I'm on the opposite side on this "Ring Road", we need to plan for this now. Only 20% of commuters use public transit, that means 80% use roads and/or walk-bike. The $3Billion LRT-to-nowhere scheme only benefits those 20% that are already adequately served right now
The main justification for the ring road is to flow cross-town traffic away from the core, which will also serve to benefit commerce as well (think trucks!).
I had to drive to Manotick for a breakfast meeting this week from Orleans, there is no efficient route to get the except using the 417 through Downtown adding to traffic... how dumb is that?? Every other city of Ottawa's size has an outer ring road.
In order to make it worthwhile, I think the ring road should be built along the edge of the suburbs to maximize its usage. Starting with 417-416 cross connection would be a great start.
Most people on this board are Public Transit fixated, I get that, but I'm sure that in 20 years of so, the way we live and work will change so much that these LRTs investments will seem misplaced...
This is how the Ring Road should look...
On first phase, you would only need grade separation from 416 to 417. You may only need a single lane at first from Highway 7 to bypass and one lane from 417 to Frank Kenny. There is no way to get a direct connection to Orleans due to the Mer Bleue Bog. The NCC would obviously be the big hurdle in this plan.
This would link up a direct Airport access from Stittsville/Kanata West to Orleans east, further reducing traffic along the parkway and Hunt Club.
I'm sure all you urbanists will be up in arms over my idea, bash away!!
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