CITY OF HAMILTON
MOTION
COUNCIL DATE: February 13, 2019

MOVED
BY
COUNCILLOR
MERULLA………………………………………

S.

SECONDED BY……………………………………………………………………

Red Hill Valley Parkway Safety
WHEREAS in January 2013, Council directed staff to investigate lighting and improved
signs/lane markings for the RHVP near Mud/Stone Church, and costing/alternatives for
consideration;
WHEREAS, in April 2013, Golders & Associates was hired to complete a six-year
condition assessment on the RHVP, a subsequent second phase of study was
completed by Golder & Associated (Tradewind Scientific) which was primarily focused
on friction testing;
WHEREAS, the report covering the first phase of work by Golders & Associates in April
2013 was not shared publicly or with Council at the time;
WHEREAS in November 2013 Council received information from staff regarding the
2013 safety audit from CIMA which made recommendations on changes to signage,
pavement markings, installation of cat eyes and friction testing;
WHEREAS, in May 2015, Council received information from staff regarding the 2013
safety audit from CIMA and progress made on safety improvements, and directed staff
to investigate additional safety measures for the RHVP and Linc, such as additional
guardrails, lighting, lane markings or other means to help prevent further fatalities and
serious injuries;
WHEREAS, in November 2015, Council directed staff to report on total costs and
feasibility of expanding the Linc and RHVP to six lanes;
WHEREAS, in December 2015, Council received information from staff regarding the
2015 safety audit from CIMA which made recommendations on short, medium and long-

 term safety improvements for the Linc and RHVP, and Council directed staff to seek out
provincial approval from the Ministry of Transportation to allow the City of Hamilton to
implement photo radar on the Linc and RHVP, and to report back on the costs and
processes of investigating an improved lighting system on the RHVP and Linc;
WHEREAS, in September 2016, Council received information related to lighting which
recommended further investigation, and directed staff to undertake a lighting study on
the RHVP;
WHEREAS, in October 2016, Council received information regarding the need to study
options before expanding the RHVP and Linc, and the need for an environmental
assessment and connection issues with the 403 and QEW;
WHEREAS, in February 2017, Council directed staff to consult with Hamilton Police
Services to bring forward an annual collision report summarizing collisions on Linc and
RHVP, and requested an update on costs and implications of installing barriers;
WHEREAS, in August 2017, Council directed staff to undertake speed limit reduction
feasibility study for both Linc and RHVP;
WHEREAS, in December 2017 Golders & Associates was hired to evaluate the surface
skid resistance of the Red Hill Valley Parkway and the report was not shared publicly or
with Council at the time;
WHEREAS, in January 2018, Council received an update on the 2015 safety audit from
CIMA and directed staff to implement short and medium term collision counter
measures, undertake a detailed annual collision analysis on both the Linc and RHVP, to
request Hamilton Police Services to undertake regular speed and aggressive driving
enforcement on the Linc and RHVP, to undertake an annual traffic count, to install
median barriers as part of any future widening, and to report back with an update on
overall operating conditions on the Linc and RHVP with a focus on MTO activities for
widening, truck activity, safety and information needed for widening;
WHEREAS, in July 2018, Golders & Associates was hired to complete an assessment
of whether or not hot in place recycling can be used on the Red Hill Valley Parkway and
the report was not shared publicly or with Council at the time;
WHEREAS, in October 2018, CIMA was hired to complete a roadside safety
assessment on the RHVP to assess roadside safety infrastructure such as guiderails,
shoulders, and speed enforcement areas and the report was not shared publicly or with
Council at the time;

 WHEREAS, in February 2019, CIMA was hired to complete a review of safety on the
RHVP alongside the pavement friction testing results from the 2013 Tradewind Scientific
Report, and this report was shared publicly;
WHEREAS, staff have reported to Council that all actions items arising from the CIMA
review of safety on the RHVP have been, or are in the process of being actioned.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
a) that the 2015 and subsequent 2018 safety analysis of the RHVP and LINC, by
the external engineering firm CIMA, be made public;
b) that the City, in coordination with Hamilton Police Services, prepare a public
education campaign that addresses the recommendations from the external
expert engineers (CIMA) as it relates to the risks of speeding in excess of posted
limits and distracted driving on the RHVP and LINC;
c) that City staff report back to Council on the feasibility of requesting that the
Provincial Auditor General undertake an independent investigation of issues
surrounding the reporting of friction on the RHVP.