Bronson Avenue and other Centretown streets could see much more traffic when they are used as alternate bus routes during construction of the downtown tunnel, according to a recent report.
“It seems like the hits are one after the other,” says Centretown business owner Gus Anbara.
Anbara established the Centertown Resto Bar in December 2007 and says he hasn’t seen Bronson Avenue without traffic disruptions so far. The bus strike, recession and construction on Bank and Preston streets have all affected his business. Because of the construction, he says the traffic increased on Bronson Avenue and cars just can’t stop at his restaurant.
“We all know we need to do that, city needs to do that. But it’s bad timing,” he says.
Another wave of traffic disruptions could be on the way with construction of the tunnel expected to start in 2012 or 2013. The disruptions could last up to three years, according to the report.
The report, presented to the transit committee in December and to council on Jan. 13, reveals that portions of the Transitway will be out of service during construction of the new Light Rail Transit system. Because of this, several alternate routes will be required.
A map included in the report shows Bronson Avenue highlighted as a “Potential Bus Diversion Route.” Lyon, Kent, and Albert streets are also highlighted, but the transit committee moved in December to use them as a last resort only.
City operations staffer Mouktar Abdillahi says it’s too soon to determine what kinds of traffic disruptions can be expected, those details won’t be known until 2011. For now, he says, staff are focusing on the planning and funding of the LRT plan.
“In terms of identifying specific changes, that will be done down the road. Right now we only know there may be disruptions, we don’t have details,” he says.
Bus route diversions will be a huge disruption to downtown residents, says Centretown Citizens Community Association president Shawn Menard. Many Centretown residents walk a lot, so hopefully people will be able to walk to work, he adds.
While council approved the transit plan with the downtown tunnel on Jan. 13, there is much more to do before it becomes reality.
The plan will be a hotly-debated issue at this year’s municipal election. Mayoral candidate Jim Watson, an early favourite, indicated he will re-evaluate the project and would rather see a surface light-rail run through downtown than a tunnel.