Region explores removing trucks in downtown Cambridge

The Region of Waterloo is seeking public input on the potential of banning heavy trucks from the downton core in Cambridge.
Regional staff presented a Downtown Cambridge Truck Diversion Study in a virtual meeting on Thursday. The Region is exploring two options for truck traffic in Cambridge.
One option is to do nothing. The other option is to divert trucks from Ainslie St. and Water St. to McQueen Shaver Blvd., Franklin Blvd., Dundas St. and Concession St. Any trucks needing to deliver to businesses on Water and Ainslie would still be allowed.
According to the study, 1600 trucks use Water St. and Ainslie St. a day. Staff found if trucks were banned from those two streets, it would divert 62 per cent of the truck traffic from those roads. Which is about 1,000-1,150 trucks per day. The report found only 450 to 600 trucks would be left using Water and Ainslie per day.
The study found diverting trucks would increase travel time by 0 to 5 minutes for 6 per cent of the diverted trucks, while 11 per cent would see a 5 to 10 minute increase. It’s expected the remainder would not have their travel time changed.
Staff said if trucks are diverted, noise barriers will likely need to be built for McQueen Shaver and Franklin Boulevards. The report estimated the barriers would cost around $4 million.
The next step for staff is to collect feedback from the public. A noise study will also be completed. Regional staff are expected to make a recommendation to Regional council in the first quarter of 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
China balloon: Many questions about suspected spy in the sky
The massive white orb drifting across U.S. airspace has triggered a diplomatic maelstrom and is blowing up on social media. A look at what's known about the balloon crossing the U.S. and what isn't.

Dozens of soldiers freed in Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap
Dozens of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home following a prisoner swap, officials on both sides said Saturday.
Marit Stiles officially confirmed as Ontario NDP leader by majority vote
Marit Stiles has been confirmed as the new leader of the Ontario NDP after a majority of party members voted in favour of the lone candidate.
W5 Investigates | Daniel Jolivet insists he's not a murderer and says he has proof
Convicted murderer Daniel Jolivet, in prison for the past 30 years, has maintained his innocence since the day he was arrested. W5 reviews the evidence he painstakingly assembled while behind bars. W5's documentary 'Buried Evidence' airs Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV.
Poor oral health could affect the brain later in life: early study
An early study has shown keeping your gums and teeth healthy may have added benefits for your brain health.
Oldest preserved vertebrate brain found in 319-million-year-old fish fossil
The oldest preserved vertebrate brain has been found in a 319-million-year-old fossilized fish skull that was removed from an English coal mine over a century ago.
In Tyre Nichols' neighbourhood, Black residents fear police
In a terrible way, the death of Tyre Nichols brings vindication to members of the Black community in Memphis who live in terror of police.
One in four Canadian cancer patients still experiencing cancelled appointments: survey
In the field of cancer treatment, nothing is more important than diagnosing and treating the problem as quickly as possible — but according to new survey data, about one in four Canadian cancer patients report that they are still experiencing cancelled or postponed appointments.
50-car train derailment causes big fire, evacuations in Ohio
A train derailment and resulting large fire prompted an evacuation order and a declaration of a state of emergency in an Ohio village near the Pennsylvania state line on Friday night, covering the area in billows of smoke lit orange by the flames below.