City of Greater Sudbury Transportation Study Report

for Bancroft Drive, minimal traffic was attracted to this route. A comparison of the
assignment results shown in Figure 9.1.6 illustrates the localized nature of the diversion.
The 1992 Transportation Study recommended this link be constructed to coincide with
development in this area. Analysis with the updated travel demand model confirms that
the benefits of the connection will be localized in nature and the improvements should be
considered in conjunction with development of the lands in the immediate area. It should
be noted that this connection may result in an increase in traffic infiltration through
neighborhoods along Bancroft Drive / Howey Drive.
10. Falconbridge Highway from LaSalle Boulevard to Garson-Coniston Road
The provision of a continuous left turn lane on Falconbridge Highway has been
recommended to address future capacity deficiencies identified along this corridor. The
recommendation is limited to areas with a significant number of existing entrances (such
as the section to the north of Maley Drive). A centre left turn lane can increase the
through capacity by 10-15% depending on the nature and density of the entrances and
the volume of turning traffic. Usage of Falconbridge Highway is expected to grow
significantly and the additional capacity provided by the left turn lane would ensure that
an acceptable v/c ratio can be maintained throughout the planning horizon. While the
capacity deficiency by 2021 has been identified for this corridor, the problem is local in
nature and the improvement will provide the most benefit in the immediate area.
11. MR 80 Widening
MR 80 through McCrea Heights is a 4-lane road with a significant number of residential
developments that have direct access. There are also several side streets intersecting
with MR 80 between Donaldson Crescent and Simon Street. City staff indicated that
turning movements associated with these direct accesses and side streets have created
significant operational and safety problems on MR 80. To address this deficiency, it is
recommended that a continuous left turn lane be constructed on MR 80 through McCrea
Heights as a short-term improvement. A continuous left turn lane can reduce potential
collisions with left turning vehicles, and can provide a refuge for pedestrians crossing MR
80 and also for vehicles accessing MR 80 from driveways and side streets. The
recommendation to provide a continuous left turn lane is consistent with the
recommendations made by the Region of Sudbury’s Traffic Operations Study – (McCrea
Heights/Guilletville Area) Town of Valley East. The continuous left turn lane should be
constructed from south of the north intersection with Donaldson Crescent to Second
Street. In addition, consideration should be given to re-aligning MR 80 north of Neal
Street using a design speed of 90 kilometres per hour. This would require a partial
shifting of MR 80 to the west through this section but has the effect of straightening out
the problematic curve north of Neal Street.
12. Big Nickel Mine Drive (MR34) Extension
The extension of Big Nickel Mine Drive from MR55 to Southview Drive was investigated
utilizing results from the model. While some vehicles may divert from Kelly Lake Road to
this new connection, it is anticipated that it would attract small volumes of traffic, have
minimal impact on adjacent roads and have significant impact on the natural
environment. This does not appear to be a viable solution, as the cost of constructing the
road would not likely be substantiated through use.
CITY OF GREATER SUDBURY
OFFICIAL PLAN BACKGROUND REPORT
September 2005 Page 86