Plante Drive - Traffic Calming Project

Plante Drive – Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Study

Policy Context

The City of Ottawa's Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Program is intended to improve roadway safety and livability within residential communities by addressing concerns related to speeding and other undesirable driver behaviours, as well as by capitalizing on opportunities to improve conditions for all road users including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Based on traffic data, coordination with various stakeholders, and consideration of project constraints, a traffic calming plan has been developed for Plante Drive.

Local Context

Plante Drive is a minor collector roadway that forms a loop connecting to McCarthy Road at both ends. The corridor provides access to surrounding homes and serves residents walking, cycling, taking transit, and driving within the community.

Residents have expressed concerns regarding vehicle speeds along the corridor. To better understand these concerns, the City collected and reviewed traffic data and assessed existing roadway conditions. The proposed traffic calming measures have been developed to encourage lower vehicle speeds and improve safety and comfort for all road users while maintaining access for residents, emergency services, and waste collection vehicles.

Project Details

The City considered vertical traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, as part of this study. However, because Plante Drive is a transit route, a key emergency response route, has a history of vibration-related concerns, and after reviewing available geotechnical information for the corridor, vertical measures were not recommended. The proposed plan therefore focuses on horizontal traffic calming measures to encourage lower vehicle speeds while minimizing potential impacts to transit operations, emergency services, and adjacent properties.

To improve safety for all road users and reduce vehicle speed on Plante Drive, the City is proposing the following improvements:

• Addition of six sets of bulb-outs
• Corner radii reduction of intersecting local streets (from Mina Lane to Impala Cres)
• Bike lanes in front of the Owl Drive intersection to improve cycling connectivity

The Proposed Traffic Calming Plan is available in the sidebar and illustrates the recommended measures along the corridor.

Public Consultation

The City would like to hear your feedback on this project. Please complete the survey below.