Essex County is developing an updated Transportation Master Plan that will evaluate current traffic conditions and forecast the region’s transportation requirements until 2053. It will replace a regional transportation master plan created in partnership with the City of Windsor in 2005.
The Essex County Transportation Master Plan will be a visionary road map designed to ensure safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the region. It will serve as a guide for responsible management and enhancement of the county's transportation infrastructure over the next three decades.
The first Public Information Centre about the plan was held June 27, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Essex County Civic Centre. Review the presentation here:
Public Information Centre presentation - June 27, 2024
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and comments by the July 27, 2024, deadline. Your input is being reviewed. Watch this web page for updates.
Key Objectives of the Plan
- Efficient traffic flow: The Transportation Master Plan will prioritize the seamless movement of people and goods among communities and significant destinations within the County, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Long-term infrastructure planning: It will facilitate strategic planning for transportation infrastructure improvements and enhancements, considering future growth and evolving needs.
- Accommodating growth: It will identify interventions required to accommodate expected growth while managing the road network effectively.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
The preferred network strategy recommended by the Transportation Master Plan will be designed to be operationally, financially and environmentally sustainable. Solutions proposed within the plan are intended to be implemented without imposing significant environmental impacts or prohibitive costs. Acknowledging the environmental challenges posed by Essex County's natural heritage features, the plan anticipates and will seek to mitigate these challenges while assessing alternative solutions.
Open Public Process and Master Plan Study
This study will be conducted transparently through an open public process, operating under the Environmental Assessment Act. It will serve as direct input to potential subsequent environmental assessment studies, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to developing an implementable master plan for the region's transportation needs.
Creating the Essex County Transportation Master Plan requires taking the following steps:
- Review and Consult: All necessary background documents and data will be reviewed. County and other stakeholders will be consulted.
- Develop the Plan: The draft vision, objectives and policies will be developed to provide clear directions about the needs, opportunities and best practices.
- Evaluate the Options: A range of options will be identified for potential infrastructure projects, policies and services to meet forecasted transportation needs. Concerns from residents, stakeholders and Essex County staff will be addressed prior to developing these options.
- Draft the Plan: Recommended policies, programs, infrastructure improvements, implementation strategies and other recommendations will be outlined in the draft plan.
- Finalize the Plan: After being thoroughly reviewed by stakeholders, residents and county staff, the plan will be finalized. Then it will be implemented.
Throughout the process there will be opportunities for public review and input. New information and updates will be shared on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why does the County of Essex need a Transportation Master Plan? |
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The plan will provide guidance for future investments in transportation to foster community growth for years to come. It will advocate for a comprehensive, multi-modal approach to the planning, design and execution of transportation infrastructure to support and realize the county’s strategic directions and policies. The plan will set out a framework and strategy for effectively managing the growing traffic volume anticipated in the coming years. |
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What will the Transportation Master Plan include? |
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Will the Transportation Master Plan include areas outside of the County of Essex? |
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The primary emphasis of the plan will be on enhancing Essex County's transportation system. However, there will be evaluations to improve transportation options regionally, including traffic to and from the City of Windsor and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. |
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Will the Transportation Master Plan focus on automobiles? |
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No. The plan will comprehensively address the ways people and goods move within Essex County, such as walking, cycling, riding public transit and driving. |
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How will my input be used? |
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Your feedback will help us identify challenges and opportunities that need to be considered in the Essex County Transportation Master Plan. It also help us refine the recommendations in the plan. |
Watch Here for Updates
- Public Information Centre presentation (June 27, 2024)
- Notice of Public Information Centre (June 18, 2024)
- Notice of Study Commencement (April 17, 2024)
Contact Us
For more information please contact:
Jerry Behl, P. Eng., PMP, PTOE, RSP1
Manager, Transportation Planning and Development
County of Essex
360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite 315
Essex, ON
N8M 1Y6
519-776-6441 ext. 1316
JBehl@countyofessex.ca
Alvaro L. Almuina, P. Eng., M. Eng., PMP, DCE
Consultant Project Manager
R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited
128 Wellington Street West Suite 301
Barrie, ON
L4N 8J6
1-800-265-9662 ext. 4383
Alvaro.Almuina@rjburnside.com
Environment Canada is warning there is the potential for heavy rainfall in Windsor-Essex on Wednesday and Thursday (July 10-11) Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding. Learn about steps to take to protect homes and properties, and how to prepare for a flooding emergency: countyofessex.ca/flooding/
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