STAFF REPORT Transportation Title: Report Number: Author: Meeting Type: Council/Committee Date: File: Attachments: Ward No.

: Auburn-University Neighbourhood Traffic Study PWS2013-017 Chris Hodgson Council Meeting Monday, February 25, 2013 Traffic Traffic Calming Appendix 1 Ward 5 - Southeast Ward Ward 4 - Northeast Ward

Recommendation: That the Council of the City of Waterloo approves PWS2013-017, and: 1. Approves the traffic calming recommendations, implementation plan and priorities outlined in this report 2. Directs staff to commence with the detailed design of the measures outlined in the Primary Priority Area A. Executive Summary:

In 2005 the Auburn University Neighbourhood Traffic Study was put on hold pending the outcome of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the widening of University Avenue. The EA reviewed future traffic and transportation needs due to planned area growth and the road was widened to 4 lanes between Bridge Street and Lexington Road. In 2012, a new study was undertaken to review and assess previous study data and recommendations, existing and future traffic conditions, walking and cycling connectivity, general traffic management and traffic safety related issues with input from the community. Information on this study can be viewed on the city website at http://www.waterloo.ca/en/living/transportationprojects.asp whereas the consultants memorandum: `Implementation Plan, forms Appendix 1 of this staff report PWS2013017.

"

"

&

'

B.

Financial Implications:

There is currently capital funding for various traffic calming measures approved in the 2012-2014 capital budget as amended and approved by Council on December 10, 2012. Staff is recommending various traffic calming measures be implemented in 20132014 which are all within the existing approved capital budgets. C. Technology Implications

There are no technology implications with this report. D. Legal Considerations

There are no legal considerations with this report. E. Link to Strategic Plan

Vibrant Neighbourhoods: Enhance Vibrant Neighbourhoods, Healthy and Safe Community: x Promote the creation of complete and integrated communities and neighbourhoods by developing safe roads for commuting and recreational purposes. Getting Around: x Encourage and support the safe use of all forms of transportation F. Other Considerations Economic Vitality

Traffic calming has the potential not only to lessen the direct negative impacts of road traffic, but to foster urban environments which are more human and interactive, more beautiful, and more economically successful due to greater social vitality. G. N/A Previous Reports on this Topic

&

&

"

"

&

'

H.

Approvals Blan k Signatures Signature Blan k Blan k Blan k Signatures Signature Signatures Signature Signatures Signature Blan k Blan k Blan k Blan k Dates Date Date Date Dates Date Dates Date

Author Name Names Director Name Names General Manager Name Names Finance Name

CAO

&

"

"

&

'

Transportation Auburn-University Neighbourhood Traffic Study PWS2013-017 Section 1 Background In 2005 the Auburn University Neighbourhood Traffic Study was put on hold pending the outcome of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the widening of University Avenue. The EA reviewed future traffic and transportation needs due to planned area growth and the road was widened to 4 lanes between Bridge Street and Lexington Road. In 2012, a new study was undertaken to review and assess previous study data and recommendations, existing and future traffic conditions, walking and cycling connectivity, general traffic management and traffic safety related issues with input from the community. Consultation on this study included two (2) public information centres and a stakeholder team (incl. Waterloo Fire Rescue, neighbourhood association, area schools and the Region of Waterloo). Information has been available on the city website throughout the duration of this study. Section 2 Study Area The Auburn-University neighbourhood is predominantly low rise residential dwellings with some existing and under construction medium density south of University Avenue. The study area is essentially bounded by Bridge Street, a Regional arterial road on the west, Colonial Creek on the north, Grand River to the east and Woolwich Street/City boundary to the south. The portion of University Avenue within the study area is a city arterial road. The street layout of the study area provides multiple access/egress points to the arterial network. Two (2) schools are located within the study area, with a third just outside the city boundary in Kitchener, creating additional traffic pressures in the mornings and afternoons. Given its location, St. Matthew School draws pedestrian activity both from within and external to the study area. Grand River Transit (GRT) operate within the neighbourhood and on the adjacent arterial network. Traffic volumes for the internal streets are within those thresholds expected, whereas traffic speeds on some streets are cause for concern, particularly along Auburn Drive in

&

"

"

&

'

the vicinity of St. Matthew School where there is pedestrian activity. Between 2006 and 2010 there were 32 documented collisions of varying type within the study area.

&

'

"

"

&

'

Section 3 Key Concerns Raised The following capture key areas of concern raised by residents and stakeholders during this study: x x x x x x Woolwich Street and its future Increased development and traffic volumes Speeding on Auburn Drive Access to University Avenue Bridge Street pedestrian crossings at Crimson and Bechtel Park Missing sidewalk on east side of Bridge Street (between plaza and Kitchener)

Section 4 Recommendations Given Woolwich Street is in the citys capital program to undergo an Environmental Assessment, targeted for commencing in 2013 - the following provides comments for consideration to that study: x The approved Transportation Master Plan identified a multi-use trail on Woolwich Street. If progressed, the trail would cross Woolwich Street near the intersection of Auburn Drive and connect to Bridge Street via old Woolwich Street. It is recommended that this crossing be flagged for further review as part of the Woolwich Street Class Environmental Assessment. Future vehicular access and pedestrian crossings of University Avenue at the Woolwich Street intersection should be reviewed in context of the future Woolwich Street Class EA.

University Avenue was widened in 2011 and accommodates the planned area growth, and intersections in the study area are generally working to good levels of service. The Region of Waterloo is currently reviewing opportunity for an island at the Bechtel Park entrance and the missing east side sidewalk during the re-design and reconstruction of Bridge Street. Based on the feedback received from residents and stakeholders and being cognizant of limited budget, the recommendations are focused around the school areas and where pedestrians, principally children, are moving through the neighbourhood to access schools and recreational areas. It is recommended that the City first pursue the Primary Priority Area shown in Appendix 1, based on their potential to address one or more issues. Waterloo Fire Rescue has no objections to the study recommendations. While the overall plan identifies additional measures over several phases, for 2013/2014 implementation purposes, the following are the priorities of this study (refer to figure 2 in the attached memorandum):

&

"

"

&

'

1. 2. 3.

2 raised crosswalks on Auburn Drive (i) at Crimson Drive in line with the community walkway; and (ii) just west of Jefferson Court (installation 2013) 1 raised crosswalk on Pastern Trail directly in line with the community walkway (installation 2013) 2 traffic circles on Auburn Drive (i) at the 4-leg intersection with Carene Court/Strawberry Crescent; and (ii) at the 4-leg intersection with Dansbury Drive/Pastern Trail (installation 2014*) 1 Median refuge island on Bridge Street, collaborate with the Region of Waterloo on improving the design of the island at Crimson Drive (possible cost share, but unknown)

4.

*Planned for installation in 2014 but if sufficient 2013 budget remains, can be advanced for installation in 2013. It should be noted that consultation, along with detailed design and costs needs to be undertaken for some of these measures, therefore actual layout of measure and precise location will be determined following completion of these tasks. Section 5 - Funding The traffic calming priority measures estimated between $22,000 and $58,000 recommended in this report are to be funded by various capital projects already approved and funded based on the 2012-2014 capital budget as amended and approved by Council on December 10, 2012. With these capital projects all receiving annual funding less than $100,000, they received funding on January 1, 2013 as approved by Council on December 10, 2012. The following capital projects which were funded by the Capital Reserve Fund and Development Charges will be used to implement the recommended traffic calming measures: x Ref #794 Project #120083 City Wide Traffic Calming Implementation x Ref #822 Project #110121 Various Road Widening & Intersection Improvements There is sufficient funding in these accounts to cover all of the recommended features for 2013 and 2014.

&

"

"

&

'

Appendix 1 To Report PWS2013-017 Auburn-University Neighbourhood Traffic Study This attached PDF contains elements that are inaccessible. If another format would work better for you, please contact the City of Waterloo at 519-747-8737, communications@waterloo.ca or TTTY at 1-866-786-3941.

&

"

"

&

'

FILE: 120020 TO: CHRIS HODGSON, CITY OF WATERLOO FROM: JIM MALLETT, PARADIGM TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS LIMITED DATE: JANUARY 16, 2013 RE: AUBURN-UNIVERSITY NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAFFIC STUDY MEMORANDUM #5 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Based on the feedback received at the two PIC events held for this project, as well as stakeholder input and a review of the technical information that has been developed for use in this study, we have developed an implementation plan for the Citys consideration. (Figure 1) The plan reflects the desires of the neighbourhood to provide safe routes to and from the area schools, reduce speeds identified in the key areas and be cognizant of a traffic calming budget that has to address needs on a city-wide basis. The implementation plan has been broken into three groupings: primary, secondary and tertiary priority areas. It is important to note that these groupings are clustered geographically as this is a key feature in ensuring that the maximum benefits arise from the plan. The following describes the plan in more detail. Primary Priority Area The primary priority area (Figure 2) is focused around St. Matthew School and supporting the pedestrian routes to and from it, along with reducing the traffic speeds on Auburn Drive. Specific actions include: The plan calls for improvement to the existing pedestrian refuge on Bridge Street that was constructed by the Region of Waterloo. Comments received at the Public Information Centres (PIC) indicated that the island is too small and is having little benefit in reducing speed. Field investigations support the notion that the island could be increased in width to support a larger staging area for pedestrians. To support pedestrian crossings of Auburn Drive, three raised crosswalks are recommended. The first is located at the rear of St. Matthew School south of Crimson Drive, the second is located just west of Jefferson Court and the third located on Pastern Trail in line with the community walkway. These connect to the off-road

&

"

"

&

'

pedestrian/cyclist trail system that traverses the neighbourhood. To reduce traffic speeds further on Auburn Drive a neighbourhood traffic circle is recommended at Carene Court / Strawberry Crescent intersection with Auburn Drive. In addition, a second neighbourhood traffic circle is recommended at the intersection of Dansbury Drive and Auburn Drive. Secondary Priority Area The secondary priority area is focussed around University Downs Park and supporting the pedestrian routes to and from it, along with reducing the traffic speeds on Auburn Drive. Specific actions include: The plan calls for implementation of a suitable pedestrian refuge on Bridge Street at the Bechtel Park entrance. Given that comments received at the PIC indicated that the island north of University Avenue is too small and is having little benefit in reducing speed, it is recommended that the City work with the Region to maximize the size of this island to the greatest extent possible, and be constructed at time of the Bridge Street reconstruction in 2017. To support pedestrian and cyclist crossings of Auburn Drive, the plan calls for implementation of a pedestrian refuge on Auburn Drive South, near University Downs Park. This will connect to the off-road pedestrian/cyclist trail system that traverses the neighbourhood. The island should be constructed to current City standards and maximize pedestrian staging areas on the island. In addition, to reduce speed in advance of the above pedestrian crossings, the plan recommends that speed cushions be placed in both travel lanes on Auburn Drive between 150 m and 200 m of the southerly pedestrian island and north of the Pastern Trail intersection. The plan also calls for a single pedestrian refuge on Pastern Trail, near University Downs Park, at the trailhead location. This island should be constructed to current City standards and maximize pedestrian staging areas on the island. It should be noted that the City has identified in its Transportation Master Plan that a multi-use trail will be implemented on Woolwich Street over time and the this trail will cross Woolwich Street near the intersection of Auburn Drive and connect to Bridge Street via old Woolwich Street. However, the details of this crossing are not identifiable at this time. This project recognizes the importance of this crossing and recommends that this location be flagged for further review as part of the Woolwich Street Class Environmental Assessment.

&

"

"

&

'

Tertiary Priority Area It should be noted that City of Waterloo is reviewing potential sidewalks on Lexington and Meadowvale roads as part of the Lexington Road project. The tertiary priority area is focused around Wintermayer Park and supporting the pedestrian routes to and from it and Lexington Public School along with the planned Lexington Road improvements. Specific actions include: The plan calls for implementation of a suitable pedestrian refuge on Lexington Road east of Meadowvale Road and on Meadowvale Road, south of Running Brook Place. This island should be incorporated into the Lexington Road project, constructed to current City standards and maximize pedestrian staging areas on the island. To support pedestrian and cyclist crossings of Forestlawn Road, the plan calls for implementation of a suitable pedestrian refuge on Forestlawn Road south of Woolwich Street. This also requires the relocation of the current trailhead to the south side of the intersection. This will provide a continuous east-west linkage via the off-road pedestrian/cyclist trail system that traverses the neighbourhood and links to University Avenue. Future vehicular access and pedestrian crossings of University Avenue at the Woolwich Street intersection should be reviewed in context of the future Woolwich Street Class EA. Costs The estimated cost of the implementation plan (Figure 3) is in the order of $48,000-$116,000 with about $22,000-$58,000 being identified within the Primary Priority Area, $16,000-$28,000 in the Secondary Priority Area and $10,000-$30,000 in the Tertiary Priority Area.

We would be pleased to discuss in this memorandum, at your convenience. Yours very truly,
PARADIGM TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS LIMITED

James J.L. Mallett

M.A.Sc., P.Eng., PTOE Vice President

&

"

"

&

'

4
v w x y w v w x w x w

3
d e f g h i

Auburn-University Transportation Study

Figure 1

Paradigm
www.ptsl.com

Preferred Implementation Plan

Auburn-University Transportation Study

Figure 2
Primary Priority Area Detail

Paradigm
www.ptsl.com

Area

Device

Number Required

Unit Cost Low High

Sub-total Low High Low

Total High

Primary Priority Area

Traffic Circle

$5,000 $20,000 $10,000 $40,000

Raised Pedestrian X-Walk

$4,000 $6,000 $12,000 $18,000 $22,000 $58,000

Secondary Priority Area

Pedestrian Refuge Island

$5,000 $10,000 $10,000 $20,000

Speed Cushions

$6,000 $8,000 $6,000 $8,000 $16,000 $28,000

Tertiary Priority Area

Traffic Circle

$5,000 $20,000 $5,000 $20,000

Pedestrian Refuge Island

$5,000 $10,000 $5,000 $10,000 $10,000 $30,000

Total

10

$48,000 $116,000

Auburn-University Transportation Study

Figure 3

Paradigm
www.ptsl.com

Implementation Plan Cost Estimate