A highway running through Brampton could look very different in the years ahead as Peel Region proceeds with plans to overhaul a section of the road, but the finished product won\u2019t include additional lanes.<\/p>\n
Peel Region has released its preferred design for a roughly 1.1-kilometre stretch of Highway 50 between Queen Street East and The Gore Road, proposing a series of changes aimed at making the corridor safer and more accessible for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit users.<\/p>\n
The project is part of a Complete Corridor Study and preliminary design being carried out by the region.<\/p>\n
The goal is to transform the stretch of Highway 50 into what Peel calls a \u201ccomplete corridor\u201d that can accommodate different forms of transportation while improving safety, accessibility, the surrounding public space and road operations.<\/p>\n
Despite the scale of the proposed changes, the region does not believe Highway 50 needs additional vehicle lanes in this section.<\/p>\n
A traffic analysis found there is enough capacity to handle existing traffic and projected traffic volumes through 2041. As a result, Peel says additional vehicle lanes are not recommended.<\/p>\n
The existing road has two lanes in each direction, along with a two-way left-turn lane, and that basic vehicle configuration would remain.<\/p>\n
Instead, much of the overhaul would be aimed at the people who currently have limited options for travelling along the busy corridor.<\/p>\n
The proposed design includes multi-use paths on both sides of Highway 50, providing dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists.<\/p>\n
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The region is also proposing new street lighting, curbs and gutters, storm sewers, transit amenities and bus pads, landscaping and new trees.<\/p>\n
A new traffic signal is proposed at Highway 50 and the Huntington Road\/private access road intersection, which would improve access and connections in the area.<\/p>\n
The stormwater system would also get an overhaul, with the existing open ditches replaced by storm sewers and other measures intended to better manage runoff.<\/p>\n
The changes are being proposed as the area around Highway 50 continues to develop.<\/p>\n
The section being studied is currently characterized by a more rural-style road design, despite being surrounded by growing residential, commercial and industrial development.<\/p>\n
That means the region is looking at more than simply repaving or repairing the road. The proposed changes would bring sidewalks and cycling infrastructure, lighting, drainage and other features to a corridor that currently lacks much of that infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The need for safety improvements is also part of the reason for the study.<\/p>\n
The region\u2019s assessment identified safety concerns along the corridor, including speeding. A cyclist was killed in a collision on Highway 50 within the study area in 2021.<\/p>\n
Peel\u2019s preferred design was selected after different options for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure were considered, including sidewalks, bike lanes, multi-use paths and off-road cycling facilities.<\/p>\n
The region says the preferred design provides separation from vehicle traffic while continuing to accommodate the expected volume of cars and trucks.<\/p>\n
There is also a development component to the changes.<\/p>\n
The Highway 50 and Queen Street East area is seeing continued development, including employment, commercial and residential projects. A future signalized intersection at Highway 50 and Huntington Road has also been contemplated as development in the area progresses.<\/p>\n
The study area itself is in Brampton and Vaughan.<\/p>\n
Although Highway 50 continues north through Caledon, this particular project does not extend into Caledon. Peel Region identifies the Highway 50 corridor study as a Brampton environmental assessment, with the study running from Queen Street East to The Gore Road.<\/p>\n
For people who regularly use Highway 50, however, the biggest changes could eventually be what they see alongside the road rather than how many lanes they drive on.<\/p>\n
The proposed multi-use paths, lighting and intersection improvements are intended to make the corridor safer for people travelling outside of a vehicle while the existing road capacity is maintained.<\/p>\n
The project is not yet ready for construction, and Peel has not announced a construction start or completion date.<\/p>\n
The region is currently seeking public feedback on the preliminary preferred design. Comments can be submitted until Oct. 23, after which the Region will consider the feedback before confirming the final solution and completing the study.<\/p>\n
So while the proposed overhaul could eventually bring major changes to this stretch of Highway 50, residents will have to wait a little longer to find out when construction could actually begin.<\/p>\n