In 2018, the Ville de Rivière-du-Loup redeveloped Plourde Street between Villeray and des Plateaux streets. The goal of Rivière-du-Loup’s elected officials, city planners and engineers was to calm traffic by narrowing the roadway.
Rivière-du-Loup
The case study conducted was one of fourteen studies included in Montreal Urban Ecology Centre’s report analyzing Complete Street transformations across the province of Quebec.
Project Information:
- Street Category: Local street
- Project length: 1.1 km
- Total cost: $1.55 M
- Cost per km: $1.4 M
- Year of implementation: 2018
Before:
Photo: Google Street View
After:
Photo: Ville de Rivière-du-Loup
In 2018, the Ville de Rivière-du-Loup redeveloped Plourde Street between Villeray and des Plateaux streets. The goal of Rivière-du-Loup’s elected officials, city planners and engineers was to calm traffic by narrowing the roadway and reducing motorists’ field of vision on this residential street where vehicles often exceeded the speed limit.
Pedestrian infrastructure
New sidewalks were created along this street where the pedestrian corridor had previously been indicated by pavement markings. A 3-metre wide, raised multi-use path was installed. A vegetative strip was added to better separate those engaged in active travel from motorized vehicles. Curb extensions were placed at intersections to make the sidewalks accessible.
Cycling infrastructure
The multi-use path raised above the roadway now ensures there is a safe cycling connection between des Plateaux Street and the area around Cartier Boulevard.
Traffic calming
The narrowing of the roadway, the addition of trees, the installation of curb extensions and the presence of parking spaces on the street encourage a reduction in traffic speeds. Also, as part of a pilot project, the speed limit was lowered from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. Owing to all of these measures, the average speed of traffic was reduced from 65 km/h to 45 km/h.
Landscaping and furniture
In addition to about 50 trees, streetlights were added, along with vegetated curb extensions, to make the public space more pleasant and comfortable.
Participatory process
An information session was held, during which elected officials became aware of the participants’ desire for a reduced speed limit. Following the redevelopment, its impact on safety was evaluated by means of a survey of residents.
Cross section, corner of Villeray Street
Total pavement: +/- 10 metres