Southdale Road West and Bostwick Road Environmental Assessment

Background

Southdale Road West is a major road that transports many Londoners every day. The road already experiences significant traffic delays, a challenge that is expected to increase with new and future developments in the area, including the recently built StarTech.com Community Centre (previously known as Bostwick Community Centre).

The Environmental Assessment looked at solving the above challenges by studying road improvements for Southdale Road West between Pine Valley Boulevard and Colonel Talbot Road. This study also looked at road enhancements to Bostwick Road from Southdale Road West to Pack Road to support future development in that region.

The 2030 Transportation Master Plan prioritized road improvements to Southdale Road West and Bostwick Road to address future growth and accommodate all roadway users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

The study explored a variety of planning solutions to address the challenges in the area. The Environmental Study Report recommended improvements to the corridor that would accommodate all road users – a recommendation that aligned with the Transportation Master Plan's direction.

The study recommended:

  • widening of Southdale Road West from two to four lanes, and the addition of new sidewalks and bike paths
  • widening Bostwick Road from two to four lanes, and the addition of new sidewalks and bike paths
  • a two-lane roundabout in the intersection of Southdale Road and Colonel Talbot Road
  • traffic signals upgrades and intersection improvements at the intersection of Southdale Road West and Bostwick Road
  • addition of centre medians, curbs, and gutters on Southdale Road West and Bostwick Road

These recommendations are designed to:

  • help improve traffic operations
  • increase safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists
  • help protect established communities and businesses
  • better accommodate existing and new transit users

Phase 1 of construction (Southdale Road West from Farnham Road/Bostwick Road to Pine Valley Boulevard) is expected to start in 2022.

Phase 2 (Southdale Road West and Colonel Talbot Road intersection improvement) is anticipated to begin in 2024.

Phase 3 (Southdale Road West from Bostwick Road to Colonel Talbot Road) is anticipated to begin in 2031.

Current status

The Environmental Assessment is now complete, and Council approved the plan in April 2019.

Study area

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The study area included Southdale Road West between Pine Valley Boulevard and Colonel Talbot Road. The study also addressed Bostwick Road, north of Pack Road. For more information, please contact Michelle Morris by emailing mmorris@london.ca or calling 519-661-2489 extension 5806.

 

Project Timeline

2017: Start of the Environmental Assessment

The City sent out a notice of commencement to residents, business owners and interested stakeholders to notify them of the Environmental Assessment's start.

November 2017: First Public Information Session

A Public Information Centre was scheduled for November 2017 at the Westview Baptist Church - interested parties were encouraged to attend. The public provided comments about the potential road improvements to  Southdale Road West to the project team, which were critical to the development of this environmental assessment.

May 2018: Second Public Information Session

A Public Information Centre was scheduled for May 2018 at Westview Baptist Church. The team provided all interested parties with an update on the project and listened to feedback that was critical to shaping the recommendations provided by the Environmental Study Report.

April 2019: Environmental Study Report completed

The Environmental Assessment is now complete, and Council approved the plan in 2019.

Last modified:Wednesday, June 15, 2022