathway will allow users to get from one side to the other without having to deal with the motor vehicle traffic.
Although this month will see the opening of the interchange construction through the area will continue until next spring.
Videos
INsauga's Editorial Standards and Policies