TRANSPORTATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT A travel demand analysis was carried out to determine the operational issues and the potential benefit that adding traffic capacity would have on the road network. All the scenarios were analyzed for the afternoon peak hour demand. 4 lane 4 lane 6 lane Future Conditions (2033) include proposed widening of Wonderland Road to: 6 lanes between Southdale Road and Highway 402; and 4 lanes between Highway 402 and Highway 401. 2 lane 2 lane The future year scenarios consider the build out conditions to 2033 (i.e. residential, industrial, and commercial development), which represents about 50% of the ultimate build out of the Southwest Area. 4 lane
TRANSPORTATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT A summary of the travel demand analysis is provided below: Existing Conditions Future Conditions Wonderland Road South is at operating capacity (congested), between Exeter Road and Dingman Drive. Wonderland Road South will require 6 lanes between Southdale Road and Highway 402 in order to meet future demand. The section between Southdale Road and Wharncliffe Road South is approaching capacity. Southdale Road, Wharncliffe Road South and Exeter Road intersections are currently operating at unacceptable levels of service. Wonderland Road intersection at Southdale Road has a relatively high number of collisions during the last five year period. With the projected growth, 4 lanes are recommended between Highways 402 and 401. The Frontage Street configuration contemplated in SWAP would not provide the traffic capacity to meet future demand. Wonderland Road South needs to be supported by a secondary road network and high transit usage in order to meet 2033 capacity requirements.
TRANSIT AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS Transit WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH The 2030 Transportation Master Plan reflects the City s commitment to increasing transit infrastructure, including the development of Rapid Transit and a supporting transit network. Wonderland Road South improvements will be planned recognizing the intent to expand and enhance transit service, as the Southwest Area Plan is implemented and land use densities support a more transit intensive network. Commuter and Recreational Cycling In the context of the Bicycle Master Plan (BMP), Wonderland Road South is a key element of the primary Commuter Network with connections to the planned east west Multi Use Pathways along Bradley Avenue (extension) and Dingman Drive, as identified in SWAP. A Secondary Commuter Network will serve to direct and link neighbourhood connections to Wonderland Road South. The Recreational Pathways identified in the Southwest Area Plan form part of the Recreational Network identified in the BMP. The Wonderland Road Commuter Network will have accesses to the Recreational Network where multi use pathways are identified in the vicinity of the Bradley Avenue extension and Dingman Creek.
PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES Improvements are needed along the Wonderland Road South corridor to address/accommodate: Existing operational deficiencies in sections of the corridor; Future travel demand associated with planned population and employment growth; An enhanced north south transportation corridor to facilitate both local and regional movement of people and goods; Future Transit system expansion along the corridor; WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH This study is an opportunity to contemplate both the function and the character of a future Wonderland Road South corridor. Function What is the role of Wonderland Road South and who is going to use it? Pedestrian and cyclist movements through the corridor, in accordance with Official Plan, and Bicycle Master Plan policies, and connectivity to existing and planned pathways identified in the Pathways Master Plan; and Long term vision of a street design that supports a pedestrian and retail environment. Character Will sections of the road be treated the same or will the road character change along the corridor? Drivers Cyclists Pedestrians Should there be common, distinct elements along the length of the corridor? Commercial Vehicles Transit
ALTERNATIVE PLANNING SOLUTIONS WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH Six alternative planning solutions were considered to address the problems and opportunities Alternative Solution Description How the Alternative Solution Addresses the Problem and Opportunities Do Nothing Maintain existing conditions with no improvements Does not address the Transportation Master Plan, Southwest Area Plan, Official Plan, or the City s related to growth objectives. Improve Other Roads Add capacity to adjacent parallel roads Does not fully address future transportation demand associated with planned population and employment growth, key aspects of the Southwest Area Plan Enterprise Corridor, and improved economic connectivity to Highways 401 and 402. Limit Development Restrict future development in the area to control future transportation demand and reduce future road capacity requirements Does not address the planned population and employment growth in Southwest London and the City s Economic Development Strategy. Implement Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Measures/ Improve Transit Service Reduce the traffic demand during peak hours through alternative modes of transportation (transit, cycling, walking), carpooling, minimizing frequency of travel (work from home), etc. On their own, these measures do not fully address future transportation demand associated with planned population and employment growth and key aspects of the Southwest Area Plan Enterprise Corridor, and improved economic connectivity to Highways 401 and 402. Implement Improvements to Intersections Undertake intersection improvements such as enhanced traffic signal timing and turn lanes to improve traffic operations On its own, this measure does not fully address the transportation needs. While improvements may offer some increases in local capacity, they simply defer the investment in creating a transportation network that fully supports planned growth. Widen Wonderland Road from Southdale Road to Highway 401 Widen Wonderland Road from Southdale Road to Highway 401 in order to provide increased north south capacity, accommodate projected future travel demand and support future economic growth opportunities Best addresses the problem/opportunity and the planned population and employment growth and the plans / policies identified in the Transportation Master Plan, Southwest Area Plan, Official Plan, and the City s Economic Development Strategy.
PREFERRED PLANNING SOLUTION The preferred planning solution includes a combination of the following solutions: Widen Wonderland Road from Southdale Road to Highway 401; and Transportation Demand Management Measures (TDM) (support alternative modes of transportation such as cycling and walking) and support Improved Transit Service. The preferred planning solution addresses the problems and opportunities by: Implementing the recommendations of the Transportation Master Plan by providing additional traffic capacity to meet future travel demand; Creating a transportation network that fully supports the planned population and employment growth and the intended vision for Wonderland Road (land use, character, transit hub), as identified in the Southwest Area Plan and Official Plan; and Supporting the function of Wonderland Road South as a significant gateway and the realization of City s Economic Development Strategy, by providing the infrastructure necessary to strengthen connectivity to and from Highways 401 and 402.
ROAD DESIGN ALTERNATIVES The final design for the corridor will be formed by the transportation needs and land use designations as well as the presence of social, cultural and natural environmental features and along its length. Preliminary Road Cross Section Concept Alternatives have been developed and are depicted on the next few display panels in order to demonstrate how elements such as travel lanes, parking lanes, different cycling facilities and boulevards can be combined and substituted with one another, resulting in various possible arrangements. Following PIC 1, the Project Team will review and refine these, as necessary, and then evaluate the alternatives to select a Preliminary Preferred Road Cross Section Alternative. Road Design Alternatives will be developed, based on the Preliminary Preferred Road Cross Section Alternative. The Road Design Alternatives will then be evaluated to determine the preferred road plan and profile. The Preliminary Preferred Road Cross Section Alternative and Road Design Alternative will be presented as the Preliminary Preferred Design for public review and feedback at PIC 2. Following PIC 2, the Recommended Plan will be confirmed based on public and agency feedback.
PRELIMINARY ROAD CROSS-SECTION CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES Typical Midblock* Cross-Section from Southdale Road to Highway 402 a) 6-lane with Frontage Street + Bike Lanes (54.6 m R.O.W.) b) 6-lane + Bike Lanes (42.0 m R.O.W.) WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH Pros: Advantageous for business / retail access and sidewalk utilization All day on street parking Significant aesthetic benefits to corridor: frontage street may create a more intimate pedestrian setting, high level of landscaping contributes to Grand Boulevard concept Enhanced cyclist / pedestrian experience Access to crossing roads is restricted to selected widely spaced cross roads, thereby enhancing the speed of traffic on the through lanes Cons: Does not meet future traffic capacity demand Greater road right of way requirements Multiple lanes / wide intersections for pedestrians to cross Lower local transit speeds due to use of Frontage Street Pros: Meet future traffic demands and provides highest capacity all day Accommodates commuter cyclist Aesthetic benefits to corridor realized through a high level of landscaping contributes to Grand Boulevard concept Cons: No on street parking Limited vehicle access to business / retail *Typical Midblock Cross Section provide minimum road right-of-way requirements. Right-of-way requirements may be greater at intersections and will be determined based on the final road design.
PRELIMINARY ROAD CROSS-SECTION CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES Typical Midblock Cross-Section from Southdale Road to Highway 402 c) 6-lane+ Off-Peak Parking+ Bike Lanes (42.0 m R.O.W.) WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH Pros: Provides higher vehicular capacity during peak hours Opportunity for on street parking during off peak hours Improved business / retail access and sidewalk utilization Accommodates commuter cycling Aesthetic benefits to corridor realized through a high level of landscaping contributes to Grand Boulevard concept Cons: Potential conflicts between cyclists and parked cars opening doors On Street parking during off peak hours could adversely affects the safety and also reduce the capacity of through traffic Would require parking enforcement
PRELIMINARY ROAD CROSS-SECTION CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES Typical Midblock Cross-Section from Southdale Road to Highway 402 d) 6-lane + Off-Peak Parking + Bike Lanes + Multi-Use Trail (43.5m R.O.W.) WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH e) 6-lane + Off-Peak Parking + 2-Way Bike Path (42.0m R.O.W.) Pros: Provide higher vehicular capacity during peak hours than the Frontage Street Opportunity for on street parking during off peak hours Accommodates both commuter and recreational cycling Aesthetic benefits to corridor realized through a high level of landscaping contributes to Grand Boulevard concept Cons: Potential conflicts between commuter cyclists and parked cars opening doors and potential conflicts between Multi Use Trail and pedestrians On Street parking during off peak hours could adversely affect the safety and also reduce the capacity of through traffic Would require parking enforcement Pros: Provide higher vehicular capacity during peak hours than the Frontage Street Opportunity for on street parking during off peak hours Accommodates commuter cycling Aesthetic benefits to corridor realized through a high level of landscaping contributes to Grand Boulevard concept Cons: Not consistent with recommendations of the Bicycle Master Plan with respect to preferred commuter route design & cyclists will need to dismount at every intersection. Potential conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians accessing their parked cars On Street parking during off peak hours could adversely affect the safety and also reduce the capacity of through traffic Would require parking enforcement
PRELIMINARY ROAD CROSS-SECTION CONCEPT Proposed Cross-Section from Highway 402 to Highway 401 The interim and ultimate road cross sections developed for Wonderland Road South between Highways 401 and 402 consider: Use of this corridor by farm equipment and provides additional shoulder width to accommodate farm vehicles; Use of this corridor by cyclists and provides wide travel lanes and paved shoulders; and The intent for enhanced landscape plantings or other gateway features to announce the entrance into the City. Interim 2-Lane Rural (36.0 m R.O.W.) Ultimate 4-Lane Rural (36.0 m R.O.W.)
EVALUATION OF ROAD DESIGN ALTERNATIVES WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH Phase 3 of the Class EA process involves the evaluation of potential effects of each of the road cross section concept and road design alternatives. In order to evaluate alternatives, a set of criteria is developed. A broad range of criteria is needed to effectively assess the potential environmental effects and provide for a transparent decision making process. A preliminary set of evaluation criteria to assess the net effects has been prepared. The draft evaluation criteria fall under 5 general categories as follows: Transportation and Technical Natural Environment Socio Economic Environment Land Use and Urban Design Cultural Environment The outcome of the evaluation process will be identification of the Recommended Design for Wonderland Road South. The Recommended Design will reflect the different functional needs and character principles along the corridor. Draft evaluation criteria are described on the following display panels. Dot stickers can be used to indicate which criteria you feel should be considered a high priority.
DRAFT EVALUATION CRITERIA Proposed TRANSPORTATION AND TECHNICAL Criteria Movement of Good and People Do the proposed improvements address the transportation needs and operate at an acceptable level of service? How important is this to you? Please rate each criterion by placing a sticky dot. You may place more than one dot in the same criterion. Corridor Width Range Is the width of the corridor within the suggested 26 60 m range identified in the Official Plan? Travel Speed Is traffic limited to an appropriate speed for the adjacent land uses? Number of Lanes Is the number of lanes appropriate in the context of adjacent land uses and traffic volumes? Local Street Connectivity Does the road network offer access, connectivity to and compatibility with local streets? Transit Is the road able to accommodate transit? Cycling and Pedestrians Does the design provide safe and attractive cycling and pedestrian facilities? Access Management Is direct access important?
DRAFT EVALUATION CRITERIA Proposed NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Criteria Natural Heritage Features What is the impact on features such as significant woodlands, wetlands and corridors/valleylands/watercourses and their functions? How important is this to you? Please rate each criterion by placing a sticky dot. You may place more than one dot in the same criterion. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat What is the impact on terrestrial and aquatic species including potential direct and indirect impacts to habitat, movement etc.? Species at Risk Are there any impacts to Species at Risk or their habitats? Protection of Surface and Groundwater What are the potential impacts to flood flow and conveyance, surface water quality and groundwater quality? Proposed SOCIO ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT Criteria How important is this to you? Please rate each criterion by placing a sticky dot. You may place more than one dot in the same criterion. Property Does the design minimize displacement of or disruption to adjacent properties? Businesses Will there be any short term or long term disruption to local businesses (e.g., access)? Community Features What effect is there on the overall character or mobility of the local community? Noise Are noise impacts acceptable or can they be managed?
DRAFT EVALUATION CRITERIA Proposed LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN Criteria How important is this to you? Please rate each criterion by placing a sticky dot. You may place more than one dot in the same criterion. Land Use Designations/Context Is the design appropriate for the planned future land use context along the corridor? Planned Building Scale and Orientation Is the design appropriate for the size, density and height of future buildings? Street Character and Vibrancy Is a portion of the right of way dedicated to public uses including sidewalks, planters, trails etc. and is there a level of urban design reflected streetlight fixtures, benches, bollards, bike racks, transit shelters, and sidewalk/ crosswalk materials? Local Identity Is a strong sense of local identity provided in the Gateway design and by integrating landscape, cultural and heritage resources into the corridor design which visually retain/enhance local characteristics? Proposed CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT Criteria How important is this to you? Please rate each criterion by placing a sticky dot. You may place more than one dot in the same criterion. Archaeology Will there be an impact on identified archaeological resources? Built Heritage Will there be an impact on built heritage resources or listed structures? Cultural Heritage Landscape Will there be any impacts to the cultural heritage landscape?
URBAN DESIGN ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH A variety of design features or elements will be considered to enhance the function and character the Wonderland Road South Corridor. What features are important to you? Function Character
URBAN DESIGN - GATEWAY Gateway as Entry Landmark
URBAN DESIGN - GATEWAY Gateway as a Celebration of Place
URBAN DESIGN - GATEWAY Gateway Feature Bollards
URBAN DESIGN - GATEWAY Gateway Feature Poles
URBAN DESIGN - GATEWAY Gateway Feature Fences
URBAN DESIGN - GATEWAY Gateway Feature Lighting
NEXT STEPS Following this PIC the Project Team will: Review all public and agency comments and, in light of feedback received, will: Confirm the preferred planning alternative; Further assess existing conditions; Confirm evaluation criteria; Evaluate the Road Cross Section Concept Alternatives and select a preferred; and Develop and evaluate Road Design Alternatives based on the preferred Road Cross Section Alternative. Conduct a second round of Public Consultation to present and request input on the preliminary preferred design. How to get involved: Request that your name be added to the study mailing list; Participate in the next PIC, planned for the Fall of 2014; Provide your feedback by contacting the study team directly, using the contact information to the right. Thank you! WONDERLAND ROAD SOUTH Please complete a comment sheet or send comments by email or mail directly to one of the Project Team contacts: Maged Elmadhoon Manager, Transportation Planning City of London P.O. Box 5035 London, ON N6A 4L9 Tel: 519 661 2500, ext. 4934 Email: melmadho@london.ca Jay Goldberg Consultant Project Coordinator MMM Group 2655 North Sheridan Way Mississauga, ON L5K 2P8 Tel: 905 823 8500 ext. 1284 Email: goldbergj@mmm.ca Your involvement is essential to the successful completion of this study. We welcome your comments. Dana Glofcheskie Consultant Project Engineer MMM Group 2655 North Sheridan Way Mississauga, ON L5K 2P8 Tel: 905 823 8500 ext. 1285 Email: glofcheskied@mmm.ca Your comments are welcome at any time throughout the project, however, we ask that you provide your feedback with respect to the PIC 1 materials by February 7, 2014.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING? The video you are watching is a traffic simulation, generated using state of the art traffic simulation software. This software simulates traffic conditions considering traffic volume, driving behavior and road network, based on the travel speed, number of travel lanes and location of traffic signals / signs. The traffic conditions you are viewing on the screen represent 2 future (2033) scenarios: 1. Traffic conditions without widening of the Wonderland Road South corridor 2. Traffic conditions with widening of the Wonderland Road South corridor As you can see, with no road improvements, the model simulates congested traffic conditions based on the population and employment growth projected to 2033.