City of Greater Sudbury Transportation Study Report

5. MR 35 between Azilda and Chelmsford
MR 35, between Azilda and Chelmsford, transitions from a four-lane road to a two-lane
road. Under existing conditions, delays are experienced in the transition areas between
the two lane and four lane sections. These delays will increase as growth in both outlying
communities and truck traffic continues. As there are limited number of viable alternate
routes that could be considered, widening MR 35 to four lanes, between Azilda and
Highway 144, is recommended to address existing and future travel demands, and to
provide a continuous four lane road to service these travel movements.
6. Ramsey Lake Road between South Bay Road and Paris Street
Capacity related problems currently exist on Ramsey Lake Road. Following the
expansion of Laurentian University and the construction of the new Regional Hospital,
these problems will become worse. There are two alternatives that could address this
issue.
Ramsey Lake Road could be widened from its present two lane configuration to a four
lane road between the University and 0.6 kilometres east of Paris Street, or a new road
could be constructed between the University and Regent Street. It is anticipated that this
New University Link would be constructed as a two-lane parkway type facility that will
facilitate auto, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
7. MR 80 (Notre Dame Avenue) from north of LaSalle Boulevard to MR 15 (Main Street) in
Valley East.
Growth in Valley East over the past few years has resulted in a significant increase in
traffic volumes on MR 80, between LaSalle Boulevard and Main Street. This growth has
occurred faster than was forecasted during the 1992 Transportation Study. MR 80 is now
operating at or near capacity during peak periods.
As noted previously, population and employment forecasts prepared by the City, indicate
that this growth trend is expected to continue throughout the planning horizon.
MR 80 between LaSalle Boulevard and Valleyview Road primarily serves commuters
traveling to and from work between Valley East and the former City of Sudbury. Although
the AADT for this section of road would not seem to justify widening to six lanes, the peak
hour, peak direction volumes make up a larger than usual share of the AADT. For
MR 80, the northbound p.m. peak hour volumes comprise 7% of the AADT. In
comparison with the Kingsway, which has a much higher AADT, the eastbound volume
on the Kingsway in the p.m. peak hour is only 4% of the AADT. The Kingsway not only
serves commuter traffic, it also serves commercial traffic generated by adjacent
development.
Two alternatives were identified that could address capacity deficiencies on MR 80.
These included the extension of Barrydowne Road and the widening of MR 80.
CITY OF GREATER SUDBURY
OFFICIAL PLAN BACKGROUND REPORT
September 2005 Page 69