City looks at renaming, redesigning Highway 15

As part of a larger project to redesign and redevelop Highway 15, the City of Kingston has some interesting proposals on the table, and are looking for public input.

For a little bit of background, the City began looking into possible roadway improvements for Highway 15 in the fall of 2015, citing growth as the reason for a redesign. In municipal jargon terms, what took place following that was a ‘Municipal Class Environmental Assessment,’ which is “an evaluation of the possible impacts, both positive or negative, that a proposed project may have on the environment as a whole,” according to the City. The City refers to the overall study as the ‘Highway 15 Class EA.’

Two of the more intriguing aspects of the Highway 15 Class EA encourage public input: The final draft of the proposed visual design guidelines for Highway 15 (the complete document is available here); and the renaming of the city-owned portion of Highway 15 (which you can read about here, and you can vote on if you are registered with Get Involved Kingston).

The proposed design

In a city where people who weren’t even born when a traffic circle existed (where Bath Road, Princess Street, and Concession Street converge) still refer to the area as ‘the old traffic circle,’ it looks as though Kingston may, in fact, have a new traffic circle – or roundabout – in the future. The proposed visual design guidelines show the above image, and table the concept of a roundabout at the intersection of Highway 15 and Highway 2.

“Roundabouts have certain advantages over signalized intersections in specific conditions. Roundabouts can efficiently manage vehicle movements in some types of junctions, reduce collisions, and calm traffic,” the full report on the proposed design reads, also noting that roundabouts can also serve as focal points, providing space for planting, signs and/or public art installations.

“A roundabout is being considered for the intersection of Highway 15 and Highway 2. In this setting, the roundabout can serve as a gateway to Highway 15 corridor, Downtown Kingston, and CFB Kingston. Any roundabout design shall thoughtfully consider how to safely and conveniently accommodate pedestrian and cyclist movements”

So, what do you think, Kingston? Is the Limestone City ready for a modern take on ‘the old traffic circle?’ Do you think a roundabout at Highways 15 and 2 is a good idea or a bad idea? Have you say in the poll, and feel free to provide more detail in the comments.

And if you feel strongly enough about the concept, comments on the proposed visual design guidelines can be submitted to Chris Wicke, senior planner for the City of Kingston at [email protected] until the end of this month (Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019).

 Loading ...

The renaming of Highway 15

Kingston City Council directed City Staff to conduct a public consultation and review associated costs regarding the renaming of the city-owned portion of Highway 15 – that is, the section of Highway 15 between Highway 2 and Highway 401. The City has proposed three names for the section of road, all of which are pre-approved by Kingston Fire and Rescue and comply with the City’s road naming provisions (outlined in the City’s Civic Addressing and Road Naming Bylaw).

The City will hold an open house seeking public input on the renaming on Monday, Feb. 4 at the Fire Hall located at 211 Gore Rd., beginning at 6 p.m. Members of the public can also vote for their preferred name, or suggest their own idea (which must be in compliance with the above road naming conventions) via the aforementioned Get Involved Kingston online public feedback module.

“Highway 15 is a major artery in the east end of the city – an area that has changed a great deal over the past decade. We hope east-enders and other interested residents will come out to offer feedback on the proposed road renaming,” said Paige Agnew, director of planning, building and licensing for the City of Kingston.

The City has proposed the following three names, one of which has a historic link to the area surrounding Highway 15:

• Furnace Falls Road
• Emerson Road
• Kingston Road 15

According to the City, ‘Furnace Falls Road’ has been proposed due to its historical significance.

“With regard to Furnace Falls Road, the earliest reference to a name of the road north of Barriefield is contained in the 1807 survey diary of Reuben Sherwood,” said Mark Nardi, a communications officer for the City of Kingston..

The other two options were selected from the City’s Road Name Reserve List, which is maintained by the City.

“While this list may contain names that have some historical or cultural significance, it also contains names that have been submitted by the public and selected by the City for a wide range of reasons. These names have been pre-approved by local emergency service providers for use in the naming of new streets or the renaming of existing streets,” Nardi explained.

Which name do you prefer, Kingston? Do you have a better idea for a name? Or do you think the City should even rename the stretch of Highway 15? Have your say in the poll, and, while trying not to venture down the ‘Roady McRoadface’ route, let us know your ideas for a name in the comments!

 Loading ...