Perth County needed a clear, defensible way to determine which roads should remain under County jurisdiction and which would be more appropriately managed by local municipalities. With different corridors serving very different functions, from regional travel and goods movement to more localized access, the County required a structured approach to support efficient investment, consistent service levels, and long-term asset management.

Tatham Engineering led the rationalization study for the County road network, reviewing all 39 existing County roads as well as selected local roads identified for consideration. Our work applied a three-step process consisting of a criteria-based assessment, a principle-based assessment, and a review of special considerations. This allowed the County to evaluate each corridor based on its role in the broader transportation system, including connectivity between settlement areas, traffic and truck volumes, corridor continuity, links to neighbouring jurisdictions, and the overall function of the network.

The study provided Perth County with a practical roadmap for a more focused and efficient road system, including recommendations for specific road transfers between the County and local municipalities. It also established a policy framework to guide future rationalization reviews, helping ensure that maintenance standards, capital investment, and ownership responsibilities remain aligned with the intended purpose of each road.

The result is a more strategic County road network that supports mobility, economic activity, and responsible use of infrastructure funding while positioning Perth County for more effective long-term transportation planning.