ouncil Meeting Number 2015-17 Addeds Tuesday, Page 1 of 3 The ommittee Of The Whole losed Meeting The consent of ouncil is requested for the addition the following item: f) Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose Ontario Municipal oard Appeals - PRK evelopments elegations The consent of ouncil is requested for the addition of delegations (1) and (2). 1) Pamela ornell will appear before ouncil to speak to New Motion 2, with respect to anada Post s scheduled elimination of door to door postal delivery. 2) Maggie McLaren will appear before ouncil to speak to lause 5) Report Number 61: Received from the hief Administrative Officer (Recommend) with respect to Homelessness Services System and awn House unding Update. Petitions The consent of ouncil is requested for the addition of Petition (1). (1) A petition bearing approximately 33 signatures was received by the lerk s epartment on June 11, 2015 and reads as follows: We have been advised that the city is making preparations for a sidewalk to be installed on the east side of Sussex lvd. We the undersigned oppose this improvement and ask that this action be cancelled. It is our belief that the money being spent for this project would be better spent in some other location which is in greater need than Sussex lvd. This part of Sussex lvd. was never designed for sidewalks and a number of beautiful mature trees would be destroyed in the process. Referred to President and EO, Utilities Kingston Report Number 60: Received from the hief Administrative Officer (onsent) The consent of ouncil is requested for the amendment of the titles of the following Reports: g) Municipal ouncil lanket Support Resolution for Rooftop and Non-Rooftop Solar Photovoltiac Applications of less than 500 Kilowatts Made Under Provincial eed-in Tariff Program (Time Sensitive) h) Request for Proposal Process to Lease of Kingston East Landfill for Ground Mount Solar Project (Time Sensitive) (Note: The suggested changes are highlighted in bold.)
Page 2 of 3 ouncil Meeting Number 2015-17 Addeds Tuesday, The consent of ouncil is requested for the withdrawal of the following recommendation: f) easibility of a pedestrian scramble crossing at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue That the pedestrian enhancements as detailed in Option A of Report 15-291 for the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue be approved, and that the changes be monitored for a 1 year period to allow time to evaluate the impact on pedestrians, transit and all other modes of transportation and that the evaluation be reported back to the Environment Infrastructure and Transportation Policies ommittee prior to consideration of introducing a pedestrian scramble intersection. (The Report of the President and EO of Utilities Kingston (15-291) is attached as Schedule Pages 36-110) (ile Number SU-T08-000-2015) Report Number 62: Received from the hief Administrative Officer (onsider) The consent of ouncil is requested for the amendment of the title of the following Report: 1. Kingston Transit Secondary School omplimentary Transit Pilot Program (Time Sensitive) (Note: The suggested changes are highlighted in bold.) The consent of ouncil is requested for the addition of the following recommendation: 2. easibility of a pedestrian scramble crossing at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue That ouncil considers and approves one of the options described below with regard to pedestrian-related improvements at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue: Option A That ouncil approve all 5 of the following pedestrian enhancements at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue at a total cost estimate of $100,000. 1. Install enhanced thermoplastic brick pavers pedestrian crosswalk markings. 2. Modify the traffic signal timings to provide more time for pedestrians crossing Union Street. 3. Modify the traffic signal timings such that a pedestrian jump would operate on all 4 crosswalks. This provides pedestrians extra time to cross and the opportunity to get out into the crosswalk and become more visible to turning motorists. 4. Implement a no right turn on red policy in order to minimize the potential conflicts with pedestrians. 5. Install audible pedestrian signals to assist visually impaired pedestrians; and That ouncil direct staff to monitor these 5 enhancements for a one year period to allow time to evaluate the impact on pedestrians, transit and all other modes of
Page 3 of 3 ouncil Meeting Number 2015-17 Addeds Tuesday, transportation and that the evaluation be reported back to the Environment Infrastructure and Transportation Policies ommittee prior to consideration of introducing a pedestrian scramble intersection. Or Option That ouncil approve the installation of a pedestrian scramble crossing (Type 1) at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue that includes audible signals, a right-turn-on-red ban and thermoplastic brick pavers crosswalk markings at an approximate total cost of $130,000. (The Report of the President and EO of Utilities Kingston (15-307) is attached to the addeds as Schedule pages 1-9 and Exhibit A is attached to the agenda as Schedule pages 45-110) (ile Number SU-T08-000-2015) ommunications The consent of ouncil is requested for the addition of the following ommunications: Referred to All Members of ouncil 17-364 rom Tony Van ynen, Mayor, Town of Newmarket, providing notice of resolution with respect to anada Posts schedule elimination of door to door delivery. (istributed to all Members of ouncil on ) (ile Number SU-A08-000-2015) 17-365 rom rank ixon, regarding lause h) Report 60 Received from the hief Administrative Officer (onsent) with respect to Request for Proposal Process to Lease of Kingston East Landfill for Ground Mount Solar Project. (istributed to all Members of ouncil on ) (ile Number SU-A08-000-2015) 17-366 rom Lorraine Alderman, President, Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative, regarding Information Report Number 1: Responsible Pet Ownership Program Status Report. (istributed to all Members of ouncil on ) (ile Number SU-P14-000-2015)
To: rom: Resource Staff: ate of Meeting: Subject: Executive Summary: ity of Kingston Report to ouncil Report Number 15-307 Mayor and Members of ouncil Jim Keech, President and EO, Utilities Kingston Mark Van uren, irector of Engineering easibility of a pedestrian scramble crossing at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue A pedestrian priority phase, typically known as a pedestrian scramble, is a signal phase that operates an exclusive pedestrian crossing opportunity in all directions, including diagonally. This scramble phase is typically introduced once or twice during a traffic signal cycle. The intersection of Union Street and University Avenue is located within the Queen s University campus and operates as both a key crossing point within the university and as a gateway to the historic parts of campus. The high volume of pedestrians crossing at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue provides a catalyst for the consideration of a pedestrian scramble. The introduction of a pedestrian scramble could achieve the objectives of prioritizing pedestrian movement with the acceptance that there will be increased delays for all vehicles using the intersection, including transit. An analysis completed by the consultant A Group indicates that the operation of a Type 1 pedestrian scramble would result in average overall vehicle delays increasing by 30 seconds and Kingston Transit buses being delayed on average by an additional 36 seconds during the weekday peak hour. Since the installation of a pedestrian scramble at this location would result in increased delays to vehicles, including transit, another option to enhance the pedestrian experience at this intersection is being presented in addition to consideration of a pedestrian scramble. Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 1
Report to ouncil Report Number: 15-307 Page 2 of 9 Recommendation: That ouncil considers and approves one of the options described below with regard to pedestrian-related improvements at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue: Option A That ouncil approve all 5 of the following pedestrian enhancements at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue at a total cost estimate of $100,000. 1. Install enhanced thermoplastic brick pavers pedestrian crosswalk markings. 2. Modify the traffic signal timings to provide more time for pedestrians crossing Union Street. 3. Modify the traffic signal timings such that a pedestrian jump would operate on all 4 crosswalks. This provides pedestrians extra time to cross and the opportunity to get out into the crosswalk and become more visible to turning motorists. 4. Implement a no right turn on red policy in order to minimize the potential conflicts with pedestrians. 5. Install audible pedestrian signals to assist visually impaired pedestrians; and That ouncil direct staff to monitor these 5 enhancements for a one year period to allow time to evaluate the impact on pedestrians, transit and all other modes of transportation and that the evaluation be reported back to the Environment Infrastructure and Transportation Policies ommittee prior to consideration of introducing a pedestrian scramble intersection. Or Option That ouncil approve the installation of a pedestrian scramble crossing (Type 1) at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue that includes audible signals, a right-turn-onred ban and thermoplastic brick pavers crosswalk markings at an approximate total cost of $130,000. Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 2
Report to ouncil Report Number: 15-307 Page 3 of 9 Authorizing Signatures: Jim Keech, President & EO, Utilities Kingston Gerard Hunt, hief Administrative Officer onsultation with the following Members of the orporate Management Team: ynthia each, orporate & Strategic Initiatives Lanie Hurdle, ommunity Services enis Leger, Transportation, acilities & Emergency Services esiree Kennedy, hief inancial Officer & ity Treasurer Not required Not required Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 3
Report to ouncil Report Number: 15-307 Options/iscussion: Page 4 of 9 At a ecember 16, 2014 meeting of ouncil, the following motion was passed: Moved by ouncillor Neill Seconded by ouncillor Stroud Whereas the corner of Union and University is a very high pedestrian traffic area during the University school year; and Whereas Scramble rossings have been identified as a highly effective way to mitigate traffic at high pedestrian intersections, and this has been identified in the Queen s ampus Master Plan as a potential remedy by the Queen s consultants, Therefore be it resolved that city staff explore the feasibility of a scramble crossing at Union and University, with a report and recommendation to ouncil no later than June, for possible implementation by Sept. 1, 2015. Introduction A pedestrian priority phase, typically known as a pedestrian scramble, is a signal phase that operates an exclusive pedestrian crossing opportunity in all directions, including diagonally. This scramble phase is typically introduced once or twice during a traffic signal cycle. Pedestrian scramble crossings have been implemented at intersections in a number of municipalities in North American, including Toronto and algary. These crossings have been introduced in order to reduce pedestrian delays, prevent crowding on sidewalks and to improve pedestrian safety by reducing pedestrian and vehicle conflicts. The operation of a pedestrian scramble requires that the length of the traffic signal cycle be increased which increases delays for all vehicles, including transit and bicycles. The intersection of Union Street and University Avenue is located within Queen s University and operates as both a key crossing point within the university and as a gateway to the historic parts of campus. Traffic data indicates that pedestrians represent 69% of all users at the intersection. Approximately 28% of users are motorists and 3% are cyclists. Pedestrian demands spike during peak times between university classes, when more than 1,000 pedestrians cross the intersection within certain 15 minute periods. The high volume of pedestrians crossing at the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue provides a catalyst for the consideration of a pedestrian scramble. Traffic Operations Assessment In order to assess the feasibility of implementing a pedestrian scramble, A Group from Toronto was retained by the ity to assess the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue. The preferred pedestrian scramble options, Type 1 and Type 2, permit pedestrians to cross during an exclusive scramble phase as well as concurrently with traffic. Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 4
Report to ouncil Report Number: 15-307 Page 5 of 9 The introduction of no-right-turns-on-red lights reduces conflict between right-turning vehicles and pedestrians crossing the street concurrently with traffic. Right turns on red are typically banned at scramble crossings at all times in order to improve the level of safety for pedestrians. As shown in Table 1, as a stand-alone measure without a pedestrian scramble, the analysis indicates that a right-turn-on-red ban would result in slight increases to overall delays. The ban would increase delays for transit by 4 seconds and increase overall delays for all vehicles from 3 to 11 seconds. Type 1 Pedestrian Scramble Type 1 pedestrian scrambles are currently operating in the ity of Toronto at the intersections of Yonge Street and undas Street and at Yonge Street and loor Street. The ity of Toronto recently removed the scramble intersection at ay Street and loor Street based on concerns related to traffic congestion and low demand for diagonal pedestrian crossings. The Type 1 traffic signal pattern includes three phases, with pedestrians permitted to cross during the pedestrian-only scramble phase as well as concurrently with traffic. As pedestrians are permitted to cross concurrently with traffic and within the exclusive pedestrian scramble phase, pedestrians experience shorter wait times. As shown in Table 1, the analysis indicates that the Type 1 scramble phase option would lower the level of service (LOS) on Union Street at University Avenue from a range of to to a range of to E. The most serious delays would occur for eastbound traffic with vehicles being delayed by an additional 38 seconds during the afternoon peak period when compared to existing conditions. The LOS on University Avenue at Union Street would be lowered from a range of to to a range of to E. The average northbound delay would be up to 41 seconds longer than existing delays and the average southbound traffic delay would be up to 23 seconds longer than existing delays. Maximum traffic queue lengths are expected to within the range of 90 to 110 metres for the key approaches at the intersection during the afternoon peak period which is considered reasonable. Type 2 Pedestrian Scramble Type 2 pedestrian scrambles include four signal phases, with pedestrians permitted to cross during each of the two exclusive pedestrian scramble phases as well as concurrently with traffic. Scramble phases usually operate after each of the north-south and east-west traffic phases. As pedestrians are permitted to cross either concurrently with traffic or within two exclusive pedestrian scramble phases, pedestrian delays are shorter but vehicles experience serious delays. Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 5
Report to ouncil Report Number: 15-307 Page 6 of 9 As shown in Table 1, the analysis indicates that the Type 2 scramble phase option would lower the level of service (LOS) on Union Street from a range of to to an with delays more than 80 seconds longer than under existing conditions. The LOS on University Avenue would be lowered from a range of to to a range of to. Northbound traffic delays would be more than 80 seconds longer than existing delays and southbound traffic delays would be up to 42 seconds longer than existing delays. Although the Type 2 option reduces pedestrian delay, the analysis indicates that this type of pedestrian scramble would result in unacceptable vehicle delays. Table 1 Pedestrian scramble analysis Union Street and University Avenue (Afternoon peak period)traffic Movement Eastbound Left Thru Right Westbound Left Thru Right Northbound Left Thru Right Southbound Left Thru Right Existing elay (seconds) 21.7 11.8 12.9 21.3 12.0 13.7 34.0 26.5 19.3 24.4 15.9 11.3 Average Traffic elay and Level of Service (LOS) LOS Right-turn-onred band elay (seconds) 22.2 12.7 17.3 22.5 12.0 16.9 38.7 31.1 28.4 25.3 17.9 21.7 LOS Type 1 Pedestrian Scramble elay (seconds) 58.1 44.1 51.3 53.9 34.8 41.3 70.6 64.1 60.5 40.9 29.6 33.9 LOS E E E E Type 2 Pedestrian Scramble elay (seconds) 99.5 61.3 48.3 53.3 LOS E Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 6
Report to ouncil Report Number: 15-307 Transit-Related Impacts Page 7 of 9 Kingston Transit vehicles can generally be expected to handle the estimated delays as a result of a pedestrian scramble. Local Routes 1 and 18 have sufficient time to accommodate the proposed delays but timing on Local route 2 is more critical. Since the recent introduction of the Express Route 701/702 does not use the intersection of Union Street and University Avenue, some of these concerns may be alleviated. As previously noted, a right-turn-on red ban alone at this intersection would increase delays for transit by approximately 4 seconds. The operation of a Type 1 pedestrian scramble would increase transit delays by up to 40 seconds while a Type 2 pedestrian scramble would increase transit delays by more than an additional 84 seconds. Kingston Transit has raised a number of potential operational issues related to a right-turn-onred ban as well as the pedestrian scramble option at this intersection. The Traffic ivision could likely address most issues and concerns with traffic signal timing changes. Recommendations and onclusions The A Group s report states that the existing signal timing scheme works most efficiently and provides adequate service for all intersection users. Average delay times are considered acceptable for pedestrians, drivers, transit users and cyclists. The A Group report also states however that if the ity wants to prioritize pedestrians at Union Street and University Avenue, the intersection provides a relatively good opportunity to do so, given the high volumes of pedestrians relative to all other intersection users. Since the installation of a pedestrian scramble and the right-turn-on-red ban at Union and University would result in increased delays to vehicles, including transit, Option A should be considered before implementation of a pedestrian scramble. Option A: Pedestrian Enhancements The enhancements in Option A would increase the level of safety for pedestrians at the intersection and would allow staff the opportunity to monitor the impacts of the right-turn-on-red ban prior to the potential implementation of a pedestrian scramble. Option A would also result in fewer delays for vehicles, including transit, when compared to Option. The total estimated cost to implement all 5 of the enhancements listed below is approximately $100,000. 1. Install enhanced pedestrian crosswalk markings such as the thermoplastic brick pavers with bright white edges that are being used as part of the Princess Street reconstruction. These pavement markings are extremely durable and long lasting and are a reminder to motorists that they are in a pedestrian area. The cost to install 4 thermoplastic crosswalks at this intersection is approximately $80,000. Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 7
Report to ouncil Report Number: 15-307 Page 8 of 9 2. Modify the traffic signal timings such that more time is provided during the north/south green light phase so that pedestrians crossing Union Street would have more time to cross the street. There is no cost for this item. 3. Modify the traffic signal timings such that a pedestrian jump would operate on all 4 crosswalks. This means that the walk signal would be displayed 5 seconds before the concurrent green light for vehicles. This provides pedestrians extra time to cross and the opportunity to get out into the crosswalk and become more visible to turning motorists. There is no cost for this item. 4. Implement a no right turn on red policy in order to minimize the potential conflicts with pedestrians. The minor cost to install the required signage can be accommodated within the existing operating budget. 5. Install audible pedestrian signals to assist visually impaired pedestrians. Utilities Kingston would require 6 weeks to complete the work along with a budget of $20,000. Tactile sidewalk markings at each corner to further guide visually impaired pedestrians would be installed in 2016 as part of the existing capital budget for sidewalk construction. Most of the above-noted enhancements could be implemented and installed prior to the beginning of September. Since a right-on-red ban would require a by-law change, a report to ouncil and approval would be required before the ban could be implemented. Pending approval of the bylaw to ban right-turns-on-red, it is possible that all of the enhancements within Option A could be installed by September of this year. Option : Installation of Pedestrian Scramble A pedestrian scramble crossing (Type 1) that includes audible signals, a right-turn-on-red ban and thermoplastic brick pavers crosswalk markings could be installed for an approximate total cost of $130,000. Some portions of the work required to install the pedestrian scramble and the audible signals are common so if this work is completed at the same time, there is a cost savings of approximately $10,000. Although Option would result in increased delays for all vehicles, including transit, pedestrian delays would be significantly reduced and the overall pedestrian experience would be enhanced. Utilities Kingston would require approximately 6 weeks to complete the traffic signals-related work within Option. Pending approval of the bylaw to ban right-turns-on-red, it is possible that Option could be operational by September of this year. Staff from Engineering and Transportation Services would monitor and evaluate the operation of the scramble intersection post installation and report back to the Environment, Infrastructure & Transportation Policies ommittee with any significant operational problems/concerns. Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 8
Report to ouncil Report Number: 15-307 Existing Policy/y Law: Not applicable. Notice Provisions: Not applicable. Accessibility onsiderations: Page 9 of 9 A pedestrian scramble crossing would require the installation of audible pedestrian signals. Tactile markings on each corner of the sidewalks would also be installed to provide further guidance to visually impaired pedestrians. inancial onsiderations: The cost to implement all 5 of the enhancements in Option A is approximately $100,000. The total cost to install the pedestrian scramble in Option that includes audible signals, a rightturn-on-red ban and thermoplastic brick pavers crosswalk markings is $130,000. The Engineering epartment will reallocate funds within existing approved capital budgets to support all project costs for either option. ontacts: Mark Vanuren, irector of Engineering 613-546-4291, ext. 3218 eanna Green, Manager Traffic ivision 613-546-4291, ext. 3170 Other ity Of Kingston Staff onsulted: Sheila Kidd, irector of Transportation Services Ian Semple, Manager-Service evelopment, Transportation Services Jeremy aosta, Manager, Kingston Transit Exhibit Attached: Exhibit A - onsultant s report, Union Street and University Avenue, onsiderations for a scramble intersection, A Group, May 2015 Addeds - ouncil Meeting 17 9