Roads and Traffic

Adopt-A-Road is a program for volunteers to clean up Regional roads by picking up garbage along the right-of-ways. It is a way for environmentally conscious citizens, neighbourhood and civic organizations, private businesses and industry to contribute to a cleaner environment.

If you or your group are interested in the Adopt-A-Road program, send us an email with the following information:

• Name and contact information of individual or group
• The Regional Road you are interested in adopting

The Region and its seven local municipalities work together to ensure road maintenance is efficient. City crews sometimes work on regional roads while Regional teams provide service on city streets. From repairs and potholes to snow plowing and sweeping, crews work to keep roads in ideal condition. 

To report a maintenance issue such as potholes email us or call 519-575-4400.

Speed limits are generally set at or about the average speed of motorists because this is most likely to produce a uniformly moving traffic stream. Uniform speed results in:

• increased safety and fewer collisions
• less impatient drivers
• less passing
• less tailgating
• blatant speeders are easily spotted, drivers obeying speed limits are not penalized

It is very difficult to control speed. Without additional measures (such as roadway design changes or an effective enforcement program), posting reduced speed limit signs is not enough to slow down traffic. Research has shown that most drivers travel at a speed they consider to be comfortable, regardless of posted speed limits.  Studies undertaken before and after revising speed limits have shown that there are no significant changes in average speed following the posting of new signs unless there are additional changes introduced to support the lowered speed limits, such as traffic calming measures (e.g. speed cushions), narrower travel lanes, roadside features that signify the need for lower speeds, or enhanced enforcement.

How are speed limits set?

• Speed limits are set by the respective Council through changes to their Traffic and Parking By-Law, usually through recommendations provided by professional transportation staff. For Township and City roads, the posted speed limits are set by the respective Township or City Council. Speed limits on regional roads are set by Region of Waterloo Council.
• Speed limits for any given section of roadway are set with consideration for the surrounding environment. Speed limits are designed to establish a good baseline of road safety and quality of life for the local community, while still facilitating the movement of traffic through the area. Factors such as traffic volumes, pedestrian levels, collision history, road design, land use and more are also considered.
• It is widely recognized that lower speeds have significant benefits for the local community, including fewer and less severe crash outcomes. Low speeds also produce less traffic noise and tend to make neighbourhoods calmer and more appealing to walk and cycle around.
• Lower speed limits are especially important in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near schools, parks, hospitals, day care centres and senior centres.
• As a driver, it’s important to always pay attention to road signs and follow the posted limit. Take care to adjust your speed to road and weather conditions.

• Punkeydoodles Public Information Centre 

The Region of Waterloo conducts annual counts to collect vehicular traffic volume, pedestrian and cyclist volume on Regional roads. This data helps determine growth rates, traffic patterns, need for traffic control devices and is used in establishing operational and capital projects.

Average Annual Daily Traffic Volume Report for most locations on the regional road system within Waterloo Region.

• road and weather sensors provide operations staff monitoring road conditions with data to determine the appropriate course of action
• snow plow operators receive training on how weather events can affect road surfaces and best management practices for salt
• depending on weather and road conditions, some of the materials used may include:
  • Direct Liquid Application involves spraying an anti-icing liquid on the road prior to a winter storm to prevent ice and frost from forming and sticking to the pavement. Anti-icing uses less salt and increases the effectiveness of plowing early in the storm.
  • pre-wetted salt is dry road salt with winter liquid applied before it is spread on the road. This helps the salt stick to the road surface and speeds up the effectiveness of the salt to melt the ice and snow on the pavement.
  • sand may be used on its own or in combination with salt to provide traction. Salt is less effective when temperatures fall below -12 Celsius.
• snow plows are equipped with:
  • electronic spreader controls allow operator to set the rate of salt or sand for the conditions and ensure correct amounts are distributed
  • infrared thermometers provide continuous, accurate road and air temperature readings to assist the operator in the effective use of salt
  • Global Positioning System records the location of the snow plow and amount of salt applied. Operations staff can review the information to minimize the application of salt while achieving the required level of service.
  • blade technology offers better snow plowing capabilities
• enclosed storage areas keep salt contained from outside exposure protecting the natural environment
• snow fences in strategic locations and establishing new hedgerows help reduce snow drifting on to roads, which generally leads to the need for less salt.