7 December 2016Transportation committee approves 2017 budget_ (press release) _ ** Ottawa ** – The Transportation Committee, which is responsible for the City’s transportation planning and infrastructure, today approved its 2017 draft budget . The budget calls for a continuing commitment to delivering a safe and convenient cycling and pedestrian network – expanding and improving cycling routes, multi-use pathways and sidewalks. More than $8 million will go towards new cycling infrastructure, while another $1.5 million will be used to enhance pedestrian mobility. When combined with other levels of government, it is anticipated that $73 million will be invested in cycling in this Term of Council versus $27 million in the last Term and an additional $10 million in pedestrian infrastructure. The cycling network expansion will include such projects as the Cyrville Road Bike Lanes, Rideau Canal Crossing – Fifth Avenue to Clegg Street, Western Rideau River Pathway, Booth Street Bike Track, Trans Orléans Pathway, Campeau Drive Multiuse Pathway, Kanata North Cycling link and rural cycling routes. Pedestrian travel will be enhanced with new sidewalk on St. Laurent Boulevard, Parkglen Drive, Gardenway Drive, Bridgestone Drive, Chimo Drive, and Connaught/Roman Avenue. Further road safety and intersection improvements for 2017 will include: * $4.5 million increase to funding for winter road maintenance * $800,000 for the expansion of the red light camera program * $2.375 million for new traffic control devices * $105,000 for roadway cycling safety improvements at 10 locations * $380,000 for intersection pedestrian safety enhancements * $3.6 million for intersection control measures * $2.5 million for network modifications * $1.498 million for renewal of traffic control signals * $350,000 for traffic monitoring system * $500,000 for new street lighting * $2.68 million for street lighting major replacements * $1.0 million for Safety Improvement Program * $420,000 for Safer Roads Ottawa Neighbourhood safety programs will continue in communities across the city, with traffic-calming measures to reduce speeding and traffic safety awareness initiatives in residential areas. The budget continues to invest in the planning, design and construction of new transportation infrastructure while renewing the City’s existing assets. Highlights include: * $5 million in 2017 for the new Kanata South Link (Hope Side Road to Hwy 416), from a total of $24 million over the next two years. * $800,000 for Brian Coburn Boulevard Extension, Navan Road to Mer Bleue Road * $1.6 million for park and ride facilities * $2.5 million for rapid transit environmental assessments * $1.7 million for transit corridor protection * With funding from the federal government, the Kanata light rail transit environmental assessment and the Baseline Bus Rapid Transit Corridor * $88.9 million for integrated projects that address road, sewer and water renewal as part of coordinated project delivery * $43.2 million for road renewal and resurfacing, with $23 million for rural roads * $13.8 million for bridge renewal * $2.7 million in standalone sidewalk renewal * $1.4 million for transportation service building renewal The Transportation Committee budget will be considered at City Council on Wednesday, December 14. For more information on the City’s 2017 Draft Budget, visit ottawa.ca /budget2017 or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).