Tillsonburg’s updated Transportation Master Plan proposes a new trail system, a town bypass, and several upgraded crossings.
Jul 22, 2026 • Last updated Jul 22, 2026 •
Among the proposals in Tillsonburg’s updated transportation master plan is lowering the speed limit on Broadway to 40km/h and creating a bypass to prevent trucks from driving through downtown. Photo by Jacob Robinson /SIMCOE REFORMER
A town bypass, a fresh trail network, and multiple improved crossings are proposed in Tillsonburg’s revised transportation master plan.
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On July 13, Kevin Jones from Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd. shared the latest transportation report with the town council. It suggests numerous upgrades that council can choose to implement as they see fit.
The most significant recommendation is for a new town bypass. According to Jones, around 9,000 trucks travel through Tillsonburg daily, with approximately 1,000 of those passing through the downtown area. The model suggests establishing the bypass on the western side of town at an estimated cost of $20 million that could be partially funded by government grants and work alongside Oxford County.
“A bypass isn’t going to solve all truck traffic issues, but it will significantly reduce congestion in downtown,” Jones said.
The plan also includes installing EV chargers in the downtown area.
“We understand that implementing this will take time,” Jones noted.
There are suggestions for increasing walking and cycling activities around town by developing a trail network and adding bike lanes with nine protected crossings at key points.
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This plan was created after gathering input from over 700 residents through an online survey and face-to-face meetings. The document recommends that council focus on enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety in downtown by introducing more traffic-calming measures like reducing the speed limit on Broadway to 40 kilometers per hour.
Jones mentioned that many locals showed interest in using public transit if service hours were extended into weekends and evenings.
“A lot of people told us they won’t take transit because it won’t serve them when they want to come home from work,” he explained. “Extending service past 6 p. m. could really attract more riders.”
“Adding an additional bus can provide two routes,” Jones added. “This would shorten journey times so transit can compete with other forms of transportation while increasing frequency from hourly service to every half-hour.”
An extra bus would cost taxpayers about $600,000 annually according to Jones.
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“That’s something you want to carefully think about when and how you can afford to do that,” he advised.
The report also suggests adding multi-use paths totaling 6.6 km along with new bike lanes covering an additional 15 km and off-road trails extending up to another 10 km.
“Many people say they love the current trail system and want it expanded,” Jones stated. “Of course, funding will determine how soon we can implement these plans.”
The proposed pedestrian crossings have an estimated price tag nearing $12 million.
“They don’t have to be completed on any strict schedule; however, they should align with when trails and public transit routes become operational,” Jones mentioned.
Growth plays a vital role in determining how quickly any recommendations from the master plan can be executed.
“The timelines aren’t fixed; many of these projects can align with growth rates-if growth accelerates you might want some projects implemented sooner; if it slows down then implementation may happen at a slower pace too,” he said.
To view the new plan visit tillsonburg. ca.
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