Another piece of the Third Crossing project in Kingston has fallen into place.

On June 15, the City of Kingston released the final design of the intersection of Highway 15 and Gore Rd—the traffic corner that will be closest to the east side of the new bridge across the Cataraqui River.

The city is providing residents with a two-week window to review the future design of the intersection and ask questions of the Third Crossing project team.

“As we continue to build transportation infrastructure projects in Kingston, providing more travel options that are focussed on sustainable transportation is a priority,” said Mark Van Buren, deputy commissioner of the city’s major projects office. “The Third Crossing project will provide alternative methods of transportation for cyclists, pedestrians, transit users and motorists to connect to different parts of our city and the larger Kingston region.”

The changes to the intersection design aim to make the crossroads more pedestrian and cyclist friendly, while accommodating an increase in vehicular traffic. Highlights of the new design include:

• more pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks and pedestrian refuge areas at all four corners,
• greater cyclist safety through off-road cycling facilities and cross rides that allow cyclists to move through the intersection easier,
• more travel options via a multi-use pathway for multi-modal users on both Gore Road and Highway 15, and
• expanded transit infrastructure in all directions by allowing for transit queue-hopping and providing bus stops at the intersection in all directions for future service.

The project also supports various methods of commuting via sustainable transportation.

The design is open for public commentary through June 29.

The Third Crossing project aims to build Kingston’s third bridge across the Cataraqui River from Gore Road in the city's east-end to John Counter Boulevard in its north end. The 1.2 kilometre, two-lane bridge will improve emergency services, increase transportation through a multi-use pedestrian and bike pathway, create greater business connectivity and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The project is valued at $180 million, and is being funded equally by the municipal, provincial and federal governments. It will be the first bridge project in Canada delivered under an integrated project delivery methodology.