Peterborough City Council has deferred a report related to the proposed realignment of Ashburnham Drive and replacement of the McFarlane Street Bridge, delaying the next stage of the environmental assessment process.
Council postponed consideration of recommendations tied to the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, including the posting of the Environmental Study Report for a 30-day public review and provincial approval.
The environmental assessment was launched in September 2022 to examine infrastructure improvements needed to support future growth in Peterborough’s east end and address roads and bridges that no longer meet current standards.
The preferred plan identified through the study would realign Ashburnham Drive east of the Trent–Severn Waterway with sidewalks and boulevard bicycle lanes on both sides. The proposal also includes roadway connections to Maniece Avenue, Hunter Street and Old Norwood Road, along with links to existing active transportation routes.
Plans for the McFarlane Street Bridge call for a new structure immediately north of the existing bridge. The proposed design would include two travel lanes, sidewalks and on-road cycling lanes intended to accommodate users of all ages and abilities.
The study also reviewed transportation performance, environmental impacts near the Trent Canal corridor and options for improving pedestrian and cycling connectivity through the area.
No timeline was immediately provided for when the deferred report will return to council for consideration.
