Environmental Assessment and Detailed Transportation Assessment for Merritt Road (Regional Road 37) and Rice Road (Regional Road 54)
All Niagara Region projects

About the project

Niagara Region is undertaking a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, including a detailed transportation assessment for Merritt Road (Regional Road 37) and Rice Road (Regional Road 54) in Pelham, Thorold and Welland.

Wood Canada Limited has been retained to undertake this study on behalf of Niagara Region.

Following the planning phase and approval of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, a separate assignment will be initiated to implement the improvements approved through the process.

Purpose of the study

This study will provide an opportunity to reimage the two corridors (Merritt Road and Rice Road) so they will meet the future needs of the surrounding community from the perspective of all road users, supporting multi-modal travel and improve safety. The City of Thorold's Transportation Master Plan, completed in 2020, recommends that capacity improvements be undertaken on Merritt Road.

This project was initiated to:

• Identify and evaluate a range of alternative solutions to accommodate growing traffic volumes along both corridors, including:
• Geometric and intersection improvements
• Complete streets and urban design concepts
• Access management and transit
• Provide a key transportation link that will allow for direct access between Rice Road and Hwy. 406 (via Merritt Road) in view of the environmentally sensitive lands
• Address active transportation needs by providing a dedicated facility for pedestrians and cyclists that is safe, attractive and keeps with the changing land use in the study area

The project completion date has been changed to late fall 2022 due to extra technical and environmental studies to support the project recommendations.

Project timeline