COUNCIL REPORT Report No. ENG 08-018 Executive Committee Date: May 0, 018 File No: 5400-1 To: From: Subject: Mayor and Council Purvez Irani, Senior Transportation Engineer Bluejay Street Road Improvements RECOMMENDATION THAT the report from the Senior Transportation Engineer, regarding the proposed road improvements on Blue Jay Street, between Cardinal Avenue and Maclure Road/Fraser Highway, be received for information. REPORT CONCURRENCE General Manager The General Manager concurs with the recommendation of this report. City Manager The City Manager concurs with the recommendation of this report. SUMMARY OF THE ISSUE Blue Jay Street, between Cardinal Avenue and Maclure Road/Fraser Highway, is experiencing severe congestion and delays during the morning (a.m.) and afternoon (p.m.) peak hours of the day. This congestion effects the movement of people, goods and services in the community. Cardinal Avenue provides direct access to the High Street Shopping Centre, the Auto Mall and other commercial/industrial properties, which are major destinations and a significant trip generator attracting high traffic volumes. The existing road configuration on Blue Jay Street and Maclure Road is not adequate to meet the demands during the peak hours. Road improvements are required, such as an additional northbound left-turn lane on Blue Jay Street at Cardinal Avenue, an additional southbound leftturn lane on Blue Jay Street at Maclure Road/Fraser Highway and an exclusive westbound right-turn lane on Maclure Road/Fraser Highway at Blue Jay Street. The proposed road improvements will include vehicular travel lanes, bike lanes, separated sidewalks with street trees (on Maclure Road only) and accommodations for transit. BACKGROUND
Report No. ENG 08-018 Page of 5 Blue Jay Street is classified as an Urban Collector, a two-lane roadway with both northbound and southbound left-turn lanes at the signalized intersections of Cardinal Avenue and Maclure Road/Fraser Highway, respectively. Blue Jay Street consists of designated bikes lanes which connect to the bike lanes on Cardinal Avenue continuing all the way to Mt. Lehman road past the High Street Mall. This section of roadway also consists of sidewalks on both sides of the road. Maclure Road is a popular east-west route that connects East Abbotsford to the High Street Mall area via Blue Jay Street and Cardinal Avenue. Due to this, the westbound right-turn movement on Maclure Road/Fraser Highway at Blue Jay Street is experiencing high turning volumes, with excessive queues on Maclure Road in the westbound direction. The traffic volume for the northbound left-turn movement at the intersection of Blue Jay Street and Cardinal Avenue is also high. Due to the high volumes during the a.m. and p.m. peak hour there is an excessive queue length created by left turning vehicles which blocks the through traffic going northbound on Blue Jay Street. The queue formed by the northbound vehicles then prevents the westbound right vehicles from entering Blue Jay Street from Maclure Road. Road improvements are required to address the lack of capacity available for these turn movements to occur, such as an additional northbound left-turn lane at the intersection of Blue Jay Street and Cardinal Avenue, and a southbound left-turn lane at the intersection of Blue Jay Street and Maclure Road/Fraser Highway, an exclusive westbound right-turn lane on Maclure Road/Fraser Highway at Blue Jay Street. DISCUSSION A traffic count for both the a.m. and pm. peak hours was conducted for the intersections of Blue Jay Street and Maclure Road/Fraser Highway, and Blue Jay Street and Cardinal Avenue. Highest traffic volumes were recorded during the p.m. peak hour between 4:15-5:15 p.m. for the intersection of Blue Jay Street and Cardinal Avenue and 4:30 5:30 p.m. for Blue Jay Street and Maclure Road/Fraser Highway. The p.m. peak traffic count was used for analysis purposes as highest traffic volumes were recorded during this period. Figure 1 in Attachment A shows the significant traffic turning volumes in the p.m. peak hour. 360 vehicles performing the northbound left-turn on Blue Jay Street at Cardinal Avenue. 418 vehicles performing the eastbound right movement on Cardinal Avenue at Blue Jay Street. 355 vehicles performing the southbound left movement on Blue Jay Street at Maclure Road/Fraser Highway. 36 vehicles performing the westbound right movement on Maclure Road/Fraser Highway at Blue Jay Street. Traffic modelling was undertaken to analyze the traffic volumes and determine the existing Level of Service (LOS), Volume to Capacity ratio (v/c) and the Queue lengths (q). When reviewing the traffic analysis results, a volume-to-capacity (v/c) ratio at or above 1.0 typically indicates that the traffic volume exceeds the intersection s capacity. The v/c ratios for
Report No. ENG 08-018 Page 3 of 5 individual turn movements are also assessed to evaluate the performance, in addition to the overall intersection performance. Level of Service (LOS) is a grading system based on the calculated delay. LOS A means that the intersection experiences little to no delay whereas a LOS F indicates significant delay is present. Queue lengths between intersections are also reviewed to see whether the turning or through lanes have enough storage lengths (m) available to successfully discharge traffic without impeding traffic flow. Un-Satisfactory measure of either one or all of these traffic parameters can impact the performance of a travel route. The existing performance of the two intersections was as follows and as illustrated in Figure, Attachment B: Intersection of Blue Jay Street and Cardinal Avenue Northbound Left Movement: v/c=0.76, LOS: C, Queue length required = 60m Problem Identified: Existing left-turn storage length available is 35m and required is 60m. Traffic Queue is overflowing into the through lane and blocking vehicles travelling northbound. Solution: Addition of another northbound left-turn lane to increase left turning capacity and to meet the storage length requirements. Blue Jay Street and Maclure Road/Fraser Highway Southbound Left Movement: v/c >1, LOS: F, Queue length required = 100m Problem Identified: Existing left-turn storage length available is 60m and required is 100m. Traffic Queue is overflowing into the through lane and blocking vehicles travelling southbound. Solution: Addition of another southbound left-turn lane to increase left turning capacity and to meet the storage length requirements. Westbound Right Movement: v/c >0.79, LOS: C, Queue length required = 105m Problem Identified: No existing exclusive right turn lane is present; right turning traffic is competing with westbound through traffic to turn right, especially when the westbound traffic is stopped during a red light phase at the intersection. Limited ability to turn right on a red light, since a high right turning volume of 36 vehicles is present, a queue of 105m occurs during the peak hour. Solution: An exclusive westbound right turn lane should be introduced to provide more capacity for right turning vehicles and to reduce the queue length. Proposed Concept Plan
Report No. ENG 08-018 Page 4 of 5 A complete street philosophy was incorporated into the design with facilities provided for all modes of transportation including vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and transit. A conceptual design was completed with the proposed road improvements and cross-sections as shown in Attachment C. The construction of the improvements will be done in two phases. Phase 1 improvements on Blue Jay Street will include the construction of the additional left-turn lanes, sidewalks and bike lanes and is expected to be completed in 018. Phase will see the construction of the westbound right-turn lane on Maclure Road and is expected to be completed in 019. This is due to the time required for the overhead utilities. A public consultation session was also held on Wednesday, March 8, 018, from 5 pm to 9 pm, with the surrounding residents and businesses. The conceptual drawings and other project details such as construction schedules were discussed. The public were supportive. The concept plan was also presented to the Transportation Advisory Committee and they were supportive of the project. FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATION Funding for this project was approved by Council in the 017 and 018 Capital Plans. Rajat Sharma General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services Signed 4/6/018 11:0 AM IMPACTS ON COUNCIL POLICIES, STRATEGIC PLAN AND/OR COUNCIL DIRECTION The Blue Jay Street improvements will support Council s Strategic Plan, the four cornerstones and the goals identified in the new official community Plan (OCP) and 007 Transportation Master Plan. SUBSTANTIATION OF RECOMMENDATION The proposed Blue Jay Street improvements will improve capacity along Blue Jay Street and Maclure Road in order to improve the movement of people, goods and services. The proposed improvements will address congestion by improving the extensive queuing problems and improve the level of service for the movement of goods and people, and result in a reduction in green-house gas emissions. This project will also encourage active living goals of the community and reduce the City s overall carbon footprint by improving the pedestrian and cycling network. Landscaped boulevards will also be provided as safe, comfortable and inviting spaces is of key importance in supporting the OCP. Purvez Irani Senior Transportation Engineer Signed 4/4/018 1:3 PM Rob Isaac Acting GM, Engineering & Regional Utiities Signed 4/5/018 3:9 PM
Report No. ENG 08-018 Page 5 of 5 ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A - Figure 1 Critical High Volume Movement (PM Peak Hour) Attachment B - Figure Existing PM Peak Condition Attachment C - Conceptual Design
Figure 1 Critical High Volume Movement (PM Peak Hour) www.abbotsford.ca
Figure Existing PM Peak Condition NBL Performance v/c: 0.76 LOS: C 95th Q: 60 m (Overspill) SBL Performance v/c: > 1.0 LOS: F 95th Q: 100 m (Overspill) WBT/R Performance v/c: 0.79 LOS: C 95th Q: 105 m www.abbotsford.ca
11+184.01 BIKE C 10 m STORAGE REPAINT BIKE LINE BARRIER CURB AND GUTTER TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO BE RELOCATED HYDRANT TO BE RELOCATED CARDINAL AVENUE 1+00 1 m STORAGE 1+16.38 1+100 1+000 TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO BE RELOCATED #3081 3 m STORAGE BLUE JAY STREET C 1.45 BIKE 11+100 30 m STORAGE VAULT TO BE ADJUSTED UTILITY POLE TO REMAIN 1.45 BIKE B B CHURCH 3.0 3.10 TURN 3.10 TURN ALLAN BLOCK RETAINING WALL 0.5m to 1.0m 3.0 MEANDER SIDEWALK AROUND STREET LIGHT #950 TIM HORTONS 55 m STORAGE 50 m STORAGE UTILITY POLE TO BE REMAIN VAULT TO BE ADJUSTED UTILITY POLE TO REMAIN POTENTIAL SIGN CONFLICT 0.0 #30853 3.0 3.10 LEFT TURN 3.10 0.60 LEFT TURN MEDIAN c/w DELIN. 1.50 0.30 1.45 BIKE SWALK 3.0 1.45 0.30 1.50 BIKE SWALK.0 % 10+000 11+000 C/L BLUE JAY ST.0 % 10+100.0 %.0 % C&G C&G SECTION B-B 1:100 0.00 C/L CARDINAL AVE 3.50 LEFT TURN WAY EXIST SWALK.0 % C & G SECTION C-C 1:100 A.0 % C&G MACLURE ROAD R HIGH 10+95.93 3.50 FRASE CHEVRON 10+00 10+ 1 PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION BLUE JAY STREET WIDENING ABBOTSFORD, BC C & G DATE: 09 FEB 018 SCALE 1:500
11+184.01 CARDINAL AVENUE 1+00 1+16.38 1+100 1+000 PROP. 4.47 33.50 C/L FRASER HWY 0.45 3.50 RIGHT TURN 3.50 3.50 LEFT TURN CHURCH SWALK MEDIAN 0.80 BLVD 1.50 0.30 1.50 SWALK 11+100 BLUE JAY STREET #3081 #950.0 % C & G C & G SECTION A-A 1:100 TIM HORTONS ALLAN BLOCK RETAINING WALL 0.5m TO 1.m A POTENTIAL SIGN CONFLICT TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO BE RELOCATED UTILITY POLE TO BE RELOCATED HYDRANT TO BE RELOCATED 10+000 11+000 RETAINING WALL.0 % 105 m STOR AGE3.50 TUR #30853 POTENTIAL DRIVEWAY RELOCATION REQUIRED TO AVOID STEEP GRADES UTILITY POLE TO REMAIN N 3.50 3.30 AGE 3.5 0 TURN LAN 7 m STOR E 10+100 FRASE 0.80 BOULEVARD R HIGH WAY A 10+95.93 C&G CHEVRON MACLURE ROAD 10+00 10+ 1 PHASE CONSTRUCTION BLUE JAY STREET WIDENING ABBOTSFORD, BC DATE: 09 FEB 018 SCALE 1:500
CARDINAL AVENUE PROPERTY IMPACTS (REMOVE/REPLACE) PORTION OF FENCE NEAR UTILITY POLE TRAFFIC SIGNAL TO BE RELOCATED 1.45 BIKE 3.0 3.10 TURN 3.10 TURN 3.0 1.45 BIKE PROPOSED PROPERTY ACQUISITION AREA = 3m #3081 BLUE JAY STREET 3.00 4.00 PROPOSED PROPOSED TEMPORARY WORKING AREA = 5m 1.00.00 Project 111-03870-0 Date: 018/0/09 0 1:50 1m 3081 CARDINAL AVENUE PRELIMINARY PROPERTY REQUIREMENT PERMANENT PROPERTY REQUIREMENT TEMPORARY WORKING AREA
3.10 TURN 3.10 TURN 3.00.00 1.00 4.00 PROPOSED TEMPORARY WORKING AREA = 5m PROPOSED PROPERTY ACQUISITION AREA = 3m PROPOSED 1.45 BIKE UTILITY POLE TO BE RELOCATED 1.45 BIKE PROPERTY IMPACTS (REMOVE/REPLACE) TRAFFIC SIGNAL 4 UTILITY POLES 3.0 3.10 TURN 3.10 TURN 3.0 6.00 8.00 PROPOSED TEMPORARY WORKING AREA = 10m PLAN 7465 LOT B #950 COMMUNICATIONS VAULT 14 PARKING STALLS 1.00.00 PROPOSED PROPERTY ACQUISITION AREA = 6m PROPOSED BLUE JAY STREET PROPOSED PROPOSED TEMPORARY WORKING AREA = 66m PROPOSED PROPERTY ACQUISITION AREA = 188m 3.44 1.00 FRASER HWY Project 111-03870-0 Date: 018/0/09 0 5 1:500 5m 950 BLUE JAY STREET PRELIMINARY PROPERTY REQUIREMENT PERMANENT PROPERTY REQUIREMENT TEMPORARY WORKING AREA
PROPERTY IMPACTS (REMOVE/REPLACE) RETAINING WALL SHRUBS AND PLANTING #30853 PROPOSED TEMPORARY WORKING AREA = 5m PROPOSED PROPERTY ACQUISITION AREA = 110m 3.0 1.00 PROPOSED RETAINING WALL PROPOSED 3.50 TURN 3.50 3.30 3.50 TURN POLE TO REMAIN MACLURE ROAD Project 111-03870-0 Date: 018/0/09 0 5 1:500 5m 30853 MACLURE ROAD PRELIMINARY PROPERTY REQUIREMENT PERMANENT PROPERTY REQUIREMENT TEMPORARY WORKING AREA