Ajax Transportation Master Plan Update - Town of Ajax

Town of AjaxTransportation Master Plan UpdateFinal Report• Transportation requirements are closely related to economic activity. In economic terms,however, transportation is a “diseconomy” factor, meaning that the increase in cost oftransportation is directly related to increases in cost of purchasing goods and services,and is subsequently passed onto consumers. Traffic congestion and delays will negativelyaffect the Town’s economic well-being and competitiveness.• Improved connectivity of pedestrian sidewalks and multi-use pathways are needed toencourage alternative modes of transportation.• Despite transit and road improvement strategies developed by the Region of Durham andthe Town, there will likely be some ongoing traffic congestion within the Town unlessnew strategies are developed. Although traffic congestion will not be completelyeliminated, it can be managed better.• The role and function of Harwood Avenue and Bayly Street through Downtown Ajax isgradually changing from strictly an arterial road function serving commuter throughtraffic to an urban street serving Downtown Ajax, with characteristics similar to otherdowntown streets – pedestrian-oriented, lower vehicular speeds, and closer intersectionspacings.• Environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important for residents of Ajax – asustainable transportation system that promotes alternative modes of travel, supports landuses and development that are transit-supportive, and reduces the environmental impactsof transportation users and of transportation facilities.Based on the Problem Statement, we can conclude that the economic well-being of the Town,the provision of transportation choices for the residents of Ajax, and the management oftransportation demand and congestion will require a sustainable transportation strategy thatintegrates transportation and land use planning, and encourages all modes of travel(carpooling, cycling, walking, and public transit).C. Transportation AlternativesLong-term strategic improvement options were considered to address future travel demandswithin Ajax, to support planning objectives, and to accommodate planned growth asexpressed in the Problem Statement.Alternative 1 – “Do Nothing”The “Do Nothing” strategy reflects the current condition of the roadway and transit networkscarried over to 2031 without any capacity improvements. There are no expansions oradditions to the arterial road network or the Provincial highway system. The transportationnetwork reflects the 2007 status quo.December 2007 ii iTRANS