Burlington’s councillors and mayor voted unanimously last night (Monday, Nov. 27) to put an end to the New Street ‘road diet’ cycling pilot project and revert the roadway back to four lanes.

The item was discussed at Monday’s committee of the whole meeting and the recommendation will head to council for final approval on Dec. 11.

Back in July 2016, council approved the pilot, which saw the city spend $210,000 to reduce New Street, between Guelph and Walker’s lines, from four lanes to three in order to accommodate the bike lanes.

The roadway width remained at 14 metres, but a lane of traffic in each direction was removed with a two-way, left-turn lane added in the centre.

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There was a buffer area painted between cyclists and motorists, but no physical barrier.

At Monday night’s meeting, all committee members also voted to add resurfacing and storm sewer replacement from Cumberland Avenue to Walkers Line in 2018 in conjunction with planned rehabilitation construction for the New Street and Drury Lane area, at a total cost of $1,042,000 — and approve the King Paving and Construction Company for the resurfacing of New Street from Cumberland to Walkers.

However, they did not show that same unity when it came to what cycling should look like on New Street in the future.

The city staff report recommended the installation of off-road, paved cycle tracks on New Street between Guelph Line and Burloak Drive, the funding of which to be considered in the 2019-28 capital budget and forecast.

It also recommended getting senior government funding for cycling-related infrastructure to help install the project.

Coun. Marianne Meed Ward was the only committee member to vote against that report recommendation.