Overview
The City of Ottawa is conducting a traffic calming study along Sweetnam Drive from Harry Douglas Drive, to Hazeldean Road in response to traffic concerns raised by the residents.
The purpose of this study is to recommend permanent roadway modifications intended to improve safety for all road users, primarily by reducing vehicular speeds.
Information on Traffic Calming
Traffic calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that help to reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behaviour, and improve conditions for non-motorized street users. Traffic calming studies recommend localized retrofits to the roadway to address traffic concerns as opposed to a complete reconstruction of the street. More information about the types of traffic calming suitable for City streets.
Proposed Traffic Calming Concept Plan
Based on traffic data, coordination with various stakeholders, and project constraints, the City developed an initial conceptual plan to address the concerns raised along Sweetnam Drive and can be viewed in the Proposed Conceptual Plan.
Online Survey and Final Recommendations (November 2024)
Online Survey Results
Over the summer of 2024, an online survey was conducted to gather feedback about the proposed concept plan along Sweetnam Drive. The deadline to complete the survey was August 9, 2024. Since then, the results from the survey have been reviewed and analyzed.
A total of 128 people responded to the online survey. Here are some key findings:
- 61 per cent of respondents indicated that they support a traffic calming study that could lead to localized street changes on Sweetnam Drive. 30 per cent of the respondents were not supportive and the remaining 9 per cent were indifferent.
- 44 per cent of respondents reported feeling very or somewhat comfortable with the proposed traffic calming plan, while 43 per cent indicated they were somewhat or very uncomfortable.
- Pedestrian safety, vehicle speeds and cyclist safety were three most common issues raised by the respondents.
Complete results of the survey are provided in an As We Heard It (AWHI) report [ PDF 364 KB ] .
Based on the survey results/community feedback and further technical analysis, the recommended traffic calming plan for Sweetnam Drive has been updated and finalized.
Final Recommended Traffic Calming Plan
The Final Recommended Traffic Calming Plan for Sweetnam Drive includes:
- One (1) pedestrian crossover (PXO type D) located approximately 165m north of Harry Douglas Drive.
- Two speed humps:
- approximately 85m north of Harry Douglas Drive
- approximately 220m north of Harry Douglas Drive
- Edge lines and center line from Harry Douglas Drive to Hazeldean Road (3.3m lane width)
The final recommendations can be viewed in the image below or the Final Recommended Traffic Calming Plan [ PDF 702 KB ] .
Next Steps
This project will be funded through the Neighbourhood Traffic Calming program. The next step in the process is to complete the final project approvals and then initiate the preliminary/detailed design, which typically requires one year to complete (estimated 2025). The construction is typically undertaken the following year (estimated 2026).
Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. If you require special accommodation, or for any inquiries, please call or email the following City of Ottawa project contact:
Sophie Gauvreau
Project Manager - Neighbourhood Traffic Calming
City of Ottawa
613-580-2424 x22680
Sophie.Gauvreau@ottawa.ca