Se '~A ABBOTSFORD COUNCIL REPORT. Report No. ENG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Date: July 23, 2014 File No: To: From: Subject:

Transcription

1 Se '~A ABBOTSFORD Report No. ENG COUNCIL REPORT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Date: July 23, 2014 File No: To: From: Subject: Mayor and Council Russ Mammel, Transportation, Special Projects Pedestrian Crosswalk Review and Upgrade Program RECOMMENDATIONS 1. THAT the budget for the Priority One - Pedestrian Crosswalk Review and Upgrade Program of $545,000 be reallocated from the 2016 Capital Road Resurfacing (Major and Minor Pavement Resurfacing) budget in the next amendment to the Financial Plan; and 2. THAT the staff request to reallocate $185,000 from the 2017 Capital Road Resurfacing (Major and Minor Pavement Resurfacing) for the Priority Two - Pedestrian Crosswalk Review and Upgrade Program be considered during the 2017 Budget planning process. SUMMARY OF THE ISSU E One of the City's goals is to enhance walkability and the pedestrian environment as an alternative transportation option. This is accomplished through a well-developed pedestrian network of marked crosswalks and signalized crossings. While the City's pedestrian infrastructure receives ongoing improvements, the goal of increased pedestrian activity will create a demand for new crosswalks and enhancements to existing crossings. Addressing this demand, the recommended crosswalk Upgrade Program will incorporate pedestrian infrastructure into a safe, effective and affordable multi-modal transportation system. BACKGROUND The City has over 400 km of sidewalk system to support the movement of people. Within that system there are 56 marked crosswalks at un-signalized intersections throughout the City. In addition, the City has 24 pedestrian traffic signals and 95 standard traffic signals to support walkability and mobility in the community. An overview of the City's crosswalk systems was presented to the Transportation Advisory Committee at their November 16, 2015 meeting. This presentation included a discussion on pedestrian crosswalk warrants and how the City prioritizes its crosswalk program based on available funds and warrants. The Engineering Department has completed a review of its 56 marked crosswalks to determine whether the pedestrian and/or traffic conditions have changed over the years and if any require upgrades. The Transportation Advisory Committee at its June 20, 2016 meeting considered the staff review and proposed upgrades for the City's 56 marked crosswalks. The Committee recommended that Council approve the Pedestrian Crosswalk Review and Upgrade Program and the reallocation of $730,000 in total from the 2016 and 2017 Capital Road Resurfacing budgets.

2 Report No. ENG Page 2 of 5 DISCUSSION The City of Abbotsford has a well-developed pedestrian network, which includes 56 marked crosswalks at un-signalized locations. Of these crosswalks, 14 are located on roadways with multi-lane approaches and 42 of the crosswalks are at locations with single-lane approaches, as listed in Attachment 'A'. While pedestrian infrastructure is continually being improved and new crosswalks are being added, the public desire for new crosswalks and enhancements to existing crossings requires that City staff review the current systems that assess, rate, prioritize and integrate crosswalk design into a safe, effective and affordable, multi-modal transportation network. Crosswalk assessments of new or upgraded crosswalk installations are typically conducted when public requests are received or due to other factors such as a change in traffic and pedestrian patterns or land use. A review of all of the current crosswalk installations was conducted to establish a system of uniform crosswalk management across the City. Issues that have advanced the need for improved, uniform crosswalk management include: increased public requests for new and existing crosswalk improvements; the public's desire for a greater understanding and awareness of crosswalk design considerations; recent adoption of effective pedestrian signal options by the Transportation Association of Canada; and public acceptance of 'Overhead Flashing Beacon' and 'Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon' (RRFB) installations. Crosswalk Technical Evaluation The Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide (2012), published by the Transportation Association of Canada is referenced by the City for crosswalk planning, assessment and design. The Guide provides a framework for transportation planners to assess the suitability of crosswalk installations and recommends specific levels of intervention and treatment, based on site characteristics and pedestrian safety. It is fundamental that the road system protect pedestrians and other vulnerable modes by achieving a high level of compliance from all road users, and minimizing pedestrian exposure to vehicular traffic. Safe and effective pedestrian crossing design requires careful analysis integrated with other transportation considerations including pedestrian volumes and delays, vehicle volume and speed, the age and ability of pedestrians, road geometry, proximity to intersections, lighting conditions, as well as other appropriate factors. Simply adding more crosswalks is not necessarily an effective way to enhance pedestrian safety. Many proposed crosswalk sites do not meet the criteria for implementation as listed in the Transportation Association of Canada Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide, and if installed, could actually be detrimental to overall pedestrian safety, and cause liability concerns. For example, safe crossing locations require minimum sight stopping distances for vehicles. Also, the Guide requires a minimum volume of 15 (equivalent adult) pedestrians crossing during the peak hours, for a crosswalk to be warranted. With fewer pedestrians, drivers are often unaccustomed to seeing people routinely

3 Report No. ENG Page 3 of 5 crossing at the location, and are therefore less likely to be actively looking for pedestrians. This inattention by the driver, combined with the false sense of security that crosswalks often provide (particularly to younger pedestrians), can increase safety concerns. Crosswalk Treatment There are five basic treatment level categories for crosswalks, which include: un-marked crosswalks, ground-mounted systems, 'Overhead Flashing Beacon' systems, traffic signal systems and grade separations. Within each category, various treatments and installation types can be used as described in Attachment 'B'. The recent Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) installation for the crosswalk on McMillan Road, adjacent to McMillan Elementary School, has been well received and offers good stopping compliance by drivers and responsible use of the crossing by the pedestrians. In addition, 'Overhead Flashing Beacon' installations are used extensively by many Lower Mainland municipalities. These installations provide overhead displays, down-lighting on the crosswalk, produce good stopping compliance by drivers and are generally well received by the public. Discussion through the Transportation Advisory Committee indicated an acceptance to consider 'Overhead Flashing Beacon' installations in addition to the current use of full pedestrian traffic signals, and RRFB installations as a potential enhancement to ground-mounted crosswalks. Proposed Multi-lane Approach Crosswalk Upgrades (14 Locations) Crosswalks with multi-lane vehicle approaches have the additional concern where adjacent vehicles traveling in the same direction can block sightlines between drivers and pedestrians, as well as the driver's view of shoulder mounted pedestrian crossing signs. Overhead mounted pedestrian signs can address the sign visibility concern. Of the 14 multi-lane approach crosswalks, 10 locations are recommended to receive upgraded crossing systems. A listing of these locations, including the existing and proposed crossing configurations is detailed in attachment 'A'. The recommended upgrades include the installation of pedestrian traffic signals at two locations, 'Overhead Flashing Beacon' installations at six locations, and RRFB installations with curb bulges at two locations. The installation of the multi-lane approach crosswalk upgrades listed is estimated to cost $580,000. It is proposed that the upgraded crossings be installed over a two year period with the 'Priority 1' projects, estimated at $470,000, be installed in 2016/2017 and 'Priority 2' projects, estimated at $110,000, be installed in 2017/2018. If the crosswalk improvement projects listed are approved to proceed, a detailed design will be carried out for each location and cost estimates will be updated. Proposed Single-lane Approach Crosswalk Upgrades (42 Locations) The majority of marked crosswalks in the City have single-lane vehicle approaches. In 2014 the Transportation Association of Canada approved the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at crosswalks, and these are considered an acceptable enhancement to shoulder mounted signs. RRFB installations are not currently listed in the hierarchy of crosswalk treatments in the Transportation Association of Canada, Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide. However, for single-lane approaches, RRFB's offer an enhanced level of crosswalk warning, when the Guide recommends a ground-mounted system.

4 Report No. ENG Page 4 of 5 Of the 42 single-lane approach crosswalks, 10 locations are recommended to receive upgraded crossing systems. A listing of the proposed locations is detailed in Attachment 'A'. The recommended upgrades include RRFB installations at all 10 locations, with an estimated cost of $150,000. It is proposed that the upgraded crossings be installed over a two year period with the 'Priority 1' projects, estimated at $75,000, be installed in 2016/2017 and 'Priority 2' projects, estimated at $75,000, be installed in 2017/2018. If the crosswalk improvement projects listed are approved to proceed, a detailed design will be carried out for each location and cost estimates will be updated. FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATION The estimated cost for the proposed upgrade of crosswalks throughout the City is $730,000 for both multi-lane and single-lane approach crosswalks. This cost is recommended to be funded over a two year period from reallocated portions of the 2016 and 2017 Capital Road Resurfacing (Major and Minor Pavement resurfacing) budgets. The recommended reallocation is $545,000 for 'Priority 1' upgrades from the 2016 Road Resurfacing budget and $185,000 for 'Priority 2' upgrades from the 2017 Road Resurfacing budget, as listed in the table below. Reallocation of $1.0 million per year from the Major and Minor Road Resurfacing budgets, for use on other transportation related projects, was approved by Council through Report No. ENG 'Pavement Management Update - Optimization Strategies'. CROSSWALK LOCATIONS (Multi-lane & Single-lane Approaches) RECOMMENDED TREATMENT COST PRIORITY 1 McCallum Rd. at Switzer Ave. Ware St. at Farrant Cr. Trethewey St. at Slocan Dr. Bevan Ave. at Primrose St. Clearbrook Rd. at Newcastle Ct. South Fraser Way at James St. South Fraser Way at Pauline St. Blueridge Dr. at Summit Dr. Ash St. at Walnut/Green Ave. Blueridqe Dr. at Goldfinch St. Huntingdon Rd. at Gladwin Rd. Downes Rd. at MEI Elem. PRIORITY 2 Clearbrook Rd. at Clearbrook Elem. Old Clayburn Rd. at Skeena Ave. King Rd. at Highview St. McMillan Rd. at Mila St. Emerson St. at Hollywood Ave. Laburnum Ave. at Palfy Park Old Clayburn Rd. at McKinley Dr. McDougall Ave. at Montrose Ave. Pedestrian Signal 130,000 Overhead Flashing Beacon 40,000 Overhead Flashinq Beacon 40,000 Overhead Flashing Beacon 30,000 Overhead Flashing Beacon 30,000 Pedestrian Signal 130,000 Overhead Flashinq Beacon 70,000 Rectanqular Rapid Flashinq Beacon 15,000 Rectanqular Rapid Flashinq Beacon 15,000 PRIORITY 1 - sub total $545,000 Overhead Flashing Beacon 50,000 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon + curb bulge 25,000 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon + curb bulges 35,000 Rectanqular Rapid Flashinq Beacon 15,000 Rectangular Rapid Flashinq Beacon 15,000 PRIORITY 2 - sub total $185,000 TOTAL $730,000 Date reviewed and approved by the Chief Financial Officer: June 21, 2016.

5 Report No. ENG Page 5 of 5 IMPACTS ON COUNCIL POLICIES, STRATEGIC PLAN AND/OR COUNCIL DIRECTION Upgrading crosswalks to an improved and uniform standard across the City is consistent with Council's Strategic Plan and the four cornerstones associated with a Vibrant Economy, Complete Community, Fiscal Discipline and Organizational Alignment. Specifically, this initiative directly accomplishes the Strategic Plan cornerstone Complete Community objective of capitalizing on opportunities around transportation in and through the City and making walking more delightful. SUBSTANTIATION OF RECOMMENDATION One of the 'Seven Big Ideas' of the updated OCP is to make walking, cycling and transit more delightful. This objective supports Councils four cornerstones of the Strategic Plan, in particular making a Complete Community. As part of making a Complete Community, the City has reviewed its 56 crosswalk locations and is recommending upgrades to 20 crossing locations for a total cost of $730,000. This will make walking more enjoyable and enhance safety and mobility in the Community. ( Russ Mammel P.Eng. Transportation, Special Projects Peter Sparanese, P.Eng. General Manager, Engineering and Regional Utilities ATTACHMENTS Attachment "A" : Crosswalk Listing Attachment "B'': Crosswalk Treatments

6 Crosswalks on Multi-lane Approach Roadways - Attachment 'A' Page 1of2 Location #of Lanes Current Traffic Control ADT School Route Speed Limit Recommendation Cost Estimate Note Priority 1 M ccallum Rd at Switzer Ave 4 Overhead Signs (GM2! 17,500 so Pedestrian Signal $130,000 Access to Park 1 2 Ware St at Fa rrant Cr. 4 Overhead Signs (GM2) 13,600 Yes 50 Overhead Flashing Beacon $40,000 Access to Park, school route 1 3 Trethewey St at Slocan Dr. 4 Overhead Signs (GM2) 9, Overhead Fl ashing Beacon $40,000 Acce ss to park 1 4 Bevan Ave at Primrose St 3 (17m) Overhead Signs (GM2) 7,750 Yes 50 Overhead Flashing Beacon $30,000 Route to Mill Lake Park, close to a senior centre 1 5 Clearbrook Rd at Newcastle Ct. 4 Overhead Signs (GM2) 7,500 Yes 50 Overh ead Flashing Beacon $30,000 students and seniors 1 6 SFW at James St in front of City Hall 4 7 SFW at Pauline St 3 (18m) Side-mounted signs (GMl) with Refuge island Side-mounted signs (GM1) 27, Pedestrian Signal $130,000 Developer contribution for future traffic 9,500 so Overh ead Flashing Beacon $70, " 8 Clearbrook Rd at Clearbrook Elementary 4 O/H+Flashing Beacons 7,500 Yes (30 school Overhead Flashing Beacon $SO,OOO School Crossing 2 zone) signal 1 9 Old Clayburn Rd at Skeena Ave 2 Rectanular Rapid Flashing Overhead Signs (GM2) 9,0SO Yes so +Parking Lane Beacon +Curb bulge $2S,OOO 2 10 King Rd at Highview St 2 Overhead Signs (GM2) 7,060 so Rectanul ar Rapid Flashing Beacon + Curb bulges $3S,OOO 2 Future traffic signal installation when 11 Peardonville Rd at Simpson Rd 4 Overhead Signs (GM2) 6,950 so No change signal warrants are met (developer contributions) Future traffic signal in~tallation when 12 Whatcom Rd at Lower Sumas M ountain Rd 4 Overhead Signs (GM2) 10,000 so No change signal warrants are met (developer contributions) 13 SFW at Montvue Ave 2 +Parking Lane Overhead Signs (GM2) 9,400 so No change Existing All-Way Stop controlled intersection, future signalization 14 Marshall Rd at Walker Cr. 4 Side-mounted signs (GM1) 17,300 so No change Crosswalk to be removed when a futre signal is installed at Marshall/McMillan Rd and/or ped signal at Marshall/ Guilford Priority 1 $470,000 Priority 2 $110,000 Total $580,000

7 Crosswalks on Single-lane Approach Roadways Attachment 'A' Pagezotz Current School Speed Limit Location Traffic Recommendations Cost Estimate Notes Priority Route (km/h) Control 1 Blueridge Dr at Summit Dr GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 Heavily used by students 1 2 Ash St at Walnut/Green Ave GM1 50, 30 School Zone Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 Sightline restriction 1 3 Blueridge Dr at Goldfinch St GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 Heavily used by students and senior Temple goers 1 4 Huntingdon Rd at Gladwin Rd GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 NB Gladwin Rd. widening, Retro-refiective Panels 1 5 Downes Rd at MEI Elementary School GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 School Crossing 1 6 McMillan Rd at Mila St GM1 YES 50 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 School route 2 7 Emerson St at Hollywood Ave GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 - School route 2 8 Laburnum Ave at Pally Park GM1 YES 30 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 School route, Trail crossing at curve 2 9 Old Clayburn Rd. at McKinley Dr GM1 YES School Zone Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15, McDougall Ave at Montrose Ave GM1 50 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons $15,000 Adjacent Transit Exchange 2 11 Stephen Leacock Dr at Auguston Elementary School GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor Future crossing guard or raised crosswalk 12 Montrose Ave at Laurel St GM1 50 continue to monitor Future onstreet transit exchange improvements 13 Lobban Rd at Rockland Ave GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor Crosswalk to be relocated to allow bus storage 14 Ross Rd at Ross Elementary GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor Sidewalk installed 15 McMillan Rd at Sanden Dr GM1 50 continue to monitor 16 Haida Dr at Qualicum St GM1 50 continue to monitor Route to park I trail 17 Haida Dr at Nicola St GM1 50 continue to monitor Route to park I trail 18 Marshall Rd at Meadows St GM1 YES 50 continue to monitor Crossing guard and recent street light upgrade 19 Delair Rd at Rockwell Dr. GM1 50, 30 Playground Zone continue to monitor 20 George Ferguson Way at Ash St GM1 50 continue to monitor 21 Immel St at Mierau St GM1 50 continue to monitor 22 Mountain Dr at Boley St GM1 YES 40 continue to monitor 23 Mountain Dr at Heartrstone Pl GM1 YES 40, 30 School Zone continue to monitor 24 Vye Rd at Whatcom Rd GM1 YES 60, 30 School Zone continue to monitor Truck Route 25 Auguston Parkway at Atwood Cr. GM1 50 continue to monitor 26 Blausson Blvd. at Auguston Parkway GM 1 YES 50 continue to monitor 27 McMillan Rd at McMillan Elementary School GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor RRFB installed 28 Blatchford Way at William Fraser Middle School GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor 29 Riverside St at George Ave GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor Exixting Raised crosswalk 30 Hilltout St Ten-Broeck School GM1 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor 31 Montvue Avenue at Gosling Way GM1 50 continue to monitor 32 Chilcotin Dr at Nicola St GM1 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor 33 Mayfair Ave mid Block GM1 50 continue to monitor 34 Clayburn Rd at Wright St GM1 30 continue to monitor 35 Laburnum Ave at Sheridan Place GM1 so continue to monitor 36 Babich St Terry Fox Elementary School GM1 YES 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor 37 Champlain Gres at Durham Place GM1 50 continue to monitor 38 Guilford Dr at Aladdin Gres S GM1 30 continue to monitor 39 Guilford Dr at Aladdin Gres N GM1 30 continue to monitor 40 Sandy Hill Rd at Sandy Hill Gres GM1 50, 30 School Zone continue to monitor Traffic calming, raised crosswalk planned 41 Sandpiper Dr at Goldfinch St GM1 50, 30 Playground Zone continue to monitor 42 Old Riverside Rd Chief Dan Georae Middle School GM1 YES 50, 30 Plavaround Zone continue to monitor Priority 1 $75,000 Priority 2 $75,000 Total $150,000

8 Crosswalk Treatments Attachment 'B' TYPE DESCRIPTION GRAPHIC Ground - Mounted Marked Crosswalk with Side Mounted Signs Installation Cost: $1,500-33,000 Sign and Paint: $1,500 Upgrade Wheelchair Ramps: $5,000-$20,000 Curb Extension Installation: $15,000-25,000 Marked Crosswalk with Overhead Mounted Signs Installation Cost: $40,000-60,000 Sign and Paint: $2,500 Upgrade Wheelchair Ramps: $5,000-$20,000 Pole Installation: $10,000-15,000 each Curb Extension Installation: $15,000-25,000 Overhead Flashing Beacon Installation Cost: $55,000-75,000 Sign and Paint: $2,500 Upgrade Wheelcha ir Ramps: $5,000-$20,000 Pole Installation: $10,000-15,000 each Curb Extension Installation: $15,000-25,000 Electrical/Down lighting /Signal Control: $15,000 Pedestrian Activated Signal Installation Cost: $120, ,000 Sign and Paint: $2,500 Upgrade Wheelchair Ramps: $5,000-$20,000 Electrical Wiring/Signal Control: $100,000 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons(RRFB) Installation Cost : $15,000-30,000 Sign and Paint: $1,500 Upgrade Wheelchair Ramps: $5,000-$20,000 Flashing Beacon System: $7,000-10,000