When we talk about Downtown Paris, a frequent comment we hear from the community is about the need for a new Grand River Crossing. As our community continues to grow, we know that getting across the Grand River efficiently is a top priority for residents and businesses alike.
The County of Brant's Transportation Master Plan explicitly recognizes the need to address traffic congestion in downtown Paris. Based on your feedback and technical analysis, here is what is in the works:
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Public Request for a New Bridge: Many residents have voiced the need for an additional crossing to alleviate pressure on the William Street bridge and Grand River Street North.
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The Plan: The Transportation Master Plan Update recommends a Grand River Crossing Environmental Assessment. This study will consider options to respond to congestion over the Grand River and identify a potential new crossing or a "Paris East Bypass" or existing bridge widening alternatives to divert heavy traffic away from the heritage core.
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Timeline: The current plan targets an Environmental Assessment by 2041. The Transportation Master Plan is reviewed every five years, providing opportunities to accelerate these critical projects as growth continues.
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Immediate Action: In the meantime,
- The Downtown Dig is already upgrading essential infrastructure on Grand River Street North to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety right now.
- The Paris West Bypass diverts traffic around Paris to the west, alleviating congestion from the downtown core. It serves as an important alternative route for travelers moving between the north and south ends of the town and connects motorists from both Highways 401 and 403. The Paris West Bypass was recommended as the short- and medium-term action in the Transportation Master Plan.
- The Paris West Bypass connects Keg Lane and Brant Oxford Road in the north end to Bishopsgate Road and Powerline Road in the south end.
- The new roundabouts in Falkland on King Edward St are complete to help traffic keep moving on the west side.
- Many take Bishopsgate Rd to Powerline Rd to Rest Acres Rd to access Highway 403. New road and intersections upgrades will occur on Powerline Rd in the near future and Rest Acres Road has been newly constructed to handle higher levels of traffic flow efficiently.
- A new Highway 403 interchange at Bishopsgate Rd has been advocated for by the County of Brant to the Province for many years. This interchange is part of a larger plan, and the County will continue to advocate to the Province.
The Transportation Master Plan indicates that in the future, as growth occurs, a Paris East Bypass may be justified. A new bridge over the Grand River would be an expensive endeavor for the community. When the study begins, many options will be studied, and the community will be engaged in the conversation. Your feedback will be important.
Be sure to register with Engage Brant at EngageBrant.ca/register, to be notified when future engagement opportunities are available.
The County of Brant has completed its Transportation Master Plan update.
The Plan recommends solutions that respond to the following needs and opportunities:
- Rapid growth: Meet the needs of existing and future travel demand
- Localized issues: Improve road network safety and operations
- Goods movement: Ensure efficient goods movement
- Active transportation: Make active transportation more attractive
- Public transit: Grow transit connections and coverage within, to and from the County of Brant
What we learned
Two rounds of consultation were held throughout the study, including a public survey, live public meeting and two stakeholder meetings. Feedback received shaped the Plan and ensures solutions meaningfully respond to local desires, which highlighted an interest in:
- Improved safety and road operations
- Support for cycling connections
- Improved transit
- The need to respond to congestion in and around Paris
The draft Transportation Master Plan Summary Report was presented to Council on September 27, 2022. The County of Brant hosted a public review period from November 1, 2022 to December 9, 2022.
A virtual public meeting was held on Thursday March 31, 2022 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. View the presentation slides.
Results from the feedback received to the interactive map and online survey conducted as part of Public Meeting #1 can generally be grouped into the following themes:
- Congestion in Downtown Paris, especially along Grand River Street and William Street;
- Support to build a bypass around Paris as a response to growth, congestion and truck movements;
- Concerns about trucks traveling through Paris, as well as other safety concerns regarding trucks on specific road segments;
- Walking and cycling are important modes—supporting related infrastructure in both urban and rural settings is an important action that can promote healthy and connected communities and enhance safety;
- General interest among respondents to implement transit service throughout the County, connecting major communities and the City of Brantford; and
- General interest among respondents to expand regional transit connections to the City of Brantford, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, the Region of Waterloo and Niagara Falls.
2008 - Transportation Master Plan Final Document
