Every year we complete transportation projects big and small to make sure everyone can get around. Whether you’re using four wheels, two wheels or none we want everyone to move through our community safely and on time.
See our map of transportation initiatives
On this page:
- Vision Zero
- Complete Streets
- 40 km/h neighbourhood speed limit
- Pedestrian-first streets
- Delta street conversion to trail and green space
- Bike infrastructure
Vision Zero
A vision zero plan is an action plan focused on reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. We are working with agency partners and residents to understand where we can improve as a city.
Staff are currently working on a project plan and determining the best ways to hear from residents. More to come in 2021. Please visit the Vision Zero webpage for more information.
Complete Streets
There are many ways of getting around in Kitchener, and we are committed to providing you with people-friendly transportation options, through a Complete Streets approach to street design.
Complete streets are safe, comfortable and convenient for all forms of transportation, and all ages and abilities. Complete streets also contribute to advancing sustainability, health, and economic development goals.
Whether you're walking, cycling, taking public transit or driving, you have options for getting around.
Learn more about Kitchener's Complete Streets approach:
40 km/h neighbourhood speed limit
We often hear from residents that they’re concerned about speeding in their neighbourhoods. Lower speed limits are shown to reduce the likelihood that vehicle collisions result in serious injury or death. That’s why we’re lowering speed limits from 50 km/h to 40 km/h in Kitchener’s residential neighbourhoods.
Neighbourhoods will be converted to the lower speed limit between 2022 and 2024. The lower speed limit will come into effect in a given neighbourhood when “gateway” signs are installed at the entrances and exits to the neighbourhood, indicating to drivers that they are entering or exiting a lower speed limit area. School zones and neighbourhood bikeways will be reduced to 30 km/h.
Major city roads and all regional roads will remain at 50 km/h.
Pedestrian-first streets
Gaukel Street has been converted to a pedestrian-first street and open-air patio. Outfitted with picnic tables, strings of lights and planters to create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, Gaukel Street is one enjoyable way that you can support nearby restaurants and shops.
Delta Street conversion to trail and green space
Traffic data collected over the past several years has shown that Delta Street carries a low volume of traffic. This traffic could be accommodated on other adjacent roadways within our network. A planned reconstruction project to replace underground infrastructure beneath Delta Street has afforded us an opportunity to explore Delta Street as a trail and green space, and an extension of the Iron Horse Trail.
The Iron Horse Trail is a Multi-Use Trail running from the City of Waterloo to Ottawa Street in Kitchener, with an on-road extension on Nyberg Street to reach Sydney Street South. The conversion of Delta Street into an active transportation corridor will help connect the Rockway neighbourhood to the Iron Horse Trail, and is the next step in bringing the trail into the Kingsdale and Vanier neighbourhoods.
A Boulevard Multi-Use Trail will be constructed along Sydney Street South to connect the new trail to the existing Iron Horse Trail.
The conversion of Delta Street is expected to be complete at the end of the 2021 construction season. Delta Street will be reconstructed to a similar design as the Iron Horse Trail and will no longer accommodate motorized vehicles.
Visit our infrastructure projects page to learn more about the Delta/Sydney/Maurice road reconstruction project.
We want to hear from you! Please send us your feedback and comments by email.
Bike infrastructure
Across Kitchener, you’ll find different types of bike infrastructure. All projects are guided by our Cycling and Trails Master Plan, which focuses on creating a city-wide network of cycling routes and trails that is comfortable for people of “All Ages and Abilities.”
To learn more, visit our bike infrastructure page.