Conversion of the Rail Corridor to a Multi-Use Trail from Marlatts Road to Rice Road (Preliminary Design Study)

Study Overview

The City of Thorold is initiating improvements to the existing rail trail between Marlatts Road and approximately 120 m west of Rice Road to the Town of Pelham municipal boundary (see key map). A municipal class environmental assessment study is not required for this work.

The key aspects of this work will include but are not limited to the following:

• Upgrade the gravel trail to a multi-use path
• Realign trail crossings at roadways (as required)
• Identify locations for trail signage
• Prepare preliminary design drawings

Trail Design

The trail was designed based on the requirements outlined in the City of Thorold’s Active Transportation Strategy, OTM Book 18, and TAC Manual. The existing gravel path will be upgraded to a paved multi-use path that is generally 3 m wide but may be narrowed to 2.4 m in constrained areas (e.g., minimize impacts to utilities or natural environmental features).

There are seven (7) trail crossings along the trail. All trail crossings have been redesigned with formal pavement markings and to cross the road at an improved angle (e.g., perpendicular to the road). Following a review of the traffic volumes along each road, it was determined that six (6) of the trail crossings will be uncontrolled crossings while the trail crossing at Merritville Highway will be a controlled (signalized) crossing. It is anticipated that all trail crossings will be lit and will be confirmed during the subsequent Detailed Design phase.

As part of the study, the project team will be reviewing potential signage locations and rest stops / street furniture (e.g., benches), which will be confirmed during the subsequent Detailed Design phase. Lighting requirements along the trail will be determined during the subsequent Detailed Design study.