Trails

[timc]

They've now laid sod around the Laurel Trail crossing at University Avenue. That includes the area around the pole on the north side where the push button is. So I guess they're not going to put concrete there after all.

[danbrotherston]

They've now laid sod around the Laurel Trail crossing at University Avenue. That includes the area around the pole on the north side where the push button is. So I guess they're not going to put concrete there after all.

That whole crossing is a writeoff.

[timc]

That whole crossing is a writeoff.

I'm actually really curious about how it is going to work once there are trains going through there every few minutes.

[Canard]

I've never had an issue with that crossing. Push button, cross.

[danbrotherston]

Yes, right now during the busiest times people are often lined up over the tracks waiting to cross from the south side. That will be a problem when the trains are running. The north side isn't as bad, but still has some pretty problematic pedestrian/cyclist congestion. The mud that will ensue from putting the button away from concrete is only the beginning.

[danbrotherston]

   

The spray that was put down on the railway right of way seems to be taking effect, there's a line of dead grass/vegetation all along the railway.  Kind of unfortunate it was sprayed so far out from the tracks, and perhaps concerning if you have a pet or children.

   

And at least one of the bollards is missing a reflective colourful post, this could be a rather nasty thing to hit at night, thank goodness the trail is at least lit.

[Canard]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hi there, staff have been consulted and the trail will be completed this year.</p>&mdash; Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) <a href="https://twitter.com/RegionWaterloo/status/889574352823431168">July 24, 2017</a></blockquote>

...this year.

[KevinL]

-headdesk-

[Canard]

Does anyone know if this crossing at Victoria is on the radar to ever get some kind of proper upgrade?

   

I biked down this way for the first time last week, and there are some absolutely lovely trails here... but the lack of a crossing here is just awful.

[highlander]

Does anyone know if this crossing at Victoria is on the radar to ever get some kind of proper upgrade?

I biked down this way for the first time last week, and there are some absolutely lovely trails here... but the lack of a crossing here is just awful.

Yes, as a part of this project: http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/gettin...oSheet.pdf

Though it appears the refuge island will not be aligned with the trail (from here):

   

Construction is scheduled to start in May 2020, completion November 2021.

[Canard]

Why is the refuge island not aligned with the trail?

That is fantastic though to see a full MUT on both sides of the road through here!

[highlander]

My guess is there's a minimum length required for the left turn lane onto Hazelglen.

[jeffster]

Regarding the Highway 7/8 Avalon/Chandler Crossing, I like 1B -- seems to be more centred for everyone living in that area...


Here is a link: http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/Hwy78StudyDesign/

Will be nice if done.

[Canard]

I have a bit of a sad story about the trail between Mill Park Drive and Old Mill Place in Kitchener, by the Wastewater Treatment Plant (behind Doon).

I had vented my frustrations earlier this year when I noted that signage there said construction along the closed trail was to be complete in 2016, only to find that it was still blocked off with a huge "NO TRESSPASSING" sign and fence in Spring 2017.

Regional staff told me that it would be reopened in June.

On my way home from work today, I thought I'd give the trail a try, instead of staying on the road, and see if it was actually open. The South end where it meets Old Mill Place was barred with a temporary barrier and a sign, saying it was closed... I noticed that this barrier went up after the flooding a few weeks ago.

Right as I was about to keep moving on (and not go down it), a very out-of-breath cyclist came up out of there. I asked her if it was passable, and she said no, not really. She said "But I saw a sign at the other end... that said construction was in 2016!!" before she could even finish her sentence my heart just sank.

She was somewhat distressed and I could see her bike was in really rough shape, and she was looking for help at the College (hospice?), so I helped give her directions and she went off on her way.

But it just really made me sad and upset that, here's someone a little less fortunate who was relying on infrastructure to get where she needed to go... and it totally failed her.

[Elmira Guy]

New bridge to separate pedestrians, cyclists at Waterloo Park

http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/mobile/new-b...-1.3520292