Regional Council recently received the 2015 Transportation Progress Report, which affirmed an investment of nearly $1.4 billion over the next 10 years for transportation and road safety. On average, $120 million has been committed annually for ongoing and new construction projects. The report highlights that the Regional Transportation System is operating well in offering a smooth, convenient, safe and efficient mode of travel and that the Region is continuing to make progress in decreasing congestion.
I’m proud of the work Halton Region has done to create a safe and well-maintained road network. Our population continues to grow at a rapid pace. The investments we are making in our roads as we roll out the Transportation Master Plan will meet that growth and also support the economy by moving people and goods efficiently throughout the region.
The report indicated Halton Region’s roads are operating more safely and efficiently year-over-year thanks to programs such as the Comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan (CROSAP), the Drive SAFE (Safety Awareness For Everyone) and intersection speed reviews. The Red Light Camera Program has also helped reduce high-impact collisions at all twelve intersections where the lights have been installed. Travel time monitoring within Regional corridors also confirms that Halton Region has continued to improve and maintain the least congested corridors compared to other Regional municipalities.
Halton Region is committed to building healthy and complete communities, and delivering an integrated transportation network that supports other modes of travel, such as walking, cycling and transit. In 2015, Regional Council approved the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) and last year alone, 28 kilometers of active transportation infrastructure was constructed on Regional roads. Since 2011, the number of on-road cycling lanes has increased nearly 75 per cent.
For more information about the report and current Regional transportation system initiatives, visit halton.ca/transportation.