Elmwood-McLaughlin Drive Transportation Improvements

The City of Moncton, in partnership with New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, retained EXP with HDR Inc. to complete transportation planning studies of Elmwood Drive and McLaughlin Drive. The study area included Elmwood Drive from McLaughin Drive to the City boundary in the north and McLaughlin Drive from Elmwood Drive in the south to Granite Drive in the north.

The objectives of the project were to:

• assess changes in vehicle traffic flows
• identify operational deficiencies at key intersections
• plan for future roadway network improvements, including new cycling facilities, new or improved pedestrian crossings, and public transit service improvements

We assessed existing transportation conditions in the area and took into account future considerations.

Other key considerations included:

• existing right-of-ways
• implementation of the Active Transportation Plan
• recommendations for transit (improving transit stop amenities and locations; increased frequency, speed, and reliability; more direct service; and new transit routes).
• landscaping/streetscape design
• pedestrian facilities
• traffic calming
• sight lines at intersections
• signage

At this time, the City is looking for feedback on recommended improvements and would like to learn about the transportation needs of those who travel in the study area (either as residents or those who often commute through). Our goal is to share the findings of the study and collect input from residents to help establish priorities.

The recommended improvements are shown on the attached map of the area and include:

Very short-term

• Traffic signals at the McLaughlin Drive/Léopold F. Belliveau Drive intersection
• Bike lane delineators on McLaughlin Drive from Edmond Street to Hennessey Road

Short-term

• Multi-use pathway on McLaughlin Drive and Morton Avenue
• Connection from Leopold F. Belliveau Drive to Crowley Farm Road
• New pedestrian crossings on McLaughlin Drive
• Improvements to existing pedestrian crossings on McLaughlin Drive
• Intersection improvements at Elmwood Drive/TransCanada Highway Eastbound Ramp

Medium-term

• Multi-use pathway on Elmwood Drive, Granite Drive, and Mill Road
• New pedestrian crossings on Elmwood Drive
• Intersection improvements at Elmwood Drive/Morton Avenue/Mill Road and Elmwood Drive/Ellerdale Avenue
• Median on Elmwood Drive to prevent left-turn movements from Mill Road to MacAleese Lane
• Intersection improvements at future street across from Irishtown Nature Park

Long-term

• New interchange at McLaughlin and TransCanada Highway
• Overpass improvements at TransCanada Highway and Elmwood Drive to connect multi-use pathways and for intersection improvements (roundabouts) at Elmwood Drive at TransCanada Highway ramps, Caledonia Road, and Granite Drive
• Traffic signals at McLaughlin Drive/Xavier Drive, McLaughlin Drive/Granite Drive, and McLaughlin Drive at the future TransCanada Highway interchange ramps
• Intersection improvements (roundabout) at McLaughlin Drive/Morton Avenue

A high-level cost estimate of the conceptual improvement plans notes the planned improvements would cost approximately $40 million in current dollars. This does not include the land acquisition on any project, transit improvements, or the TransCanada Highway/McLaughlin Drive interchange.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE:

1. Ask a question in the Questions tab below.
2. Come chat with us at one of our in-person sessions on Tuesday, May 27 at the Community Hub on Joyce (140 Joyce Ave.). Sessions will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
3. Send us an email at letschat@moncton.ca