If you’re in a hurry, don’t take Franklin Boulevard.

An analysis of regional roads conducted by the Region of Waterloo found that a stretch of the Cambridge road, around the Highway 401 off-ramp and Pinebush Road, is the most consistently congested street in the area.

While some streets can become more gridlocked at certain times of day – Pinebush near Hespeler Road outside of rush hours was found to be the overall busiest – none were congested as regularly and predictably as Franklin.

Peter Koudounis isn’t surprised to hear that conclusion.

As the manager of an auto shop located just past the intersection, he’s even pre-warned customers that making a left-turn into his business isn’t always easy, especially during the afternoon rush.

“It’s a very busy street – a lot of truck traffic, a lot of car traffic,” he says.

Regional officials hope the situation will improve within the next few years – but first, the gridlock may get even worse.

Six roundabouts will be constructed along Franklin Boulevard in 2015, and four or five more in 2016.

The road will remain open through construction, with traffic flowing in both directions.

Still, lane closures have Koudounis worried about the impact on his business.

“As much as we have a loyal customer base, I think the ease of access is going to affect our customer base,” he says.

He doesn’t expect things to get better when the construction ends and the roundabout-laden intersection opens, either.

“I think it’s just going to make things worse and back the traffic up further down Franklin,” he says, adding that he’d rather see wider streets and more left-turn lanes in the area.

Coun. Jim Wideman says congestion issues on Franklin are exacerbated by Cambridge’s rapid growth, and by the city’s lack of an expressway.

He’s happy to see the roundabouts going in, and says the region will work with businesses to minimize disruption while the work takes place.

“I’m sure during construction … it will be worse, but that always happens no matter where you build,” he says.

Other road segments found to be among the most congested in the region include:

  • Sportsworld Drive near King Street East
  • Northfield Drive between King Street and Kraus Drive
  • Hespeler Road between the Highway 401 ramps
  • University Avenue between the expressway off-ramp and Bridge Street