Lakefield Transportation Master Plan
Introduction:
Peterborough County is undertaking a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) for the Lakefield area road network to identify transportation infrastructure improvements needed to serve planned growth. As part of this study, the County will:
- Assess the long-term need for a second crossing of the Otonabee River
- If justified, identify the preferred location for a potential second crossing to provide additional connection between County Road 29 and Highway 28
- Recommend interim improvements to accommodate near-term traffic growth
It’s important to note that this study will recommend a corridor to protect to support longer-term planning. There is no planned schedule for construction.
Scope of Work:
This study follows the guiding framework of Approach #1 of the Master Planning process outlined in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) document (2024).
The scope of work includes the following phases:
Phase 1 - Identification of Problems & Opportunities
- Update growth projections for Lakefield.
- Revise traffic modelling to reflect current and anticipated conditions.
- Conduct localized analysis of growth projections and traffic modelling.
Phase 2 - Evaluation of Alternative Solutions
- Identify and evaluate alternative solutions to improve the road network.
- Issue the Lakefield Network Transportation Master Plan report for a 30-day public review and comment period.
We would like to hear from you!
Community input is a vital part of this study. We’re inviting the public, community stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and agencies to share ideas, ask questions, and submit comments.
Two Public Information Centres are being planned as part of this study. Public Information Centre 1 was held on October 28, 2025.
Stay tuned! A second PIC is tentatively scheduled for spring 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Public Information Centre #1 Timing and Formatting
- Why does the study name only mention Lakefield?
- Why did I receive the notice about the first Public Information Centre (PIC) just days before the event?
- Why was the comment period for PIC #1 limited to two weeks (ending November 14, 2025)?
- Why didn’t the Notice of Study Commencement and PIC #1 provide more detailed information about the project and options?
- Why wasn’t the PIC structured as a formal presentation followed by a Question-and-Answer session?
- If a new bridge is being proposed on federal property, why wasn’t Parks Canada present at the meeting?
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Alternative Solutions and Evaluation Process
- Why is a new bridge being considered instead of upgrading and expanding the existing Lakefield crossing?
- Will the study consider broader traffic improvements beyond the bridge? Have alternatives such as signalized intersections, roundabouts, and improved signage been evaluated?
- Why is a large bridge and new road network being considered when current traffic in Lakefield does not appear highly disruptive?
- Why is a crossing identified on 6th Line when new developments on 7th Line could better accommodate a new road and bridge?
- Will alternatives like widening Highway 28 or aligning crossings with Trent-Severn Locks be considered?
- Has the proposed MTO corridor been considered as an alternative to building a new bridge?
- Why are bridge and roadway options being considered south of Lakefield when the goal is to address traffic within the village?
- Will large trucks be diverted around Lakefield?
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Environmental Considerations
- Why is a bridge crossing being proposed through a scenic route that could impact wildlife species and habitats? How will the project protect fish habitats, turtles, migratory birds, wetlands, and species at risk?
- What measures are being considered to mitigate potential environmental impacts and human health risks associated with the project?
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Socio-Economic and Property Impacts
- Will residences, private property, and agricultural land be affected?
- What will the project cost, and how will it be funded?
- Will safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists be prioritized?
- Could diverting traffic onto 7th Line compromise safety near schools?
- As a property owner near the proposed bridge options, how will this project affect my property value, and is there a risk of expropriation if my land falls within a preferred alignment?
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Implementation and Next Steps
