CITY OF OTTAWA ROADWAY MODIFICATION APPROVAL UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY

Transcription

1 RMA-2015-ATM-038 CITY OF OTTAWA ROADWAY MODIFICATION APPROVAL UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY DATE: April 22, 2015 SUBJECT Approval of Roadway Modifications Recommended through an Area Traffic Management Study for Jeanne d Arc Boulevard. LOCATION Jeanne d Arc Boulevard between Bilberry Drive West and Champlain Street (Attachment 1) PURPOSE The Jeanne d Arc Boulevard Area Traffic Management study was initiated in response to residents concerns regarding aggressive driving behaviour and safety of all users on Jeanne d Arc Boulevard. The purpose of the study was to investigate measures to minimize negative impacts of motorized vehicles, improve safety, and the liveability of the street. BACKGROUND In July 2012, Jeanne d Arc Boulevard residents requested an Area Traffic Management study for Jeanne d Arc Boulevard. The concerns that were raised focused on speeding, aggressive driving practices and pedestrian safety. In May 2014, the City initiated the Jeanne d Arc Boulevard Area Traffic Management (ATM) study. The Jeanne d Arc Boulevard ATM study was undertaken in two phases: with the first phase focusing on issues identification; and the second on developing solutions. EXISTING CONDITIONS Roadway Cross-Section o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard is an approximately 11m wide major collector road.

2 Parking o On-street parking is generally available on the south side of Jeanne d Arc Boulevard between Decarie Drive and Bilberry Drive (East). Street Lighting o Street lighting is available on both sides of Jeanne d Arc Boulevard located approximately every 60 to 80m. Traffic Controls o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard/Bilberry Drive (West): Traffic signal controlled intersection with left turn lanes on Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (eastbound and westbound) and channelized right turn lanes on Bilberry Drive (northbound and southbound). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard /Decarie Drive: Traffic signal controlled intersection with a raised median island on Jeanne d Arc Boulevard east of Decarie Drive. o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard /Champlain Street: Traffic signal controlled intersection with a left turn lane eastbound and westbound on Jeanne d Arc Boulevard and northbound and southbound on Champlain Street and a channelized right turn lane for eastbound traffic on Jeanne d Arc Boulevard. Vehicular Speed o Posted Speed: The posted speed limit along Jeanne d Arc Boulevard is 50 km/h throughout the subject section of the study area. Speed Survey Results: Jeanne d Arc Boulevard o between Bilberry Drive (West) and Avignon Court: Average Speed = 51km/h; 85 th percentile speed = 59km/h (Year 2010) o between Avignon Court and Decarie Drive: Average Speed = 52km/h; 85 th percentile speed = 59km/h (Year 2014) o between Decarie Drive and Bilberry Drive(East): Average Speed = 53km/h; 85 th percentile speed = 60km/h (Year 2014) o between Bilberry Drive (East) and Champlain Street: Average Speed = 50km/h; 85 th percentile speed = 56km/h (Year 2014)

3 Pedestrians o Existing Pedestrian Facilities: Sidewalks are present along both the north and south sides of Jeanne d Arc Boulevard in the study area, including an outer boulevard. Existing Pedestrian Traffic: The following pedestrian crossing volumes represent the results of a number of pedestrian counts conducted over the peak 8 hour period of weekday travel demand: o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard/Bilberry Drive (west) (2011): North Leg (143 pedestrians), South Leg (102 pedestrians), East leg (22 pedestrians), West leg (198 pedestrians). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard/Decarie Drive (2011): North Leg (107 pedestrians), South Leg (0 pedestrians), East leg (57 pedestrians), West leg (83 pedestrians). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard/Champlain Street (2011): North Leg (30 pedestrians), South Leg (360 pedestrians), east leg (42 pedestrians), west leg (55 pedestrians). Cycling o No dedicated cycling facilities currently exist within the Jeanne d Arc Boulevard study area. Cyclists are accommodated through the shared use of the road. o There is a cycle pathway along the river approximately 500 meters North of the Jeanne d Arc Boulevard study area. o There are shared use pathways in the adjacent neighbourhood parks. Existing Cycling Traffic: The following cycling volumes represent the results of a number of intersection bicycle counts conducted over the peak 8 hour period of weekday travel demand: o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard/Bilberry Drive (west) (2011): Southbound Approach (7 cyclists), Northbound Approach (7 cyclists), Westbound Approach (24 cyclists), Eastbound Approach (38 cyclists).

4 o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard /Decarie Drive (2011): Southbound Approach (5 cyclists), Northbound Approach (2 cyclists), Westbound Approach (17 cyclists), Eastbound Approach (29 cyclists). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard /Champlain Street (2011): Southbound Approach (17 cyclists), Northbound Approach (9 cyclists), Westbound Approach (21 cyclists), Eastbound Approach (21 cyclists). Transit o OC Transpo routes 38 and 131 travel along Jeanne d Arc Boulevard through the study area. o On weekdays, approximately 100 buses use Jeanne d Arc Boulevard per day. Daily Traffic Volumes The following is the average 24hr Total Turning Movements data: o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (West of Bilberry Drive (West)): 9364 vehicles/day (Wednesday 15 June 2011). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (East of Bilberry Drive (West)): 7612 vehicles/day (Wednesday 15 June 2011). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (West of Decarie Drive): 7623 vehicles/day (Tuesday 14 June 2011). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (East of Decarie Drive): 7452 vehicles/day (Tuesday 14 June 2011). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (West of Champlain Street): 7170 vehicles/day (Tuesday 1 May 2012). Highest Hourly Volume o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (West of Bilberry Drive (West)): AM Peak Hour (7:30-8:30 Wednesday 15 June 2011): 993 vehicles-per-hour (two-way traffic) PM Peak Hour (17:00-18:00 Wednesday 15 June 2011): 896 vehicles-per-hour (two-way traffic). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (East of Bilberry Drive (West)): AM Peak Hour (7:30-8:30 Wednesday 15 June 2011): 644 vehicles-per-hour (two-way

5 traffic) PM Peak Hour (17:00-18:00 Wednesday 15 June 2011): 723 vehicles-per-hour (two-way traffic). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (West of Decarie Drive): AM Peak Hour (7:30-8:30 Tuesday 14 June 2011): 729 vehicles-per-hour (two-way traffic) PM Peak Hour (16:30-15:30 Tuesday 14 June 2011): 739 vehicles-per-hour (two-way traffic). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (East of Decarie Drive): AM Peak Hour (7:30-8:30 Tuesday 14 June 2011): 685 vehicles-per-hour (two-way traffic) PM Peak Hour (16:30-15:30 Tuesday 14 June 2011): 697 vehicles-per-hour (two-way traffic). o Jeanne d Arc Boulevard (West of Champlain Street): AM Peak Hour (8:00-9:00 Wednesday 13 July 2011): 460 vehicles-per-hour (two-way traffic) PM Peak Hour (16:15-15:15 Wednesday 13 July 2011): 783 vehiclesper-hour (two-way traffic). Collision History o Between 2010 and 2012, a total of 27 collisions were reported in the Jeanne d Arc ATM study area. Collisions typically occurred at controlled intersections with 11 collisions at the intersection of Champlain Street. Only two collisions involved vulnerable users. o Based on the total volume of traffic, these collision figures do not constitute high collision rates. Projected Volumes o N/A PROPOSED ROADWAY MODIFICATIONS (See Figure 3) The specific recommendations, as further described below, have been developed to the concept level only at this point, with additional design details still needing to be worked out through the design process once implementation funds for these measures are identified. The design of each measure will need to be confirmed through detailed investigations of existing road conditions and design standards.

6 The following measures are recommended along Jeanne d Arc Boulevard: 1. New edge line between Avignon Court and Champlain Street on the south side of Jeanne d Arc to narrow the lane and define parking area m bike lane on the north side of Jeanne d Arc Boulevard between Avignon Court and Champlain Street new (concrete or painted) median islands on Jeanne d Arc Boulevard at the intersection of Bilberry Drive West. 4. A revised intersection layout at the intersection of Jeanne d Arc Boulevard and Bilberry Drive (East of Decarie Drive) 5. Painted street narrowings between Bilberry Drive and Avignon Court. 6. A 2m wide painted median located 80m west of Champlain. MODIFICATION OUTCOMES BENEFITS AND IMPACTS Pedestrians Pedestrians will benefit from vehicle speed reduction as a result of lane narrowings. Onstreet parking will also provide a buffer between traffic and pedestrians on the southern side walk. Concrete islands provide refuge area for pedestrians and reduce crossing distances. Cyclists The recommended bike lane will improve cyclists safety and comfort due to segregation of cyclists from faster and frequent motorized traffic. Cyclists will also benefit from lower speeds resulting from street narrowings and medians. Of note, where road narrowings are proposed, it will be necessary to ensure that cyclist needs are appropriately accommodated within the available pavement cross-section. Transit The plan does not include any vertical measures (i.e. speed humps). Vehicles The recommendations of this plan are focused on providing visual cues to motorists about being in a residential area and to drive accordingly. Vehicle speeds will be reduced as a result of the lane narrowings created by the bike lane, the edge line markings and the new medians. Motorist awareness of pedestrians and cyclists will be improved along the study area.

7 The recommended measures are not intended to re-direct traffic to other neighbourhood roads (i.e. measures such as turn restrictions, road closures, diverts, or one-way roads, have not been included). Adjacent Land Uses The residential community along the study area will benefit by increased pedestrian and cyclist activities and reduced vehicle speed. PROJECTED IMPLEMENTATION DATES All area traffic management measures, once approved, are prioritized for potential implementation utilizing a process described in the City s Area Traffic Management Guidelines. Recommended measures from the study will be implemented either at the time of future roadway rehabilitation or when funding for implementation becomes available and these measures rank as an overall priority within the Area Traffic Management program. TOTAL ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST The total estimated construction cost is $140,500, as shown below: Measures Quantity Unit Cost Total Rounded Cost Median 170m $8,000 per 10m $136,000 Pavement markings 2500m $600 per 500m $3,000 Signage 3 $500 $1,500 Total $140,500 FINANCIAL COMMENTS Upon approval, the proposed Area Traffic Management measures will be prioritized against other approved ATM measures, and will be reviewed for implementation when they are within available funding from the Area Traffic Management Capital program. Estimates are based on historical City tender pricing information or estimates provided internally; and include engineering and contingency. COMPLIANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN The Transportation Master Plan indicated that the City will Conduct an Area Traffic Management program that applies the Area Traffic Management Guidelines to improve the quality of life in neighbourhoods by consistently and equitably resolving public concerns about the undesirable effects of motor vehicle travel.

8 The proposed roadway modifications comply with Section 4.3 Improve Pedestrian Safety and Promotion, Section 5.3 Improve Cycling Safety and Promotion and Section 7.6 Protect Neighbourhoods from Undesirable Impacts of the Transportation Master Plan. CONSULTATIONS The first Public Open House Meeting was held on June 23, 2014 at Roy G. Hobbs Seniors Centre. The Purpose of the Public Open House was to present existing data regarding traffic conditions to the public and seek input with respect to traffic issues from the perspective of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, motorists, as well as area residents. This meeting was attended by approximately 35 members of the public. The second Public Open House meeting was held on February 2, Approximately 50 area residents attended to discuss the study options that are available for modifying this section of Jeanne d'arc Boulevard and 20 comment sheets were collected at the Open House. A number of s following the meeting were also received. On February 23, 2015, the recommended plan from the Jeanne d Arc study was posted on the City website, for public feedback. Technical input on the recommended plan was solicited through an internal circulation sent out on March 05, 2015, to the following city staff: Traffic Operations Road Safety and Traffic Investigation Fire Services Ottawa Paramedic Services Community Planning and Urban Design Traffic Services Business Planning and Support Section, Public Works Department Transit Operational Planning Transit Network Planning

9 RESULTS OF CONSULTATIONS In Phase 1 of the Jeanne d Arc ATM study a number of mechanisms were used to scope the issues and concerns, including a Public Open House meeting and a review of the City s traffic data and records. Approximately 35 residents attended the first POH that focused on identifying/confirming community concerns. More than 25 comments were received in the first Public Open House and responses to these comments are posted on the City website. The following traffic issues and concerns were identified: Speeding and inappropriate driver behaviour Pedestrian and cyclist safety High volume of truck traffic Poor visibility for southbound traffic on Decarie Drive Lack of police enforcement Also the following potential solutions were proposed by the public: Speed humps Signage On-street parking Ladder marked crosswalks and pedestrian crossovers Bus stop relocation Speed display boards Speed enforcement On February 2, 2015, as part of phase 2, a second Public Open House was held for the Jeanne d Arc ATM study. Two alternative plans were presented to the public and a review of the public comments received was undertaken. The recommended plan included a new west bound bicycle lane, a new median island, multiple painted narrowings, and a new intersection layout in order to reduce vehicular speed and increase safety of the road users.

10 The public was asked to identify their preferred alternative during the second phase of this study. Various suggestions and feedback were received regarding the alternative plans. A request for a new pedestrian crossover on Jeanne d Arc Boulevard to be located 300m west of Champlain Street was received and a request for a crossing 40m east of Avignon Court was also received and forwarded to Client Services Traffic Department for consideration. Requests for a uniform speed limit along Jeanne d Arc Boulevard were also received. Concerns regarding potential traffic increases upon the completion of the development of Champlain and Jeanne d'arc Boulevard were forwarded to City of Ottawa Planning Committee. Comments were received both in favour of installation and against the installation of speed humps on Jeanne d'arc Boulevard to address vehicle speeds. Other feedbacks were in favor of the median island at the intersection of Jeanne d Arc Boulevard and Bilberry Drive. In general, the public supported the recommended measures of the study. CURRENT STATUS This study is being circulated for the purpose of obtaining a delegated authority approval from the General Manager of Planning and Growth Management. ATTACHMENTS Figure 1 Study Area Figure 2 Existing Conditions Figure 3 Recommended Plan

11 Figure 1: Study Area

12 Figure 2: Existing Conditions

13 Figure 3: Recommended Plan (West)

14 Figure 4: Recommended Plan (East)