Executive Summary

This report provides an evaluation of the proposed route connecting Thrasher’s corner and Zion
Hill. Methods of analysis follow the triple bottom line philosophy in that the societal,
economic, and environmental impacts of the project are prioritized and each decision
justifiable. It was determined that the most optimal route that satisfies these conditions is that
outlined in Figure 1. Through the predominant use of pre-existing structures such as bridges
and roadways, the cost of construction is significantly mitigated. Additionally, the new route is
approximately 2 km shorter than the next method for commute between the two points. not
done this stuff yet – add economic evaluation and other comments concerning results
primarily

Figure 1. Proposed route connection Thrasher’s Corners to Zion Hill

Problem Statement

The primary focus of this project is the construction of a new cost-efficient roadway which will
connect Thrasher’s Corners and Zion Hill. Currently the only method for an individual to reach
one point or the other is through the use of a system of roadways which are too indirect and
time consuming. The construction of this new road, however, will provide commuters with a
quicker and more direct path between the two locations. Additionally, this rural bisection
allows for the furthering of an urban expansion which is already evident in areas south-west of
Zion Hill. While such a roadway may upset several locals, the benefits that it provides to the
commuter justify its implementation.

Discussion
One particular priority that was kept in mind during the selection of this new route was that of
the environment. As such, the selected path aims to minimize the associated and inevitable
impacts of road construction on the countryside through which it passes. One way in which this
is accomplished is by avoiding the organic deposits which occupy a large area of the space
between Thrasher’s Corners and Zion Hill. Though it is known that the shortest distance
between any two points is by connecting them with a straight line, such a road not only results
in significant deforestation as it would pass almost entirely through the organic deposits but
consequently in the destruction of many habitats as well. To avoid this, the route was charted
around the upper perimeter of the forest and runs mainly through drumlins and eskers which
are more devoid of trees and animal life than the deposits. Another consideration that was
made is the use of pre-existing roadways. Elaborating, not only were construction materials
conserved, but the fact that around 40% of the new route exists on pre-existing road means
that the need for machinery to cut and fill uneven or unfit sections of road will be greatly
reduced. This means that less fuel is expended in the construction process. Continuing, the
fact that the new road exists primarily on drumlins means that borrow pits for unfit subgrade
can be made closely thereby eliminating the need for transportation of sands and gravels over
long distances.

When designing the new route, another priority that was considered was the social impact. In
one regard the road needed to please the commuter demographic and in the other it could not
be too intrusive for the locals. Since the road provides access from Thrasher’s Corners to Zion
Hill in a manner which is over 2 km shorter than the next alternative it satisfies the singular
need of the first group quite easily. In concerns to the locals, however, the design of the route
was planned to minimize nuisance. One way in which this was considered was by plotting the
new road such that it did not necessitate the relocation of individuals and families. Another
important social aspect that influenced the location of the new road was the potential for
urban expansion in the areas south-west of Zion Hill. By building a road through this area, the
urbanization process is catalyzed since houses are now able to be built on either side of the
road rather than through gradual expansion from the west side.

The construction of the proposed route is estimated to cost