Townline Road Environmental Assessment ORIGINAL February, 2016
Townline Road Environmental Assessment Taunton Road to Conlin Road ORIGINAL February, 2016
Table of Contents 1. Introduction... 1 1.1 Project Rationale and Process... 1 2. Existing Conditions... 2 2.1 Townline Road/Road Network... 2 2.2 Intersection Control... 2 2.3 Utilities... 3 2.4 Geometry... 5 2.5 Active Transportation and Transit... 5 2.6 Transit Services... 6 2.7 Drainage... 6 2.8 Land Use and Future Development... 7 2.9 Urban Landscape... 7 3. Transportation Study... 7 3.1 Existing Traffic Volumes... 7 3.2 Forecast Traffic Volumes... 8 3.3 Traffic Operations Existing... 11 3.4 Traffic Operations Future... 11 3.5 Traffic Signal Warrants... 11 3.6 Turning Lane Warrants... 12 3.7 Traffic Analysis Results... 12 Road Geometry... 12 Other Transportation Modes... 13 4. EA Process... 14 5. Alternative Designs and Design Criteria... 16 5.1 Design Criteria... 16 5.2 Stormwater Drainage... 18 5.3 Cross-Section Alternatives... 19 5.4 Utilities... 23 6. Preliminary Design... 24 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT i
Error! No text of specified style in document. 7. Construction Method and Monitoring... 24 7.1 Construction Cost... 24 7.2 Construction Timing/Staging... 28 7.3 Potential Effects on the Environment/Mitigation... 29 7.4 Approvals Required Prior To Construction... 31 ii
Table of Figures Figure 1: Study Area... 1 Figure 2: Utilities Plan... 4 Figure 3: Proposed Pedestrian and Cycling Facilities... 5 Figure 4: Existing Transit Network... 6 Figure 5: Existing Traffic Volumes... 8 Figure 6: Future Traffic Volumes... 10 Figure 7: Left Turn Lane Requirements... 12 Figure 8: Summary of Stakeholder Comments... 15 Figure 9: Design Criteria... 17 Figure 10: Typical Cross-Section (Midblock)... 20 Figure 11: Typical Cross-Section (Intersection)... 21 Figure 12: Construction Costs... 26 Figure 13: Taunton Road to Coldstream Drive Cost Estimates... 28 Figure 14:Potential Effects on the Environment/Mitigation... 31 List of Appendices Appendix A: Transportation Study Report Appendix B: SWM-102 Appendix C: Stage 1 Archaeological Survey Appendix D: Preliminary Design Plates TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT iii
1. Introduction CIMA Canada Inc. was retained by the to undertake a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) and preliminary design for the reconstruction of Townline Road between a point 125 metres north of Taunton Road (the end of a recent reconstruction of the Taunton intersection by the Region of Durham) to Conlin Road. The study area is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 - Study Area This reports documents the actions undertaken during this planning project along with the final preliminary design. 1.1 Project Rationale and Process Growing traffic volumes related to residential and commercial development in the area along with the extension of Highway 407 East Phase 1 combined with deteriorating pavement condition, poor geometry and safety and drainage issues led the City to consider the need for improvements to this section of road. In order to make improvements, the City needs to satisfy the Municipal EA requirements as outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) as approved by the Minister of the Environment October 2000, as amended in November 2007 and August 2011. At the outset to the study, it was thought that a widening of the road may be necessary and that property and environmental impacts would likely ensue; it was therefore decided to proceed following the Schedule C process under the MEA Class EA manual. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 1
As the project proceeded and the preferred design was defined, this schedule was revisited and a simpler A+ schedule was ultimately followed. See Section 4 for more details on this issue. In the following main sections, this report lays out the key activities under the headings of: 2. Existing Conditions 3. Transportation Study 4. EA Process 5. Alternative Designs and Design Criteria 6. Preferred Preliminary Design 7. Construction Phasing 2. Existing Conditions 2.1 Townline Road/Road Network In the s Official Plan (OP), Townline Road is classified as a Type B arterial and therefore intended to carry moderate volumes of traffic including truck traffic, generally intersecting with other arterial and collector roads to provide a moderate level of service The corridor intersects with roadways classified as Type A, B, and C arterials (Taunton Rd E, Conlin Road E, and Coldstream Drive respectively) and a collector (future extension of Woodstream Avenue) (City OP, 2011). Phase 1 of the proposed extension of Highway 407 runs east-west to north of the study area, with the proposed final interchange at Harmony Road. While not programmed at this time, conceptual designs for the extension of Townline Road to meet the highway at a future interchange have been developed. Townline is spaced such that, in the long term, an interchange with the highway is feasible. As no plan is in place at this time, it was assumed for planning purposes that no interchange with Townline Road will be present. Identified in a previous Region of Durham Transportation Master Plan, future road improvement plans for the area included a plan to widen to 3 to 5 lanes the section of Townline Road immediately to the south of the subject study area. However, the Region currently does not have any long term plans to widen Townline Road north of Adelaide Avenue and is not included in the Region s Development Charges Background study recommended road improvements., 2.2 Intersection Control At the north end of the study area, there is a 4-way stop which has limited capacity. This intersection is currently being reviewed in the ongoing Conlin Road EA. A design drawing was obtained from the consultant undertaking this EA study for the City to 2 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
ensure the projects were coordinated. A new sub-division road, Coldstream Drive, currently intersects with Townline Road on the west side; and another (Woodstream Avenue) is underway as west side development moves north. These subdivision roads are stop-controlled while Townline Road is free-flow. The intersection with the Regional Taunton Road has been improved in recent times with a 4-lane cross-section on Taunton Road and a through, plus left and right turn lanes on both legs of Townline. 2.3 Utilities A significant hydro line is clearly visible on the west side throughout the study area and a TransCanada High Pressure Gas pipeline crosses Townline. A mail out to utility companies was undertaken for plant locates; the utilities plans received are shown in Figure 2. Utility confirmation letters were sent to the following organizations for utility mark-ups: Hydro One Ontario Power Generation Inc. Trans-Canada Pipelines Enbridge Gas Rogers Oshawa PUC MTS Allstream Bell Canada Veridian Regional Municipality of Durham Trans-Northern Pipelines Telus The following firms/organizations responded: Hydro One Enbridge Gas Rogers Veridian Trans-Northern Pipelines Veridian and Trans-Northern Pipelines stated they do not have any plant in the study area. Rogers has some buried facilities on the west side of Townline Road servicing the adjacent community; however, all their facilities are outside of Townline Road Right-of-Way (ROW). Hydro one has a 27.6kv power line on the west side of Townline Road. Enbridge owns and operates a 762mm pipeline crossing Townline Road just south of Conlin Road. An aerial cable line on the east side of Townline Road is visible; however, the owner is uncertain. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 3
Figure 2 - Utilities Plan 4 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
2.4 Geometry The profile along Townline is generally gently undulating; however, if the 60 km/h posted speed is retained; assuming a 70 km/h design speed, a few minor corrections to the vertical alignment can be expected. Based on MTO Design guidelines for a 70 km/h design speed, the crest curve minimum K value is 25 and the sag curve minimum K value is 12 (based on comfort) and 25 for headlight visibility. The first of two vertical curves at the south end of the corridor does not meet the design speed of 70km/h standard and has been modified. The profile contains many vertical curves that make the road unnecessarily undulating; the preliminary design plates attached to this report show some minor adjustment to ensure the profile meets or exceeds the minimum 0.5% grade necessary for adequate drainage. At the detail design stage, it may be possible to smooth out the profile more to improve ridability. 2.5 Active Transportation and Transit Durham Region Official Plan (Region OP), 2015 suggests the installation of sidewalks on both sides of Townline Road (Table E7-Arterial Road Criteria). Durham Region s Primary Cycling Network consists of routes that connect major centres, inter-modal facilities and destinations, providing service between communities, area municipalities and other regions (Durham Cycling Plan, 2012). Townline Road is identified as a local route in this network. The proposed pedestrian and cycling facilities are shown in Figure 3. Based on future vehicle operating speeds and traffic volumes, a multi-use path is proposed as the preferred treatment type on Townline Road within the study limits, which can replace one of the proposed sidewalks (likely on the west side). Currently, only a short section of sidewalk is available on the west side of Townline Road near the Taunton Road intersection. Currently, there are no cycling facilities provided on Townline Road within the study area. Figure 3 Proposed Pedestrian and Cycling Facilities TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 5
2.6 Transit Services Durham Region Transit operates one transit route on Townline Road; Bloor Victoria-Townline Route 922(B). This Route operates on Townline Road between Highway 2 and Coldstream Drive. Service is provided Monday to Saturday with typical headways are in the order of 30 minutes. The existing transit network in the vicinity of the study area is reproduced in Figure 4. Figure 4 Existing Transit Network There is the potential to extend and improve transit service in the future (currently no known firm plans). 2.7 Drainage The general topography of the area is such that the land slopes from the west to the east with a ditch on the west side intercepting water from the fields that will ultimately be developed. In the areas where the residential development has taken place, a large swale has been constructed to capture run-off from the sub-division. On the east side, there is generally no ditching with water draining off the road directly onto private property on the east side. 6 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
2.8 Land Use and Future Development Residential development is proceeding on the west side. Some parts of the subdivision at the south end are already inhabited albeit with temporary roads and finishing touches needed to municipal infrastructure, while grading of lands towards the north end is underway. New homes on the west side are set back and high away from Townline Road By 2021, the Oshawa urban area south of the proposed Highway 407 corridor is expected to reach 200,000 ( Official Plan (City OP), 2011). The City s Official Plan identifies the Taunton Planning Area bounded by Taunton Road East on the south, Wilson Road North on the west, Conlin Road East on the north, and Townline Road North on the east. Land uses adjacent to the Townline Road study corridor are designated as mainly residential, with small Planned Commercial Strips identified at the intersections of Townline Road with Conlin Road and Taunton Road. There are a few detached homes fronting onto Townline Road on the east side as well as some working agricultural areas. The Townline corridor borders the greenbelt on the east side and is under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Clarington, which means that there is no development planned for the area immediately east and adjacent to Townline Road. It follows that no new roads are planned to intersect with Townline Road from the east side. 2.9 Urban Landscape Townline is on the edge of the City s urban area and as such can be considered a gateway into the City, while the area to the east is agricultural and rural in nature. This means that the road has somewhat of a dual function with the need to service urban activities to the west while providing a boundary to the agricultural area to the east. While at present the roadway is a rural symmetrical corridor, the differences in future land use may suggest a non-symmetrical future. 3. Transportation Study A traffic and transportation study was undertaken by CIMA in order to determine future traffic conditions of the study area. The full transportation study report is provided in Appendix A; a summary of the key findings is provided below. 3.1 Existing Traffic Volumes The most recently available traffic counts (year 2013) were obtained and are summarized in Figure 5 below. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 7
3.2 Forecast Traffic Volumes Figure 5 - Existing Traffic Volumes CIMA developed horizon year forecast turning movements for the intersection of Townline Road and Taunton Road based on current EMME model outputs provided from the Durham Region Transportation Planning Model (DRTPM). The horizon years provided by the DRTPM are 2011 and 2028. 8 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
Based on a review of the 2011 and 2028 EMME model outputs, traffic at the intersection is expected to increase on the north and south approaches and slightly decrease on the west and east approaches. Therefore, the growth revealed in the EMME outputs for each approach were added to the existing (2013) traffic count; note, a growth factor was not used as this would have produced unreasonable results given the low link assignments in the EMME base year. The DRTPM only provides model outputs for the AM peak hour. In order to obtain the PM peak hour increases in volume the link volumes were transposed and factored by the ratio of AM to PM traffic volumes. Forecasted traffic volumes for the intersection of Townline Road and Conlin Road were obtained from the Conlin Road East Class Environment Assessment (2013). This study also determined a traffic signal to be warranted for this intersection. In order to estimate future traffic volumes for Coldstream Drive and Woodstream Avenue, a trip generation exercise was conducted using estimates of residential development that would be served by these new access points to Townline Road. The resulting forecasts for the corridor are shown overleaf in Figure 6. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 9
Figure 6 - Future Traffic Volumes 10 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
3.3 Traffic Operations Existing The current (2013) traffic volumes along the corridor were input into the SYNCHRO traffic operational software. The operational results are detailed in Table 2 of the transportation study report found in Appendix A. The results for the 2013 AM and PM peak hour traffic analysis are summarized in the following: + The Conlin Road intersection is currently operating well with a good LOS, very low v/c ratios and delay during both peak periods; + The Coldstream Drive intersection is currently operating well with a good LOS, very low v/c ratios and delay during both peak periods; and + The Taunton Road intersection is currently operating well with a good LOS, low v/c ratios and delay during both peak periods. In summary, no improvements are required to Townline Road to accommodate current volumes. 3.4 Traffic Operations Future The forecast (2031) future traffic volumes along the corridor were input to the SYNCHRO traffic model. The operational results for the future traffic volumes are detailed in Table 5 of the transportation study report found in Appendix A. The results of the 2031 AM & PM peak hour traffic analysis indicate the following: + The Conlin Road intersection (assumed signalized) is expected to operate well with a good LOS, very low v/c ratios and delay during both peak periods (an alternative roundabout option was tested for this intersection and a single lane roundabout was found to be adequate to satisfy future traffic volumes); + The Woodstream Avenue intersection is expected to operate well with a good LOS, very low v/c ratios and delay during both peak periods; + The Coldstream Drive intersection is expected to operate well with a good LOS, very low v/c ratios and delay during both peak periods; and + The Taunton Road intersection is expected to operate well with a good LOS, very low v/c ratios and delay during both peak periods. Again, no significant improvements are suggested for the future year horizon. 3.5 Traffic Signal Warrants A review of future traffic signal requirements was carried out using Ontario Traffic Manual Book 12 Justification 7 and projected traffic volumes. The warrant was not met for any of the Woodstream Avenue, and Coldstream Drive intersections. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 11
The Conlin Road EA determined that a traffic signal is warranted for the Conlin Road/Townline Road intersection. 3.6 Turning Lane Warrants Turning lane requirements for the Conlin Road intersection were obtained from the Conlin Road Class EA study undertaken by others. For left turn lanes at the other intersection in the study area, left turn warrants and storage lengths were conducted utilizing the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Geometric Design Standards for Ontario Highways, 1985. The warrants calculations concluded the following left turn lane requirements are warranted as shown in Figure 7 below. Approach Intersection Eastbound Westbound Northbound Southbound Left -turn Left -turn Left -turn Left -turn (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) Conlin Road 20 15 55 20 Woodstream Avenue not required N/A 15 N/A Coldstream Drive not required N/A 15 N/A Figure 7 - Left Turn Lane Requirements At the Conlin Road intersection a roundabout is a suitable alternative that needs to be considered at the preliminary design stage. 3.7 Traffic Analysis Results Road Geometry + A 2-lane basic cross-section is determined to be adequate to handle forecast traffic volumes for the horizon year 2031. + From the Conlin Road EA study, the Townline/Conlin intersection is warranted to be signalized in the future alternatively a single lane roundabout is shown to adequately handle the forecast volumes; + Signalization at the Coldstream Drive and Woodstream Avenue intersections is unwarranted; + Left turn lanes are warranted at the Conlin Road, Coldstream Drive and Woodstream Avenue intersections; and 12 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
+ The vertical profile is overly undulating in places for the 70 km/h design speed and would benefit from the examination of minor improvements to improve ridability and sight distance for drivers. Other Transportation Modes + Further discussion with Durham Region Transit is required to determine if transit facilities (e.g. queue jump lanes, bus shelters, bus pads, etc.) are required along the corridor; + An off-road multi-use trail is required on the west side of the road; and + A sidewalk or hard shoulder should be considered for the east side of the road. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 13
4. EA Process Class Environmental Assessment Process In 2014, the initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to study Townline Road from Taunton Road to Conlin Road. Growing traffic volumes related to residential and commercial development, the extension of Highway 407 East (Phase 1), combined with deteriorating pavement condition, poor geometry, and safety and drainage issues led to the need for a study. A Notice of Study Commencement was advertised in the Oshawa Express on January 29 and Oshawa This Week on February 5, 2014. The Notice was mailed to over 80 stakeholders (agencies, utilities and First Nations) and to adjacent property owners. Figure 8 provides a summary of comments received in response to the Notice. 14 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
Stakeholder Alderville First Nation Consultation and Accommodation Unit (CAU) of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada Durham Region Heritage Oshawa Hiawatha First Nation Hydro One Networks Infrastructure Ontario (IO) Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Comment Project is within traditional and treaty territories Project has minimal potential to impact First Nation rights Keep First Nation apprised of changes to the project, archaeological findings, burial sites, environmental impacts The Aboriginal Treaty Rights Information System (ATRIS) can provide relevant information regarding the location of Aboriginal groups as well as related information on established rights (through treaties and other agreements) and asserted rights (through claim processes and legal proceedings); Go to the following site to begin research: http://sidait-atris.aadncaandc.gc.ca/atris_online/ Durham Region has trunk sanitary sewer works within Townline Road from Taunton Road to Coldstream Drive; Reconstruction of the trunk sanitary sewer is identified in the 10 year forecast of the Region s 2014 Capital Sewerage Budget; The funds are subject to Regional Council Approval in the year that the proposed works are identified (Subsequently, the Region informed that the construction is planned for 2016 with design already underway) A local watermain and a local sanitary sewer from Coldstream Drive to Conlin Road may be needed; The local watermains and sanitary sewers are not in the Region s budget At a minimum, the Region would like to reserve a corridor for the watermains and sanitary sewers, and would like the watermains and sanitary sewers included on the preliminary engineering drawings for Townline Road Heritage Oshawa adopted the following recommendation: That Correspondence HTG-14-16 being a Notice of Study Commencement for a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for Townline Road North from Taunton Road East to Conlin Road East be received for information. Project is within traditional and treaty territories Project has minimal potential to impact First Nation rights Keep First Nation apprised of updates, archaeological findings, environmental impacts Contact First Nation if artifacts are found and send archaeological reports as completed First Nation s archaeological liaisons must be present during site assessments if artifacts are found Hydro One has equipment at the intersection of Taunton Road East and Townline Road North Determine if IO property is within the project area by conducting a title search by reviewing parcel register(s) for adjoining lands, to determine the extent of ownership by the Ministry of Infrastructure Ontario (MOI) or its predecessors (listed below) Send a copy of the project notice to the ministry/agency on title; IO managed lands may include the following within the title: Her Majesty the Queen/King, OLC, ORC, Public Works, Hydro One, PIR, MGS, MBS, MOI, MTO, MNR and MEI Contact IO if any ownership of provincial government lands occur within the project area and may be impacted MNR Aurora has no concerns at this time [January 31, 2014] Contact MNR if species at risk are identified in the project area Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Keep First Nation informed of the project Project is situated within treaty area (Williams Treaty-Clause 2 Lands) Various Add to study mailing list Update study mailing list Figure 8 Summary of Stakeholder Comments TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 15
The study was initiated as a Schedule C project under the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011), primarily due to the potential need for road widening. Traffic analyses for the project area, which were completed during the initial stages of the study, did not justify the need for widening. Left turn lanes at new street intersections were recommended, along with minor profile corrections to improve drainage. These recommended improvements were re-assessed to determine the appropriate Class EA schedule. Based on the potential for minor improvements having minimal impact, the project was reclassified as a Schedule A+. However, further consultation will be required if property acquisition is needed. To inform the public of the change in Class EA Schedule, a notice of completion will be advertised in the local newspapers (Oshawa Express and Oshawa This Week) and mailed to those who were circulated on the notice of study commencement, explaining that the Class EA schedule for this project has been down-graded from Schedule C to Schedule A+. An electronic copy of the preliminary design for the proposed road improvements will be posted to the project website along with the notice of completion. The notice will fulfill the MEA Municipal Class EA consultation requirements for a Schedule A+ project. 5. Alternative Designs and Design Criteria Regardless of the fact that capacity improvements are not required to Townline Road; some changes are required to Townline Road in order to accommodate: A multi-use Trail on the west side to serve new residents in the adjacent sub-divisions; A minor profile change at the south end was made to achieve minimum K value; Minor profile changes were made in the north end of the study area to achieve a minimum 0.5% grade; The addition of northbound left turn lanes into the two subdivision roads - Coldstream Drive and Woodstream Avenue; and Consideration of traffic signal and traffic signal options to improve the current stop control condition at the Conlin Road intersection. A key factor in determining a preferred cross-section for Townline Road is the question of how stormwater is to be accommodated. This is discussed in sub-section 5.2 Stormwater Drainage. 5.1 Design Criteria The following design criteria are proposed for the reconstruction of Townline Road based on a design speed of 70 km/h and a posted speed of 60 km/h. 16 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
PARAMETER UNIT VALUE Design Speed km/h 70 Number of Lanes (each direction) # 1 Design Vehicle WB-20 Stopping Sight Distance m 110 Horizontal* Min. Radius m 250 Alignment Min. Radius without Superelevation m 360 Min. Spiral Parameter A m 140 Vertical Grade Maximum % 5 Alignment Minimum** % 0.5 K Value Crest Curve 25 Sag Curve 25 Cross Max. Superelevation*** m/m 0.03 Section Lane Width Through Lane m 3.5 Turning Lane m 3.5 Sidewalk Width m 1.8 (0+000-0+070 east side only) Multi-Use Trail Width m 3.0 (west side only) Boulevard Width (west side only) m 1.5 Cross Fall % 2 Curb/Gutter (west side only) m 0.5 Shoulder Width (east side only) m 1.5 Right of Way m 20 (0+000-0+130) 25 (0+200-End) Notes: Design Criteria Based On TAC Unless Otherwise Noted *There are no horizontal curves ** Some sections used existing grades that are less than 0.5% *** No superelevation is present Figure 9 Design Criteria TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 17
5.2 Stormwater Drainage As part of the background information provided by the, CIMA received the following two documents: 1. Stormwater Management Facility Design Brief, prepared by Sernas Associates for the MetroOntario Group on April 2002, and 2. Interim Townline Road Drainage, prepared by Sernas Associates and submitted to the City of Oshawa Engineering Services on August 2005. CIMA reviewed this material to determine if the recommendations and design requirements provided in these documents provided guidance for development of the design for the reconstruction of Townline Road. 1. Stormwater Management Facility Design Brief The purpose of this document was to expand the design parameters originally set out in the Harmony Creek Subwatershed Study for the proposed Park Ridge Phase IV residential subdivision. Of interest for Townline Road is the inclusion of a portion of Townline Road from Coldstream Drive to north of Taunton Road, as part of the Drainage Boundary Area and the Erosion Control Plan. It should be noted that the Erosion Control Plan indicates the construction of a temporary swale along the west portion of Townline Road from north of Coldstream Drive to a Stormwater Management Facility north of Taunton Road. This appears to have been constructed sometime in the intervening years. 2. Interim Townline Road Drainage Due to the delay in the reconstruction of Townline Road, the design for the Interim Townline Road drainage was submitted by Sernas Associates to the recommending the upgrade of the ditch on the east 1 side of Townline Road to ensure that it has sufficient capacity to convey the major system. We assume this to have meant the west side. Similar to the recommendations provided by the Stormwater Management Facility Design Brief (April 2002), the re-grading of the existing ditch was proposed only from north of Coldstream Drive to the Commercial Block north of Taunton Road. Summary The recommendations provided in the two documents can be summarized as follow: Recommendations are limited to the west portion of Townline Road from north of Coldstream Drive to north of Taunton Road. No information is available regarding the northern portion of Townline Road from north of Coldstream Drive to Conlin Road. It is assumed the development to the north will develop a SWM plan for that area. 1. We noticed that although the document indicates that the location of the ditch is on the east side of the roadway, the Drawings SWM-101 and SWM-102 show the location of the conveyance ditch on the west side of the roadway. 18 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
Any improvements and/or modifications to the roadway cross-section in the west portion of Townline Road will need to consider the grading and location of the Conveyance Drain (swale) (as shown on Drawing No. SWM-102 (see Appendix B)). Assumptions going forward The swale on the west side will continue northwards to Conlin Road; As the east side of Townline Road only captures run-off from the east side of the road itself, no drainage upgrades are necessary other than ensuring that a nominal ditch is present to accommodate road run-off from the northbound lane; and Cross-sections for the reconstruction of Townline Road will have to consider maintaining the swale on the west side while also accommodating a multi-purpose trail on the same side. 5.3 Cross-Section Alternatives At the south end near the Taunton Road intersection, the cross-section is urbanized with curb and gutter and that cross-section was assumed to remain and be extended slightly northwards until the swale begins on the west side. Two basic cross-sections were developed for consideration along the corridor; the key consideration was the accommodation of the wide swales constructed on the west side of Townline Road as development has been proceeding northwards along the corridor. This wide swale is in place in the south end where the houses are constructed. The two sets of typical cross-sections are shown in Figure 10 (mid-block) and Figure 11 at the intersections with Coldstream Drive,and Woodstream Avenue. Given that there is no development to take place on the east side, it was decided that the east side of the road would remain as a rural cross-section, albeit with the addition of a shoulder to provide some pedestrian refuge as well as a basic ditch to provide some run-off capture from the east side of the road. Any run-off from the west side of the road as well as the new sub-divisions (not captured by an internal stormwater system) would be captured in the wide swale on the west side. The main differences between the two cross-section options are that: 1. Option 1 shows the multiuse trail (MUT) adjacent to the edge of the right-of-way (ROW) with a swale between the MUT and the shoulder of the road; while 2. Option 2 shows the MUT constructed adjacent to curb and gutter which drains into the swale which is now repositioned to the edge to the ROW. The advantages and disadvantages of the two options are tabulated following Figure 11; note, construction costs for the two options are entirely similar (see Section 7.0). There are advantages and disadvantages for each option while the costs and impacts are entirely similar (no property is required). No recommendation is made in this report; instead, it is left to the City to decide on which option to pursue. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 19
Figure 10 Typical Cross-section (Midblock) 20 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
Figure 11 Typical Cross-section (Intersection) TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 21
Factor OPTION 1 (MUT built adjacent to west edge of ROW swale next to shoulder (rural cross-section, no curb and gutter) ) Constructability Landscaping MUT continuity Pedestrian Safety Future expansion Advantages Swale provides protection from traffic for MUT users Should Townline Road justify widening in the future, space is available for an additional lane between the MUT and the existing roadway the MUT may not need reconstruction (assuming ultimate elevation of road and MUT are established in advance) Disadvantages More difficult to construct into the bank of the west side of the swale Potential sheet flow of stormwater across MUT towards swale Removes significant landscaping that would have to be replaced The MUT would not intersect at the stop bar at intersections as it is set back from the roadway MUT may vary in level in relation to the road Factor OPTION 2 (MUT built next to installed curb/gutter swale relocated to west edge of ROW) Constructability Landscaping MUT continuity Pedestrian Safety Future expansion Simpler to construct in relation to an installed curb and gutter Easily constructed in phases as MUT would tie into each successive subdivision road intersection MUT would intersect at the stop bar at intersections allowing for continuity Curb provides protection for MUT users Minor impact on existing landscaping that would have to be replaced Should Townline Road justify widening in the future, the MUT would have to be reconstructed closer to the edge of the ROW 22 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
5.4 Utilities A mail out to utility companies was undertaken. summarized below: The response from the various utilities is In June 2015, the City contacted the Region of Durham as to the status of the intended replacement of the trunk sanitary sewer along Townline Road. The Region informed the City that the design of the Courtice Trunk Sanitary Sewer on Townline Road from Beatrice Street to Coldstream Drive was underway with an anticipated tender date of mid 2016 with construction to follow. This reconstruction of the trunk sanitary sewer allows the City to accelerate the timing of the south section of the Townline Road reconstruction to take place along with the sewer works. This should allow a joint construction saving (only having to repave the road once) as well as avoiding disrupting travel along the corridor twice. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 23
6. Preliminary Design A Stage 1 Archaeological Survey was done for the project the report is provided in Appendix C. The report recommends that a Stage 2 Archaeology Survey be undertaken prior to construction. As the roundabout option for the Conlin Road intersection was shown to be preferred from a safety and operational standpoint, this was the selected intersection control option included in the preliminary design plates; the roundabout was designed to accommodate large trucks (WB20). From a long term life-cycle cost perspective, it is also likely preferred. As transit service could be extended along Townline Road in the future, at detail design stage, consultation with Durham Region Transit is required to ascertain where provisions for bus stops should be located. Preliminary design drawings for Option 1 and Option 2 can be found in Appendix D. 7. Construction Method and Monitoring 7.1 Construction Cost A construction cost estimate was developed for the whole project for Options 1 and 2 and is tabulated in Figure 12 below: 24 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 25
Figure 12 Construction Costs As there is a possibility that a first stage of construction could be the section from Taunton Road to Coldstream Drive, a construction cost estimate was developed for that section only (see Figure 13 below). 26 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
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Figure 13 Taunton Road to Coldstream Drive Cost Estimates 7.2 Construction Timing/Staging The reconstruction of Townline Road is not contained in the City s current 10 year capital budget. The need to reconstruct the road does not lie with the need for capacity improvements as only minor capacity improvements are added by way of left turns at the subdivision roads, which can be considered mainly safety improvements. As no geotechnical investigation was done for this project, the need to reconstruct from the perspective of pavement condition is unclear; although from a visual perspective there does not 28 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
appear to be any significant pavement distress that would suggest a need to reconstruct any time soon. The only other factors that remain a consideration in the timing of this reconstruction are: Active transportation there are no sidewalks while at the same time construction of the residential subdivisions are well underway on the west side of Townline Road and Townline Road is already attracting pedestrian activity; and The imminent reconstruction by the Region of Durham of the Courtice Trunk Sanitary Sewer along Townline Road between Taunton Road and Coldstream Drive. Currently there is no accommodation for pedestrians or cyclists along Townline Road other than on the road itself. It is thought that implementation of the MUT along the west side of the road is very important given the rate of development taking place on that side of Townline Road. In addition, as the Region is about to reconstruct Townline along this already developed section between Taunton Road and Coldstream Drive as part of the replacement of the Sanitary Trunk sewer, it is entirely opportune to take advantage of this construction and construct the MUT at the same time consideration needs to be given on which of the two options best fits in with the reconstruction project. A construction cost estimate of about $1.5 million was calculated for this section; there would be a net saving to the Region and City if both projects were combined. Of course the City will have to examine whether this amount is available in their budget for 2016. 7.3 Potential Effects on the Environment/Mitigation While this reconstruction project does not require the filing of this report or any further consultation before construction can proceed, the City will undertake ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNED ENVIRONMENTAL PROPOSED COMPONENT GROUP/AGENCY ISSUES/CONCERNS MITIGATION MEASURES/FURTHER ACTIONS NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Terrestrial Resources Mainly the City as Minor impacts to New landscaping in the most impacts are roadside fauna and vicinity of the west side within the ROW landscaping in the swale will have to be (except for the Conlin vicinity of the swale provided when the Road intersection) may occur swale is re-constructed Groundwater and Central Lake Ontario The City ensures Consultation with the Stormwater Conservation appropriate sediment CLOCA TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 29
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNED ENVIRONMENTAL PROPOSED COMPONENT GROUP/AGENCY ISSUES/CONCERNS MITIGATION MEASURES/FURTHER ACTIONS Authority (CLOCA) and erosion control SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT Local Businesses Property Owners Concern about access Access to existing land along Townline Road uses needs to be at the south end of the maintained corridor Noise Levels Residents Noise and vibration Appropriate noise during construction control measures i.e. equipment controls and restriction to hours of operation Conformity with local noise control by-laws Air Quality Residents Air quality effects may Standard dust arise from construction suppressants and activities emission controls during construction Traffic Safety The public Ability to walk along Adequate traffic control Implications Townline Road during needs to be used during construction construction to provide guidance on how pedestrians can walk safely along the road Archaeological Ministry of Tourism, Potential for discovery The City is committed to Resources Culture and Sport on un-registered undertaking a Stage 2 archaeological sites Archaeological investigation prior to construction TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS Emergency Vehicle Region of Durham Potential for access Townline Road will be Access Paramedic services impediment kept open at all times (in at least one direction) during 30 TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNED ENVIRONMENTAL PROPOSED COMPONENT GROUP/AGENCY ISSUES/CONCERNS MITIGATION MEASURES/FURTHER ACTIONS construction Figure 14 Potential Effects on the Environment/Mitigation 7.4 Approvals Required Prior To Construction A Stage 2 Archaeological survey is required based on the Stage 1 report contained in Appendix C. Exact utility locates need to be carried out during the detail design phase. In order to construct the roundabout at Conlin Road, property has to be acquired from adjacent land owners; either this can be done through the development application process or further consultation following an EA process will be required. This is because this report will not be formerly filed as an Environmental Study Report and no direct consultation has taken place with land owners in the study area. TOWNLINE ROAD FINAL REPORT 31
Appendix A: Transportation Study Report
Appendix B: SWM-102
Appendix C: Stage 1 Archaeological Survey
Appendix D: Preliminary Design Plates
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