TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
LEAMINGTON UPTOWN MASTER PLAN
To establish a long-range vision and framework for infrastructure improvements and revitalization in Leamington’s Uptown, RC Spencer Associates Inc. was retained to undertake the development of the Leamington Uptown Master Plan.
The plan was approved in 2018 and encourages pedestrian-oriented shopping, a long-term streetscaping and beautification scheme, additional off-street parking, improved traffic circulation, and traffic control with emphasis on pedestrian and active transportation facilities.
The result is a plan which provides attractive and efficient choices for all modes, as will as convenient and accessible parking options. The priority stages of the Uptown Master Plan have been implemented, with final design and construction overseen by RC Spencer Associates Inc. These projects included sewer separation, streetscaping, and active transportation facilities, which were implemented as part of the following projects:
Mill Street West Reconstruction
John Street Reconstruction
Queens Avenue Reconstruction
Shotten, Erie Street and Italian Centennial Parkettes
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
DUNDAS STREET CORRIDOR STUDY THAMESFORD, ONTARIO
Oxford County retained RC Spencer Associates Inc. to conduct a study of the Dundas Street Corridor in Thamesford, Ontario. Thamesford is situated approximately halfway between he two larger cities of London and Woodstock, on County Road 2 (Dundas Street). the study area explored a 1.4 km long section of Dundas street, beginning at 15th Line at the west and ending at 19th Line (County road 119) at the east.
To accommodate the anticipated growth generated by northerly and southerly area developments, the road authority recognized that the Dundas street corridor will require various traffic infrastructure improvements. Accordingly, this study provided proactive guidance to County decision-makers in sustainably evaluating “next steps” for improving the subject corridor. Five, ten, and twenty-year horizons were explored, and recommendations were made regarding access management, traffic control, and geometric capacity.
In the short-term horizon, it was recommended that the existing on-street parking be removed to provide more pavement width for a centre two-way-left-turn lane; an accompanying parking utilization study confirmed that the existing on-street parking is rarely used. in the longer-term horizons, it was recommended that a coordinated signal strategy be implemented to manage Dundas Street corridor access and growth from the northerly and southerly lands (while still prioritizing main street traffic flow). Roundabout controls were also explored at the study area limits (where land is more readily available).
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
PUNKEYDOODLE’S CORNER, ONTARIO INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
Oxford County required an Intersection Control Feasibility Study to evaluate the current and projected traffic operations of five stop-controlled intersections in and around Punkeydoodle’s Corner. Perth County, the Region of Waterloo, and the Township of Wilmot were also project stakeholders; the respective road authorities’ jurisdictions converge at the subject intersections. The study considered the potential geometric / traffic control improvements that may be required to accommodate traffic volumes within a 20-year horizon.
2023, existing traffic operations were observed, traffic data was collected, sight line photographs were taken, survey work was initiated, and conversations wee had with area residents. In October 2023, a Public Information Center (PIC) was held; it included a presentation by RC Spencer Associates Inc. and allowed for the public to view the design options, to ask questions regarding the planned improvement, and to provide input. The final report was submitted in January 2024.
Ultimately, the decision was made to close two intersections on the ends of the curve and realign Road 101A to be perpendicular to Perth Road 101, with the addition of left and right turn lanes on Perth Road 101; Punkeydoodles Avenue at Oxford Road 5 / Road 101A becomes a tee intersection with the closure o the west leg.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
SNOW AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION KING STREET TO CHATHAM STREET SOUTH
RC Spencer Associates Inc. provided the engineering design, contract administration and inspection services for the renewal of infrastructure along Snow Avenue from King Street to Chatham Street South in the Community of Blenheim, for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. The scope of this $1.9 million project included the renewal of existing sanitary and storm sewers including all appurtenances and service connections, renewal of concrete sidewalks and driveway approaches, road reconstruction and boulevard restoration.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
REGENT STREET, LITTLE STREET AND SNOW AVENUE CHATHAM-KENT, ONTARIO
RC Spencer Associates Inc. provided the engineering design, contract administration and inspection services for the renewal of infrastructure along Regent Street, Little Street and Snow Avenue in the Community of Blenheim, for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
The scope of this $3.5 million project included the renewal of existing sanitary and storm sewers, including all appurtenances and service connections, renewal of concrete sidewalks and driveway approaches, road reconstruction and boulevard restoration.
As part of the project, a new stormwater management pond was constructed to manage storm flows from the neighbourhood prior to discharging into an adjacent Municipal Drain.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the engineering consultant for this $5.8 million project for the City of Windsor. The work included design, tendering, contract administration and inspection for the removal of existing pavement and structures, excavation and grading, construction of sewers, manholes, catchbasins and leads, watermains and appurtenances, new concrete sidewalks, flexible roadway pavement and construction of street lighting and traffic signals as well as restoration on this 800m length of roadway.
CABANA ROAD CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS PHASE I
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
CABANA ROAD CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the Civil Engineering consultant for this $4.1 million project for the City of Windsor. the work included design, tendering, contract administration and inspection for the removal of existing pavement and structures, excavation ad grading, construction of sewers, manholes, catch basins and leads, watermains and appurtenances, new concrete sidewalks, flexible road pavement and construction of street lighting and traffic, signals as well as restoration on this 600m length of roadway.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
JASPERSON DRIVE AND MAIN STREET EAST CORRIDOR STUDY
In the Town of Kingsville, RC Spencer Associates Inc. was retained to evaluate the potential traffic impact of area development on the Jasperson Drive and Main Street East corridors. Several significant public and private developments are planned for these corridors over the next several years, with the most important development being a new K-12 public school on Jasperson Drive, opposite Woodycrest Avenue. Other important developments include buildout of several residential subdivisions and expansion of numerous commercial and higher-density residential uses along Main Street East. The corridor study included a Master Plan for the Town to undertake roadway, intersection, and traffic control improvements.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
“BEFORE”
“AFTER”
MILL STREET SEWER SEPARATION AND ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
Engineering, design and inspection services were provided by RC Spencer Associates Inc. for sewer separation, replacement of watermains, and reconstruction of roadway, curb and gutter, sidewalks, traffic signal infrastructure, and streetlighting for this $2.64M project in Leamington. The project included streetscaping work such as new trees, furniture and bike racks, and the use of exposed aggregate panels for sidewalks. The project marked the commencement of the revitalization of Leamington’s Uptown. The design for Mill Street West resulted from the Leamington Uptown Master Plan completed by RC Spencer Associates Inc. and approved by Leamington Council in 2018. The newly constructed facility will be the site of the “Mill Street Night Markets”, lining the modern, reinvented Mill Street to be hosted by the Leamington BIA throughout the summer months.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the engineering consultant for this $2.6 million LEED Neighbourhood Streetscape and Rehabilitation Works project in the City of Windsor. the work included design, tendering, contract administration and inspection of streetscape improvements (patios, continuous boardwalk, bulb-outs at all intersections for traffic calming, trees and Parent Avenue roundabout), 100-year-old feeder watermain replacement, road re-surfacing and reconstruction sewer rehabilitation and trunk storm sewers installation.
ERIE STREET BIA STREETSCAPE AND REHABILITATION WORKS
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
WALKER ROAD CORRIDOR RECONSTRUCTION
This $10.2 million project includes the 2100mm diameter outlet sewer to the Grand Marais Drain, 5 lane rigid pavement construction, 300mm diameter watermain replacement and trunk storm sewer installation from Digby Avenue to Foster Avenue (approximately 1.1 km) and 300m of underground hydro duct structure. RC Spencer Associates provided full engineering services including hydro pole relocation design and coordination with Enwin and site plan preparation for all commercial properties affected by road widening.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
WYANDOTTE STREET RECONSTRUCTION - WALKERVILLE BIA IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 1
This $2.95 million project includes 6 blocks (about 550m) of road reconstruction including sidewalk replacement, extended corners for pedestrian safety, crosswalks with visual-aid landing pads and bollards, smart meter parking, designated bike lanes, above-standard trees with strata cell root systems, ornamental fencing and grates, new banners and a variety of decorative furniture, such as banner poles, benches, refuse receptacles, bike racks and more. During this 4-month project, the City departments, RC Spencer Associates Inc., the Contractor, the BIA and residents worked together to ensure that there was no interruption in commerce and that every business was able to maintain and even flourish, as said by Jake Rondot, Chairman of Walkerville BIA.
“This is probably our poster child on how a streetscaping project should proceed ... there’s a real harmony now between motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.” — Thom Hunt, MCIP City Planner/Executive Director, City of Windsor.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
HURON STREET ROAD DIET FEASIBILITY STUDY WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO
Huron Street is a north / south arterial road in the central part of the City of Woodstock; it operates as a four-lane undivided cross-section between Devonshire Avenue and Dundas Street, a distance of approximately 1.4 km. A ‘road diet’ was proposed for this section of Huron Street, which would convert the roadway into a three-lane cross-section with exclusive on-street bicycle lanes; the result would be one motor vehicle lane and one bicycle lane in each direction, separated by a two-way-left-turn-lane. After reviewing the average annual traffic volumes, it was determined that this segment of Huron Street is a candidate for implementation of a road diet. A functional plan of the road reconfiguration was prepared to guide decision makers on its implementation.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
DALHOUSIE STREET RECONSTRUCTION AMHERSTBURG, ONTARIO
This project involved redesigning and reconfiguring Dalhousie Street from Pickering Drive to County Road 20 in the Town of Amherstburg, a total length of 1.5 km along the town’s scenic waterfront. The cross section throughout maintained 2 lanes of flexible pavement along with a new concrete tail to provide a connecting link with the Town’s trail system. A main component of the work has been coordinating with adjacent residents to provide access, along with maintaining emergency vehicle access while confined to a reduced right of way of 12m. This $2.1 million project also included the elimination of all overhead utility plant and replacement with a complete underground system.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the successful proponent in securing this project for the City of Windsor through the RFP process. The design was completed up to tender call for the road reconstruction, streetlighting, streetscape streetlighting, streetscape improvements, watermains and sewer replacement on Riverside Drive East from Lauzon Road to Riverdale Avenue. This includes several traffic calming and safety measures such as two primary nodes and a single secondary node along wit two on-road bike lanes. Stage 1 ($1.35 million) has been completed from Riverdale Avenue westerly to the Solidarity Towers.
RIVERSIDE DRIVE VISTA PHASE I, STAGE II, WINDSOR, ONTARIO
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the successful proponent in securing this project form the City of Windsor through the RFP process. The design was completed up to tender call for the road reconstruction, watermains and sewer replacement on Riverside Drive East in 2018. Stage 2 construction, from the Solidarity Towers westerly to Lauzon Road, was completed in 2019 at a cost of $6.3 million.
RIVERSIDE DRIVE VISTA PHASE I, STAGE I, WINDSOR, ONTARIO
BEFORE
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
TEXAS ROAD AMHERSTBURG, ONTARIO
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the Civil Engineering consultant for this project in the Town of Amherstburg. Reconstruction was completed form County Road 20 to the 2nd Concession North on Texas Road. The works included the construction of storm sewers and appurtenances, the construction of sanitary private drain connections, excavation and grading, the construction of asphalt road and bike lanes complete with granular base course. Street lights and a three meter wide multi-use trail were also included in the improvements. Work started in August 2015 and was completed in July 2016, coming in at $4.4 million, approximately $600,000 under budget.
AFTER
Mayor Aldo DiCarlo credits town staff as well as the project’s engineer and contractor for this, saying:
“We had a great working relationship with the engineer we contracted, with the company we contracted, together with our engineering, administration and the work of the town they came up with some really creative ways to address issues and that translated into a huge savings for the town.”
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
HOWARD AVENUE / NORTH TALBOT INTERSECTION RECONSTRUCTION
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the Civil Engineering consultant for this $3.0 million intersection reconstruction project in the City of Windsor. The project included design, tender preparation, contract administration and inspection services for high voltage line relocations, street lighting and traffic signalization, storm drainage, water main replacement and road reconstruction for this high traffic intersection.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
MCHUGH STREET EXTENSION PHASE 2 WINDSOR, ONTARIO
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the prime consultant for this joint project with McCormick Rankin Corporation. The project included design, tender preparation, contract administration and inspection services for the Advance Fill Contract, the Advance Structural Steel Contract and the McHugh Street Extension Phase 2 including Little River Bridge and Pedestrian Underpass Contract. This $5.125 million project came in 15% under budget. The project included design of the municipal roadway, storm drainage, street lighting and watermain bore under Little River (by RCS), 44m span bridge and pedestrian underpass (by MRC) and landscaping (by MBTW).
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
LEAMINGTON ALL-WAY STOPS: TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
LEAMINGTON ONE WAY: TRAFFIC STUDY
The purpose of this study was to review current traffic operations o the one-way couplets of Chestnut/Fox and Victoria/Wigle and to make recommendations for traffic calming or strategic operational improvements for consideration by Leamington Council. A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held. The results of the analysis resulted in the implementation of four all-way stops with ‘bulb outs’ for traffic calming purposes and enhancement of existing bike lanes.
This project involved the construction of concrete curb extensions and implementation of all-way stop control at four intersections (Chestnut and Fox at Askew and Victoria and Wigle at Marlborough) to encourage calming of traffic. Excavation, grading, surface works, and restoration were required to complete the projects. Concrete curbs and pavement were to adhere to the AODA guidelines as part of the intersection reconfigurations.
TRANSPORATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION OF OAK AND WIGLE INTERSECTION
LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO
RC Spencer Associates Inc. provided design, contract administration and inspection for the reconstruction and signalization of this intersection in the Municipality of Leamington. the bicycle signal component of this intersection was the first of it kind in all of Essex County.
The intersection is a main access to two elementary schools with high pedestrian volumes requiring an exclusive pedestrian phase. The intersection required widening for a new exclusive left turn lane and for bicycle lanes, as recommended in Leamington’s Active Transportation Master Plan. The project also encompassed the implementation of 800m of bike lanes along Oak Street East, and the design of the traffic signal included considerations for bike-friendly infrastructure to accommodate users accessing the school grounds on bicycle.
The work carried out under this contract included the construction and wiring for traffic signals, ducts, poles, control cabinet, and street lights. Excavation, boring, grading, and asphalt pavement restoration complete with pavement markings and curb and gutter restoration were also included in the scope of work. Traffic signal timings were developed and implemented, including audible pedestrian signals for the visually impaired, and bicycle signals accommodate heavy cycling traffic.
RC Spencer Associates Inc. provided design, contract administration and inspection for the reconstruction and signalization of this intersection in the Municipality of Leamington. The work carried out under this contract included the construction and wiring of traffic signals, ducts, poles, control cabinet, and street lights. Excavation, boring grading, and asphalt pavement restoration complete with pavement markings and curb and gutter restoration were also included in the scope of work. Traffic signal timings were developed and implemented, including audible pedestrian signals for the visually impaired.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
LEAMINGTON TRAFFIC SIGNALS
SIGNALIZATION OF SHERK / SEACLIFF INTERSECTION
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
RC Spencer Associates Inc. was the Civil Engineering consultant for this $11.8 million project in the Town of Amherstburg. The overall project was tendered as 16 separate and distinct contracts to enable an initial commencement within 6 weeks of funding approval, with further tendering being completed within an additional 3 months. This approach ensured contract completion, on budget and on schedule, within 8 months of initial commencement.
The work included design, tender preparation, contact administration and inspection services for all 16 projects. a partial listing of these improvements includes the construction of roads, including centre island beautification, storm drainage improvements, decorative street lighting, sidewalk repairs and trail construction, irrigation systems, gateway features, biological pond improvements and the supply and installation of 450 new trees throughout the Town.
AMHERSTBURG CAF IMPROVEMENTS
AMHERSTBURG, ONTARIO
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVERS (PXO’S) & ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO
The Municipality of Leamington had a number of existing courtesy crossings and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings that required upgrading to the new provincial standard (Ontario Traffic Manual Book 15). RC Spencer Associates Inc. compiled an inventory of each crossing location for he purpose of removals and upgrades, assessed candidacy for each crossing, liaised wit the various utility companies, and selected the appropriate pedestrian crossing treatment. Recommended configurations and details for the removal and reconstruction of each individual crossing were prepared, and the Municipality was provided with plans and details to tender for the reconstruction of the crossings, including various configurations of flashing lights, signs, and pavement markings in accordance with the new MTO crossing designs from Book 15.
Upgraded street lighting was an important aspect of the new configurations. Individual photometric assessments were completed at each location to meet the current RP-8 lighting design criteria.
The work carried out under this contract included the construction and wiring of PXO’s, ducts, poles, controllers, and street lights. Excavation, boring, grading, and asphalt pavement restoration complete with pavement markings and curb and gutter restoration were also included in the scope of work.
Design of the reconfiguration of the existing line painting to allow for bike lanes along 3.3 km of municipal roadway was also within the scope of this project.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND ENGINEERING
AMHERSTBURG HEALTHY AND ACTIVE COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE TRAIL
TRAIL AND PATHWAY PROJECTS
RC Spencer Associates Inc. has been instrumental in the construction of a number of multi-use pathways and trains in the County of Essex. These projects are as follows:
CWATS County Road 2 (Old Tecumseh Road) Phase 1, 2 & 3
Town of Lakeshore (5.0 kms of Pathway)
CWATS County Road 20 Phase 1, 2 & 3
Municipality of Leamington (3.3 kms of Pathway)
CWATS County Road 20 Phase 1, 2, 3 & 4
Town of Kingsville (1.4 kms of Pathway)
Meloche Sideroad Multi-Use Path
Town of Amherstburg (1.2 km of Pathway)
St. Clair Road Pathway Improvements Phase 1, 2 & 3
Town of Lakeshore (3.3 km of Pathway)
Comber Park Trail
Town of Lakeshore (.4 km of Trail)
Trans Canada Trail
Town of Lakeshore (7.0 km of Trails)
CAF - Laird Avenue Reconstruction
(.75 km of Trails)
CAF - Amherstburg Trails
(3 km of Trails)
CAF - Amherstburg Gateways
(.5 km of Trails)