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

Road Maintenance

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

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.  Speed limit signs do not 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 signs.

Surveys

We solicit information from the public on a variety of issues to improve service and safety. Currently we are seeking input on the successes of the Temporary Bike Lane Pilot that took place in the summer of 2020. Please take a few minutes to share your feedback.

• Temporary Bike Lane Survey

Traffic Volume

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.

Winter Maintenance

• 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.