Road Characterization Study

Developing design guidelines and access management measures for Regional roads.

Assigning a Road Character to a road allows them to be designed in a way that is more context sensitive and balances the need for mobility with that of land access.

Read the Road Characterization Study.

Why characterize a road?

A road does not stay the same throughout its length since the land uses (residential, commercial, industrial) change along the way. With changing land use we have different needs. An area with more commercial activity may see more residents walking and cycling. Conversely, an area with industrial warehouses will often see less pedestrian traffic, and higher truck volumes. Prioritizing certain elements to match the character, while maintaining road functionality, allow us to design roads that serve all users more effectively.

Similarly, access management (intersection spacing, right-in, right-out turns) should support both the movement of people and also balance the need for land access.

Developing the Road Characters involved an extensive stakeholder engagement process and included participation from all three Area Municipalities: Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. Various members from different divisions, including land use and transportation planners, all worked together to develop elements of the roadway in order to best accommodate the needs of the people living, working and commuting in Peel.

How it is used?

The Regional Council adopted the RCS on May 9, 2013. The RCS Cross Sections, Section II, will be used as a starting point for all Environmental Assessments and the Access Control, Section III, forms the foundation of the Controlled Access By-Law.