Sunningdale Road and Hyde Park Road Roundabout
Services
Key Personnel
Project Overview
After identifying a problem with high-speed traffic along Hyde Park Road and high accident rates at its intersection with Sunningdale Road West, the City of London wanted to improve the safety of their arterial road. Capacity was also concern due to development in the area. The solution involved widening the corridor and installing a two-lane roundabout that would force drivers to decrease their speed before entering the intersection. Not only would a roundabout make the road safer for vehicles, it was also designed to accommodate safe transportation options for all road users, and improve traffic wait times through the intersection.
In addition to improving safety and capacity, the project was an opportunity to update the existing infrastructure, improve connectivity for non-vehicular traffic and reduce impacts on the environment. Added street lights, sidewalks and in-boulevard bicycle lanes now make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to safely approach and use the intersection. Additionally, the roundabout will help reduce emissions and improve air quality as a result of fewer stops and shorter idling delays.
MTE’s Involvement
MTE’s reputation and experience with roundabout design and construction led to our team being selected as the Prime Consultant for the detailed design and construction phases of this project. We applied our knowledge of using roadway geometry to control drivers’ speed and provided engineering services for the design of the roundabout. Our solution also addressed the need to widen the approaching roadways as well as introduce storm sewers and improve stormwater management facilities. The previous road had a rural cross-section that relied on ditches for managing stormwater.
As part of our preliminary design phase, we completed geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations to determine the soil and groundwater conditions at the intersection. The results of the investigations supported the use of bioretention cells. They are used to treat and hold road drainage flows before entering the ditch and sewer system. This form of low-impact development greatly improves the quality of stormwater runoff using natural features and vegetation.
Our team coordinated with the local telecommunications and utility providers to relocate hydro poles and wires, and we ensured that we were keeping the public and stakeholders informed and involved throughout the project. This was achieved through a virtual Public Information Centre, as well as updating key stakeholders through consistent and timely communication.
We were also responsible for contract administration and inspection services throughout the construction phase. This phase was split into two stages in order to maintain two-way traffic flow, avoiding the need for full or partial road closures, reducing effects to traffic flow and avoiding detours in the area.
The new roundabout calms traffic naturally and the City has already seen an improvement in traffic flow at this intersection.
Photos credited to J-AAR Excavating, the team responsible for the excavating, sewer, paving and aggregate supply.
