Burlington’s first series of protected bike intersections complete on Plains Road

Posted on by TakeActionBurlington
Protected bike lane, intersection and rain garden on Plains Rd. W. in Burlington.

The City of Burlington is pleased to officially announce the completion of the Plains Road bike facilities and resurfacing project. This project includes:

  • Burlington’s first series of protected bike intersections,
  • construction of new bikeways,
  • a rain garden,
  • resurfacing the road,
  • curb and sidewalk replacement,
  • driveway and landscape improvements,
  • new transit stops,  
  • hydro pole relocations, and
  • streetlight upgrades.

Benefits of Protected Bike Intersections

Protected bike lane, intersection and rain garden at Plains Rd. W. and Howard Rd. in Burlington.

Protected bike intersections are designed to:

  • increase physical separation from motor vehicles,
  • improve sightlines,
  • reduce the likelihood of highspeed vehicle turns, and
  • significantly reduce the distance and time during which cyclists are at higher risks of encountering a vehicle.

Rain Garden and Low Impact Design

Rain garden and protected bike lane on Plains Rd. W. in Burlington

Low impact design elements were built into this project with the installation of a rain garden at the intersection of Howard Road and Plains Road West, featuring 18 new trees and a variety of different grass species and flowers. This rain garden will improve and enhance storm water conveyance and quality before discharging into our freshwater systems. It will also serve as a cooling and retention system lowering the temperature and reducing the volume of storm water entering our storm sewer systems and creeks. This promotes fish habitat and reduces algae bloom, as well as reduces stress on our storm sewer systems during storm events.

Links to the Integrated Mobility Plan

This project links to the Integrated Mobility Plan by:

  • Making getting around Burlington safer and more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Providing a wide range of options for getting around no matter what your age, means or ability, including walking, cycling, public transit and vehicles.
  • Using compact modes of travel like buses, bicycles and walking for more efficient transportation.

Links to the Climate Action Plan

This project links to the Climate Action Plan:

  • Vehicle emissions account for nearly 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Burlington. Providing protected bike lanes and intersections will help motivate residents to consider using active transportation as a commuting option.

Links to Climate Resilient Burlington

Protected bike land and rain garden on Plains Rd. W. in Burlington.

This project links to Climate Resilient Burlington by:

  • Preparing for future climate conditions.
  • Investing in green infrastructure to reduce flood risk, enhance habitat connectivity and support other ecosystem services.
  • Incorporating shade to reduce the urban heat island effect, supporting the community during extreme heat events.

For more information about the project, visit burlington.ca/plainsroadresurfacing.

Canada Community-Building Fund

Official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Plains Rd. project on Nov. 3, 2023.

This project was funded in part by the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), formerly the federal Gas Tax Fund. The CCBF is a permanent source of federal funding earmarked for community infrastructure projects. It’s provided up front, twice-a-year, to provinces and territories, who in turn flow this funding to their municipalities to support local infrastructure priorities.

In Ontario, the Fund is administered by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, who deliver the CCBF to 443 municipalities, excluding the City of Toronto.

To learn more about the CCBF in Ontario, visit buildingcommunities.ca.

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