FAQs
What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of the study is to consider improvements to Highway 35/115 interchange, including:
- Tie the Highway 35/115 interchange into the previously approved Highway 35 improvements;
- Rehabilitation/widening/replacement of structures in the study area;
- Addressing local access needs; and
- Drainage improvements.
Is this study part of the Highway 407 East expansion?
No, this study is not part of the extension of Highway 407. The future Highway 407 will intersect Highway 35/115 approximately 4km south of the current Highway 35/115 interchange and is not included in the study area. There are currently no plans to extend Highway 407 beyond its current terminus at Highway 35/115.
What is the approved plan for the Highway 35 Four-Lane Planning and Preliminary Design Study to the north?
The study area for the Highway 35 Four-Lane Planning and Preliminary Design Study was from 0.5km south of Regional Road 20 northerly to 2.4 km south of Highway 7. In 2009, MTO obtained environmental clearance for a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) to widen Highway 35 to a four-lane divided highway. The approved plan did not include the Highway 35/115 Interchange.
How will the public be involved during the study?
There are a number of ways the public can get involved. These include:
- Contact the Project Team directly. Visit the “Contact Us” page on this website for more details.
- Attend the Public Information Centres. Two (2) Public Information Centres will be held at key milestones to engage the public, and provide an opportunity for two-way communication with the Project Team.
- Visit this project website. The Project Website will be updated regularly to provide information on events including the Public Information Centres, and availability of project documentation.
- Review the Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) during the 30-day public review period and provide your comments. The TESR will be released at the end of the study, following the two Public Information Centres.
How with the public be notified of the study and key project milestones?
We will use the following methods to notify the public of key project milestones:
- Letters and notices will be sent to contacts on the project mailing list to solicit comments and suggestions.
- Notices will be published in the Clarington This Week and Orono Weekly.
- Notices will be posted on the “Consultation” page of this website.
I would like to join the project mailing list. How do I sign up?
Visit the “Contact Us” page of the project website to fill out a comment form or email the Project Team at project-team@Hwy35and115.ca.
What is a Preliminary Design Study?
A project typically goes through several study phases before it is tendered for construction. The phases are: Planning, Preliminary Design, and Detail Design. Each phase involves an increasing level of detail as the study progresses.
Preliminary Design is a broader study with an end goal of selecting a preferred alternative to address the problem / opportunity. A list of alternatives are generated that would address study objectives. The alternatives are evaluated using a set of criteria along with stakeholder engagement to determine the preferred alternative. Preliminary drawings are developed for the preferred alternative at this stage.
How will the preferred alternative / preferred plan be selected? Do I have a say?
To ensure there is reasonable and adequate justification to proceed with the improvements and that the need for the study is clearly demonstrated, the MTO Class EA process requires that Planning Alternatives be considered. Planning Alternatives are assessed against a set of evaluation criteria such as: ability to reasonably address the identified transportation needs and opportunities, and potential impacts to the natural, socio-economic and cultural environment. The assessment is completed in conjunction with public input.
The evaluation criteria will be presented at PIC #1 while the preferred alternative will be presented at PIC #2. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the PICs, and submit comments to the Project Team about the Planning Alternatives and evaluation criteria.
