Quote:
Originally Posted by Kokkei Mizu
So, assuming Wonderland Rd. is the next road in London to get an interchange with the 401, what road do you think may get an interchange after that? Or do you think London has all the interchanges it will ever get.
My vote is Westminster Dr. That would only be if south London gets developed a lot more... but I could see it happening. One main reason that I could see it happen, would be because it would be the only East-West road to have an interchange (other than Exeter Rd.). It would also provide access to White Oaks Rd, which is the only concession that doesn't have 401 access from Highway 4 to Highbury.
What do you think?
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There will be more, but there isn't a pressing need for more at this time.
The City is currently channeling growth to fill out the remaining developable lands to the north, west, and east of the existing urbanization. This is because existing servicing exists there that future growth can be plugged into. South of the 401/402 in the west half of the city is in a different drainage basin and water pressure zone, requiring it's own, new servicing infrastructure (i.e. sewage plant, reservoir, substations, etc. - and the trunk lines that feed to and from those facilities). Very expensive, very sensitive socio-politically. So, not gonna happen 'till the other lands are used up, or if someone can convince the City to jump the gun and will finance to the tune of hundred's of million of dollars to build all this necessary supporting infrastructure early. Manulife tried this a few years ago, but just wanted their lands rezoned to allow for industrial development without front-ending the funding for significant infrastructure upgrades. The City wisely rejected their application.
So what's the connection with the staging of development and new interchanges? Basically, until there is significant urbanization south of the 401/402 corridor, there isn't a pressing need to spend $30 million on an interchange to corn fields. Keep in mind that the City has to fund new interchanges, so unless it's part of a larger development initiative of the surrounding area it would be irresponsible to spending the funding on one now.