Changes to Traffic Circulation with Centrerunning

Transcription

1 Changes to Traffic Circulation with Centrerunning BRT A B C A B C At signalized intersections, traffic will be able to cross the BRT lanes and make right or left turns. At unsignalized minor streets and driveways, traffic will only be able to make a right-turn in or out. Traffic will not be able to cross the BRT lanes. Traffic that today turns left out of an unsignalized minor street or driveway will instead turn right and U-Turn at the next signalized intersection. U-turns will use dedicated left-turn lanes and a protected signal. Along Rapid Transit Streets, moving people will be the highest priority. Dedicated, centre-running lanes provide the most reliable transit service. At signalized intersections, traffic movements will stay the same as today. At unsignalized streets and driveways, traffic will not be able to cross the centrerunning BRT lanes. Emergency vehicles will be able to use BRT lanes.

2 Natural Environment Completed Work Updated natural heritage features mapping for approved BRT network Completed three-season survey of 7 sensitive sites Meetings with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Meetings with Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Ongoing Work Providing input to evaluation of design options Mitigation measures will be identified for the technically preferred options and documented in the Environmental Project Report Next Steps Environmental Impact Study will be presented to the Environmental and Ecological Planning Advisory Committee in early 2018 You can review the Natural Heritage Features mapping in the booklet provided.

3 Natural Environment Medway Creek Mud Creek SITE 3 Sensitive river valley Northeastern extent of Medway Valley Heritage Forest Environmentally Significant Area Many terrestrial and aquatic Species at Risk 4 terrestrial Species at Risk Realignment and enhancement of Mud Creek as part of the Mud Creek Subwatershed Environmental Assessment is being planned Thames River at University Kentucky Coffeetree found near Site 4 Kentucky Coffeetree is a Threatened species in Ontario One of 16 Species at Risk that may occur around Site 4 Thames River at Wellington Rd Queens Ave Bridge over Thames River An expansion to the Wellington Road bridge is proposed at Site 5. 3 terrestrial and 8 aquatic species at risk known to occur around Site 2 Site 5 hosts eight aquatic and four terrestrial Species at Risk. Westminister Ponds / Pond Mills ESA Exeter Road Monarch butterfly caterpillar observed on Common Milkweed near Site 7 Largest natural area in the City of London (approx 250 ha) The Monarch is listed as a species of Special Concern Supports provincially, regionally and locally rare plant and animal species. Meadow habitats may provide nesting or foraging habitat for Eastern Meadowlark, a Threatened species in Ontario

4 Archaeology & Heritage Completed Work Archaeology Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment is being updated for the approved BRT network. Heritage Cultural Heritage Constraints Report completed. Ongoing Work Archaeology Heritage Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment (test pits) for some areas to determine the potential for resources Cultural Heritage screening is being undertaken to identify potential heritage properties Next Steps Archaeology Heritage Stage 1 / Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment will be prepared and submitted to the London Advisory Committee on Heritage and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. A Cultural Heritage Screening report will be prepared and presented to the London Advisory Committee on Heritage. You can review the Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Features mapping in the booklet provided.

5 Transit Lane Options Centre-running Transit Dedicated transit lanes in the centre of the road Platforms in the centre of the road at signalized intersections Centre raised island restricts left-turns into and out of unsignalized side streets and driveways Curb-side running Transit Dedicated transit lanes on outside lanes of the road Platforms on the side of the road at signalized intersections Two-way left-turn lane to accommodate left-turns at unsignalized side streets and driveways In general, centre-running transit is preferred: Reliable Highest quality and most reliable Rapid Transit service Safe Fewer conflict points between traffic and transit Walkable More opportunities for streetscaping in between Rapid Transit stops Permanent Dedicated transit lanes and stops in the centre of the road are less susceptible to change and seen as more permanent.

6 Centre-running vs. Curb-side BRT Lanes CENTRE-RUNNING VS CURB-SIDE Property Impacts Impacts at signalized intersections with Less impacts at signalized intersections dedicated left-turn lanes than centre Impacts at midblock with 1.5 metre centre More impacts midblock with 3.0 metre raised island centre two-way left-turn lane Streetscape Impacts More opportunity for plants / public art Less opportunity for plants and public art between Rapid Transit stops between Rapid Transit stops Transit Service More reliable Rapid Transit with much less Less reliable rapid transit due to interaction interaction with turning / stopping vehicles with turning vehicles and curb-side stopping Local transit stops more frequently than Local transit stops more frequently than Rapid Transit Rapid Transit, meaning more bus bays to allow BRT buses to pass Local buses use mixed traffic curb lane Local buses use the curb-side BRT lane Traffic Operations Unsignalized side streets and driveways Unsignalized side streets and driveways are accessed by protected U-turns at are accessed from centre two-way left-turn signalized intersections. lane Requires all left-turns to occur at signalized intersections Traffic Safety Safer with fewer conflict points More conflict points than centre-running Emergency vehicles use centre transit Emergency vehicles use regular lanes lanes

7 Focus Areas The following areas are being reviewed in detail. We are developing and evaluating design options to minimize impacts. We want your input on the design options.