The QEW Welland, Niagara Falls is a bustling 6-lane urban freeway, with the Glendale Avenue Interchange serving as a key gateway. This interchange facilitates access to several notable landmarks, including the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Outlet Collection at Niagara, White Oaks Resort and Spa, and Niagara College.
The design for improvements to the interchange underwent a rigorous planning process:
The preliminary design for the Queen Elizabeth Way and Glendale Avenue interchange enhancements adhered to guidelines for Group ‘B’ projects as per the MTO Class Environmental Assessment for Transportation Facilities (2000). The process culminated in a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR).
Simultaneously, the Niagara Region initiatives, including the Glendale Avenue/York Road roundabout and a new connection from Glendale Avenue to Airport Road, were executed in line with Schedule ‘C’ projects criteria under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2015 amendment).
Given the close geographical relation between the QEW/Glendale Avenue interchange and the Glendale Avenue/York Road intersection, both study processes were harmonized, involving collaboration between MTO and the Niagara Region. Key work on the project included:
- The QEW and Glendale Avenue’s MTO Bridge Replacement featuring a Diverging Diamond Interchange (first of its kind n Ontario).
- A roundabout at the Glendale Avenue/York Road intersection, spearheaded by the Niagara Region.
- Niagara Region’s proposal for a new road linking Glendale Avenue to the Airport.
- An extension for the right-turning lane on Glendale Avenue, spanning from Taylor Road to Niagara-on-the-Green Boulevard, also a Niagara Region initiative.
Engtec Consulting Inc. acted as the High complexity Pavement designer and the QC/QVE for the project works. The estimated construction value of this project is $54 Million.
