University of Waterloo Transit & Ring Road

[Markster]

As mentioned in the ION thread, East Ring Road is about to have an overhaul.
From the Daily Bulletin
https://uwaterloo.ca/daily-bulletin/2015...t-underway

Ring Road construction project underway

The eastern side of the Ring Road is going to look a little different by the time October rolls around.

Beginning this week is a construction project that involves the elimination of a portion of the sidewalk on the Ring Road's east side, the construction of five new pedestrian crossings, the relocation of a bus stop and the construction of a fence.

The existing sidewalk and asphalt path on the east side of the ring road from Carl Pollock Hall in the south to the pathway to Columbia Street on the north side across from the Commissary will be removed.

Five pedestrian-priority Ring Road crossings are also going to be built across the Ring Road, spaced as follows:

•    Carl Pollock Hall at University Avenue;
  
•    Carl Pollock Hall across from the University Shops Plaza;
  
•    Engineering 3 across from Engineering 5;
  
•    the Engineering road across from the front steps of Engineering 5; and
  
•    the Mathematics road across from Parking Lot B service road and the East Campus buildings.
  

The intent is to create defined crossing areas that align with passages through future rail line fencing (being installed by GrandLinq) where pedestrians have the right of way.

These pedestrian priority crossings will feature speed bumps and signage indicating that pedestrians have the right of way and that drivers should stop for them. The crossings will be accessible, with the curb sloping to meet the road surface, and will feature metal plates for the visually impaired.

A barrier that includes a fence and planters will be constructed just off the curb at the Ring Road on the east side intended to discourage unsafe mid-block LRT track crossings.

In addition, the GRT bus stop on the east side of the Ring Road at the Parking Lot B road entrance will be removed and the passenger shelter relocated to the western side of the Ring Road near Needles Hall. All buses will now disgorge passengers on the Ring Road's interior. The new bus stop will be operational by Tuesday, September 7. Two parking spots in front of Needles Hall will be eliminated in order to fit the shelter at the existing bus stop.

Plant Operations estimates that the pedestrian improvements will be completed by the end of October, weather permitting. Every effort will be made to keep crossings open while the construction takes place, though pedestrians may have to detour around the sites as they cross the Ring Road.

Eventually, powered gates will be installed at each pedestrian crossing of the ION tracks to ensure safety.

The existing Laurel Trail will remain adjacent to the rail line, but will be slightly realigned.

East Ring Road was fully reconstructed back in 2007.

It's a bit irritating that they're getting rid of the sidewalk on the east side of the road, particularly since the Laurel Trail is out of commission.