The proposed design includes pedestrian crossings on all four legs of the intersection. The pedestrian crossings will meet the current accessibility requirements to support safe crossing, and will be built to a “PXO Type B” standard, which includes a pedestrian push button, flashing lights, overhead signage, and paint markings on the road surface. 

Above: A PXO "Type B" crossing

An example of this type of crossing can be seen in Lambeth on Main Street, between South Routledge Road and Bainard Street. The design of roundabouts results in drivers slowing down through the intersection, resulting in lower speeds at the pedestrian crossing locations. 

Studies have indicated that less serious injuries occur at roundabouts and pedestrian collision rates are lower. https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/roundabouts.aspx#Pedestrian-safety-statistics 

The Raleigh Boulevard and Colonel Talbot Road intersection is outside of the project limits that will be constructed in 2023. There is a project is planned for construction in 2024, subject to approvals, that will reconstruct Colonel Talbot Road, south of Southdale. This project will review the access to Raleigh Boulevard.

Current traffic volume information indicates that approximately 30,000 vehicles use the Southdale Road West and Colonel Talbot Road intersection each day.

The project tender is planned to start in spring of 2023. This is the period where contractors can bid on the work. After the tender closes, a contractor will be recommended for City Council approval in late spring of 2023. 

“In-boulevard bike path” refers to a bike path that is located behind the curb and away from the lanes of traffic, similar to the typical location of a sidewalk (so, not a painted bike lane within the roadway).  A separate sidewalk will also be provided at part of this project.

Visibility was carefully considered during the roundabout design and trees will only be planted in areas within the central island that do not affect visibility. Low-height plants that are below eye-height may be planted around the trees.

One of the benefits of roundabouts is that the design can be effective for helping to reduce speeds. The curves seen in a roundabout are specifically designed to require vehicles to slow down before entering the roundabout and the central island requires vehicles to continue at a lower speed before exiting.  

A future construction project is planned on Southdale Road West, between Colonel Talbot Road and Bostwick Road. This project is anticipated to include a four lane cross section (two lanes in each direction) to provide lane continuity along the Southdale Road West corridor. Construction is currently scheduled for 2031, but the timing will be reviewed as part of the City of London's Mobility Master Plan study that is underway right now.

Yes, the roundabout will be maintained as city infrastructure. If there are specific maintenance concerns at the Sunningdale Road West and Wonderland Road roundabout, the best place to report them so that they can be addressed is in the Service London portal: https://service.london.ca/ 

Transit will be able to operate on the roundabout and the current transit stops in the area will continue to operate with the roundabout. Sidewalks and in-boulevard bike paths will be provided as well through the area, so cyclists and pedestrians will have access to amenities, and improved mobility.