Truck Traffic in Lincoln

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Background

On April 15, 2019, Council approved a resolution regarding truck safety in Lincoln. The motion identified several concerns related to truck traffic and identified several action items to address the concerns. Truck traffic safety strategies are a high priority for the Town in responding to resident concerns to help improve road safety throughout the community.

The Town’s Transportation Master Plan developed comprehensive strategies for the movement of goods which requires ongoing partnership with the Niagara Region and other key agencies such as the Minister of Transportation and Niagara Region Police Services.


Current Status

The challenges regarding goods movement are multi-faceted and the solutions will require cooperation between multiple municipalities and different levels of government. The process to implement the ultimate truck route solution requires some key short-term solutions before the longer term, ultimate plan can be constructed.

Short Term Solution – Beamsville Truck Route

Residents of Beamsville cannot wait for the major long term Niagara Escarpment Crossing Project (new truck route Park Road (Bartlett Avenue) Grimsby) to be designed and constructed before action is taken regarding trucks in the downtown urban area. As such, the Town's Transportation Master Plan (TMP) assessed short-term solutions to find viable routes for trucks to avoid the downtown area of Beamsville. The Town's TMP recommends that Bartlett Road and Durham Road become alternate routes to redirect truck traffic out of the downtown area of Beamsville. The proposed Beamsville alternate route recommended is shown below.

Proposed Alternate Beamsville Truck Route

The proposed alternate Beamsville Truck Route entails the following:

  • Through trucks traveling north on Mountain Road should be directed to turn east on King Street and then north on Bartlett Road on their way to the QEW
  • Trucks should then travel Bartlett Road until they reach South Service Road and then travel west to the Ontario Street at QEW interchange. This alternate route is illustrated by the yellow line in Figure 1.0 shown above.
  • In addition to improving Bartlett Road, the intersection of Mountain Road at King Street also would need to be improved to facilitate northbound right turns of trucks from Mountain Road onto King Street
  • Trucks traveling east on King Street should be directed to turn north onto Durham Road and then east on South Service Road
  • Trucks then could access the QEW or continue South Service Road to Bartlett Road and eventually back to King Street to head further east
  • Trucks exiting the QEW at Ontario Street should be directed to South Service Road and use Bartlett Road or Durham Road to access King Street. This route is illustrated by the blue line in Figure 1.0 shown above

Long-Term Solution: New Truck Route Niagara Escarpment Crossing (QEW to Regional Road 20)

The long-term solution to improve goods movement in the west portion of the Niagara Region is to implement a new north-south truck route escarpment crossing. The Niagara Region Transportation Master Plan identified the need for a new north-south escarpment crossing linking the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) with Highway 20. A new north-south Niagara Escarpment Crossing is necessary to offset the negative economic, environmental, and safety implications of high commercial vehicle traffic travelling through urban and residential areas within the communities of Lincoln and Grimsby.

The Niagara Region is leading this long-term solution in partnership with the Town of Lincoln, Town of Grimsby, and Township of West Lincoln. The new Niagara Escarpment Crossing is a significant long-term project estimated to cost $150 million requiring financial support from various levels of government. The Town of Lincoln Council, along with Grimsby, West Lincoln and the Niagara Region have been advocating with different levels of government for support on this key infrastructure project for West Niagara. Most recently at the 2021 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in January, Town of Lincoln Council along with Grimsby, West Lincoln and the Niagara Region delegated to Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation to discuss this important project.

In terms of next steps, the Niagara Region is completing the terms of reference for initiating an Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA) Study for the Niagara Escarpment Crossing Project.

Recommendation

The new north-south truck route is recommended to be strategically positioned between the QEW and potential Smithville Bypass of Regional Road 20. A transportation crossing in this area would have a profound impact, as it would enhance the accommodation of commercial vehicles and other transportation vehicles, ensuring greater safety for local communities and facilitating efficient commercial operations. Moreover, it could also boost the transportation system's capacity, redundancy, and resiliency, while ensuring effective movement of goods and people in Niagara.

External Involvement

The Township of West Lincoln is considering the potential linkage of this preferred truck route as part of the 2019-initated Smithville Urban Boundary Expansion Study. As the Township of West Lincoln is expected to grow to meet regional/provincial growth targets, considerations will be made on the exact placement of the bypass and opportunities to connect the Smithville Bypass to the proposed Niagara Escarpment Crossing at the northerly edge of the Smithville Urban Boundary limit.


Beamsville Truck Route Implementation Study Completion

This project has been successfully completed, with the report's recommendations, including signage and paint marking changes, fully implemented. Additionally, these improvements and recommendations from this report will effectively enhance the Niagara Escarpment Crossing IEA.

Study Overview

To move forward with the Beamsville Truck Route short term solution, the Town undertook an implementation study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the proposed alternate route and identify deficiencies related to truck safety, traffic operations, utilities, street lighting, active transportation, and roadway geometry that may pose a challenge to trucks diverted to the by-pass.

The results of this study include the mitigation measures recommended and their associated preliminary cost estimates. This study informs the detailed design and construction phases required to implement the alternate route. This study also encompasses key issues related to complete streets and Vision Zero.

The Town of Lincoln led the Beamsville Truck Route Implementation Study in partnership with the Niagara Region, and with IBI Group leading as the prime consultant for transportation engineering and planning.

Background

On April 15, 2019, Council approved a resolution regarding truck safety in Lincoln. The motion identified several concerns related to truck traffic and identified several action items to address the concerns. Truck traffic safety strategies are a high priority for the Town in responding to resident concerns to help improve road safety throughout the community.

The Town’s Transportation Master Plan developed comprehensive strategies for the movement of goods which requires ongoing partnership with the Niagara Region and other key agencies such as the Minister of Transportation and Niagara Region Police Services.


Current Status

The challenges regarding goods movement are multi-faceted and the solutions will require cooperation between multiple municipalities and different levels of government. The process to implement the ultimate truck route solution requires some key short-term solutions before the longer term, ultimate plan can be constructed.

Short Term Solution – Beamsville Truck Route

Residents of Beamsville cannot wait for the major long term Niagara Escarpment Crossing Project (new truck route Park Road (Bartlett Avenue) Grimsby) to be designed and constructed before action is taken regarding trucks in the downtown urban area. As such, the Town's Transportation Master Plan (TMP) assessed short-term solutions to find viable routes for trucks to avoid the downtown area of Beamsville. The Town's TMP recommends that Bartlett Road and Durham Road become alternate routes to redirect truck traffic out of the downtown area of Beamsville. The proposed Beamsville alternate route recommended is shown below.

Proposed Alternate Beamsville Truck Route

The proposed alternate Beamsville Truck Route entails the following:

  • Through trucks traveling north on Mountain Road should be directed to turn east on King Street and then north on Bartlett Road on their way to the QEW
  • Trucks should then travel Bartlett Road until they reach South Service Road and then travel west to the Ontario Street at QEW interchange. This alternate route is illustrated by the yellow line in Figure 1.0 shown above.
  • In addition to improving Bartlett Road, the intersection of Mountain Road at King Street also would need to be improved to facilitate northbound right turns of trucks from Mountain Road onto King Street
  • Trucks traveling east on King Street should be directed to turn north onto Durham Road and then east on South Service Road
  • Trucks then could access the QEW or continue South Service Road to Bartlett Road and eventually back to King Street to head further east
  • Trucks exiting the QEW at Ontario Street should be directed to South Service Road and use Bartlett Road or Durham Road to access King Street. This route is illustrated by the blue line in Figure 1.0 shown above

Long-Term Solution: New Truck Route Niagara Escarpment Crossing (QEW to Regional Road 20)

The long-term solution to improve goods movement in the west portion of the Niagara Region is to implement a new north-south truck route escarpment crossing. The Niagara Region Transportation Master Plan identified the need for a new north-south escarpment crossing linking the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) with Highway 20. A new north-south Niagara Escarpment Crossing is necessary to offset the negative economic, environmental, and safety implications of high commercial vehicle traffic travelling through urban and residential areas within the communities of Lincoln and Grimsby.

The Niagara Region is leading this long-term solution in partnership with the Town of Lincoln, Town of Grimsby, and Township of West Lincoln. The new Niagara Escarpment Crossing is a significant long-term project estimated to cost $150 million requiring financial support from various levels of government. The Town of Lincoln Council, along with Grimsby, West Lincoln and the Niagara Region have been advocating with different levels of government for support on this key infrastructure project for West Niagara. Most recently at the 2021 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in January, Town of Lincoln Council along with Grimsby, West Lincoln and the Niagara Region delegated to Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation to discuss this important project.

In terms of next steps, the Niagara Region is completing the terms of reference for initiating an Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA) Study for the Niagara Escarpment Crossing Project.

Recommendation

The new north-south truck route is recommended to be strategically positioned between the QEW and potential Smithville Bypass of Regional Road 20. A transportation crossing in this area would have a profound impact, as it would enhance the accommodation of commercial vehicles and other transportation vehicles, ensuring greater safety for local communities and facilitating efficient commercial operations. Moreover, it could also boost the transportation system's capacity, redundancy, and resiliency, while ensuring effective movement of goods and people in Niagara.

External Involvement

The Township of West Lincoln is considering the potential linkage of this preferred truck route as part of the 2019-initated Smithville Urban Boundary Expansion Study. As the Township of West Lincoln is expected to grow to meet regional/provincial growth targets, considerations will be made on the exact placement of the bypass and opportunities to connect the Smithville Bypass to the proposed Niagara Escarpment Crossing at the northerly edge of the Smithville Urban Boundary limit.


Beamsville Truck Route Implementation Study Completion

This project has been successfully completed, with the report's recommendations, including signage and paint marking changes, fully implemented. Additionally, these improvements and recommendations from this report will effectively enhance the Niagara Escarpment Crossing IEA.

Study Overview

To move forward with the Beamsville Truck Route short term solution, the Town undertook an implementation study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the proposed alternate route and identify deficiencies related to truck safety, traffic operations, utilities, street lighting, active transportation, and roadway geometry that may pose a challenge to trucks diverted to the by-pass.

The results of this study include the mitigation measures recommended and their associated preliminary cost estimates. This study informs the detailed design and construction phases required to implement the alternate route. This study also encompasses key issues related to complete streets and Vision Zero.

The Town of Lincoln led the Beamsville Truck Route Implementation Study in partnership with the Niagara Region, and with IBI Group leading as the prime consultant for transportation engineering and planning.

We welcome your questions about Truck Traffic in Lincoln

loader image
Didn't receive confirmation?
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    A stop light at Mountain and Connor Drive would go a long way at reducing traffic speed and limiting truck movement along Mountain. This is a high residential area, it is a school zone and it is completely unsafe. Waiting years for alternate routes to become available is not an acceptable solution for these taxpayers. I am a corner unit at this intersection and a very concerned resident.

    ND asked 11 months ago

    Thank you for contacting us with your concerns. The Town has heard from a few residents regarding traffic safety on Mountain Street, and since Mountain Street is a regional road, the Town is in regular communication with the Region regarding these concerns. We encourage you to also reach out to Niagara Region Transportation Services at this link to express your concerns. Niagara Region has proposed Mountain Street listed as a Community Safety Zone (CSZ), and you can find out more information regarding CSZ’s at this link.

    Regarding your comment on traffic lights, these require a warranting process, and as per the most recently prepared traffic signal warrant completed this year, this location is not a candidate for a traffic light because it does not meet the warrants. 

    The Town aims to improve pedestrian safety along Mountain Street, and we are currently in the design phase of the missing sidewalk link on the west side of Mountain Street between Connor Drive and Cassandra Drive. Construction of the sidewalk is anticipated in 2024. We are also installing "watch for children" signage on Connor Drive coming off Mountain Street to raise driver awareness in the area. 

    If you observe speeding in this area, please request police enforcement at a specific location or to report specific vehicles on Mountain Street by contacting the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) at this link on the Niagara Police Traffic Complaints page or by calling the NRPS traffic hotline, 905-688-4111, ext. 1025555.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    My home backs onto Barlett Road in Beamsville and I am very concerned about the truck traffic noise that I will have to endure in my backyard? Are there plans for sound barriers? What is in place for this noise & air pollution? I didn't buy my home on a truck route. Concerned Resident.

    Penn asked over 1 year ago
    An Alternate Truck Route Study was completed and identified multiple routes to redirect trucks from the downtown Beamsville. This includes Durham Road, Mountain Road and Bartlett Road. The study also provides recommendations for each of the intersections associated with the abovementioned streets for enhancing truck turning movements and consideration of signalized intersections along Regional Road 81. The Town in tandem with the Niagara Region has committed resources over the next several years to follow the recommendations of the Alternate Truck Route Study to provide viable truck movement throughout Beamsville. 

    Along with the truck study, the Bartlett Road Project will implement the recommendations of the Active Transportation Strategy (ATS) that was recently completed for the Town. Bartlett Road has been identified as a primary active transportation route and will be designed to accommodate a variety of pedestrian movements. Furthermore, the design will provide enhanced safety for all users. 

    In addition, a noise study was completed to determine the impact of the alternate truck route. The conclusion of that study identified that no mitigation measures are warranted, as the increase in noise did not exceed the allowable levels. However, as part of the design, we will investigate ways to further reduce noise such as physical screenings, pavement surface types and increased signage (i.e., avoid use of engine brakes). The design goal for our team will be to provide a perfect balance between the continual movement of truck traffic and accessible active transportation link along Bartlett Road. However, noise reduction will be a key consideration for our team as well.

    The Town is understanding of residents concerns about the viability of the Alternate Truck Route, however, Bartlett Road along with Durham Road and Mountain Road are meant to work in tandem to provide multiple options in dispersing truck traffic throughout Beamsville. Additionally, Durham Road is scheduled to be the first of the projects to receive an upgrade to promote the use of truck traffic and with proper signage and communication to the public, we are confident that this will assist with the dispersion of truck traffic while we plan to implement the remainder of the projects. 
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Can we stop trucks from using Hwy 8/King St. through Jordan Hollow? That road is barely safe for passenger vehicles in anything other than ideal road conditions, much less for cyclists or pedestrians, and the winding road either makes it impossible for trucks to use solely their lane, or they can't be bothered, but I often have to swerve far over to the side to avoid being hit by trucks. Also, if it isn't feesible to widen the road to make it safe for cyclists and pedestrians, we need to tell them to take a safer route like 21st St.

    NiagaraJay asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your comments. King Street is a Regional Road and any action on this street would be initiated by the Region. Please note, the Town has been in discussions with the Niagara Region regarding Active Transportation along this stretch and will continue to request this. You are encouraged to reach out to the Region at this link  - https://www.niagararegion.ca/mailto.aspx?email=jody.head&name=Transportation+Services - to bring this item to their attention.  

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    What about trucks delivering to No Frills? How will they be re-routed, re: residential neighbourhoods (Central ave), traffic for Senator Gibson, children

    Hedijo asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. There will be no restrictions on local deliveries. Trucks that have business on local roads will be able to continue as usual, to ensure the needs of Lincoln businesses and residents continue to be met.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Map shows ideal route for trucks,so why haven’t you posted restrictions on the short stretch from Bartlett along Greenlane rd to Ontario street.this area is only residential?

    Gunner asked about 2 years ago

    Thanks for your question. Once Bartlett Rd is upgraded and specifically signed as a truck route we would look at other intersecting streets for further restriction.  In response to your request, the Town will look at monitoring this particular section of Greenlane with traffic counts for truck traffic to gain a better understanding on the amount of trucks and what else should be done in terms of restrictions, etc. Please note that Greenlane is collector east/west roadway and as such will experience some truck traffic making local deliveries, etc. in the Beamsville area.  

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    The truck noise, pollution and speed of movement on Mountain Rd between King and Fly is very concerning. Despite the school zone and new speed limits, the continued concern is still ongoing. While I understand the time required and the work required before change can be implemented, safety of the houses immediately on or next to Mountain, their children and pets. When standing outside anytime before 7pm, it is often difficult to have a conversation without raising your voice and as a parent i avoid allowing my kids to play in the front yard.

    Tina.cig asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback.  Please note that the Town, in collaboration with the Niagara Region, has implemented a number of traffic calming measures to help slow truck traffic and raise driver awareness.  For example, the flashing truck grade sign at the top of the hill on Mountain St, a digital speed sign further down in advance of Hillside Dr and line painting/marking on the pavement reminder drivers to check their speed.  We will bring your concern forward to NRPS for increased enforcement.  

    If you are able to let us know which section of Mountain St you live on or are observing the speeding and we can let both the NRPS and the Niagara Region Transportation Division know for follow up and further review. Please find contact info of the Staff contacts on the right-hand side of this Truck Traffic Speak Up Lincoln page

Page last updated: 20 Feb 2024, 07:13 AM