Dundas Street (Regional Road 5) Corridor Improvements Class EA Neyagawa Boulevard to Oak Park Boulevard Welcome Public Information Centre Wednesday, May 15, 2013 Members of the Project Team are available to discuss and answer any questions you may have. Please Sign In
Study Process The planning of Dundas Street improvements is being carried out through the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process. The Region intends to complete the Dundas Street Class EA in the following stages : Stage 1: Dundas Street Class EA Proudfoot Trail to Bronte Road [Completed December 2012 see study website at www.halton.ca for more information. Currently in detailed design.] Stage 2: Dundas Street Class EA Oak Park Boulevard to Neyagawa Boulevard [Current Study] Stage 3: Dundas Street Class EA Bronte Road to Brant Street [Year 2014]
Purpose of the PIC The purpose of this Public Information Centre (PIC) is to: Present the preliminary design plan for the proposed Dundas Street improvements between Neyagawa Boulevard and Oak Park Boulevard Present the proposed improvements on Dundas Street, which include: Widening Dundas Street from 4 to 6 through lanes Outside curb lanes would function as High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) / Transit lanes in the interim and converted to dedicated bus lanes in the future Active transportation facilities on both sides of the road Provision of enhanced bus stops at most signalized intersections Collect public input regarding the proposed improvements Comment sheets are available and we encourage you to fill it out at the PIC or submit it to the Project Team by Friday, May 31 st, 2013
Background 2008 - Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan - The Big Move identified Dundas Street as a key higher order transit corridor 2011 - Halton Region Transportation Master Plan (2031) - The Road to Change identified Dundas Street to be maintained as 4 general traffic lanes plus 2 lanes for Transit / High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) 2011 - Investigated feasibility of dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes on Dundas Street between Trafalgar Road and Brant Street Halton Region has confirmed the need for higher order transit facilities on Dundas Street. The curb lane option has been identified as preferred and was presented to the public for comment in November 2011 This study focuses on improvements along Dundas Street and other transit supportive corridors so that people living or working in Halton Region have a better alternative to automotive travel
Dundas Street Improvements Dundas Street Improvement Status: Some sections within the Town of Oakville are already constructed / planned for 6 lanes New Sixteen Mile Creek bridge west of Neyagawa Boulevard is built as 6 lanes (now open) Section between Oak Park Boulevard and Highway 403 will be 6 lanes (completion Fall 2014) Construction of improvements (6 lanes) between Bronte Road and Proudfoot Trail is planned for construction starting 2013 and completion mid 2015 Construction of improvements (6 lanes) between Neyagawa Boulevard and Oak Park Boulevard is planned to follow above construction
Study Process The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) is an approved process for planning and designing municipal projects, including roads. The Class EA describes the process that proponents must follow in order to meet the requirements of the EA Act. Based on the scope of this project, it is being planned as a Schedule 'C' project, which will complete Phases 1 to 4 outlined below. We Are Here
Existing Conditions PLAN OF CONSTRAINTS WITH LEADER LINES TO PHOTOS OF CORRIDOR NEYAGAWA BOULEVARD TO OAK PARK BOULEVARD SEE SEPARATE DISPLAY
PAST PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRES A total of five public information centres were held in the past related to Dundas Street between Neyagawa Boulevard and Oak Park Boulevard Public Information Centre (PIC) March 2006 Study approach and collection of background information (related planning documents, land use, natural environment, traffic analysis) Problem being addressed and planning alternatives PIC June 2009 Key features of improvements on Dundas Street (widen from 4 to 6 lanes) Mitigation measures Findings of noise analysis as part of Class EA process Resident s Meeting re: Noise Analysis June 2010 Presented results of additional noise analysis in the River Oaks Community. Previous noise impact studies completed for the River Oaks Community development assumed Dundas Street at 4 lanes only and was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation Halton Region committed to replacing existing developer barriers with noise walls
PAST PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRES PIC June 2011: Introduce Halton Region Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) planning in the Town of Oakville and in the City of Burlington Brant Street to Trafalgar Road Problem and opportunities being addressed, alternatives being considered Preliminary factors of analysis and evaluation of alternatives PIC November 2011: Evaluation of median vs. curb BRT alternatives Identification of the preferred alternative (Curb BRT) Functional plan for the Dundas Street corridor with Curb BRT facilities and active transportation facilities Conceptual cross sections with landscaping Findings of noise analysis Typical mitigation measures Overall, key comments from the PICs included: Interest in property requirements and property impacts General support for BRT / HOV lanes General questions regarding BRT operation Interest in provision of Active Transportation facilities Concern regarding potential increase in traffic noise
HOV / Transit Lane Strategy Dedicated bus lanes are ultimately intended for Dundas Street, however, the Region is proposing staged introduction of higher-order transit Phased Approach for Implementation The first phase will introduce High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) curb lanes allowing a mix of transit and private vehicles with 2 or more occupants. In parallel with the required roadway widening, Active Transportation Measures, transit support facilities - primarily bus stops and transit priority measures, will be provided at key intersections 2 Ultimately, as transit ridership builds, the Region plans to convert the HOV lanes into dedicated bus lanes in the future (2031)
HOV / Transit Lane Strategy What are the technical details of the HOV / Transit lanes on Dundas Street? HOV / Transit lanes at 4.2 m wide in each direction (curb lanes) HOV / transit lanes will be signed and marked (e.g. diamonds) Vehicles which may legally use the HOV / Transit lanes include: private vehicles with 2 or more occupants, taxis, buses and emergency vehicles. This is similar to provincial HOV facilities in the area 2 A separate right-turn lane will be provided to accommodate turning vehicles at almost all signalized intersections
HOV / Transit Lanes Strategy HOV / Transit Lanes - Implementation Dundas Street from Oak Park Boulevard to Highway 403 will open with curb lanes as HOV / Transit lanes When construction between Bronte Road and Proudfoot Trail is completed, the section between Bronte Road and Neyagawa Boulevard will open with curb lanes as HOV / Transit lanes When construction between Neyagawa Boulevard and Oak Park Boulevard is completed, HOV lanes will extend between Bronte Road and Highway 403 Other planning of improvements on Dundas Street (Brant Street to Bronte Road) will be ongoing and the implementation of HOV lanes will be confirmed in consultation with the City of Burlington and the Town of Oakville The Region is working with Oakville Transit and Burlington Transit throughout the planning of Dundas Street improvements and will later determine when the HOV lanes will be converted into dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes
Preliminary Plan SEE SEPARATE DISPLAY FOR PRELIMINARY PLAN CURRENTLY BEING DEVELOPED BY MRC
Typical Cross Section and Streetscape Opportunities Typical Urban Cross Section Dundas Street Typical Urban Cross Section Two curb lanes exclusively for HOV / BRT Transit, as well as right turn lanes where required Bus stops will be located curbside at most signalized intersections Left turns allowed on Protected and Permissive Signal Phases at intersections Accommodates pedestrian and cycling facilities on both sides of the roadway Includes opportunities for enhanced landscaping within right-of-way U-turns permitted at signalized intersections Conceptual Landscape Plan
Bus Stop Design Bus Stop Bus stops will be provided with bus bays, generally located on the far side of intersections, where feasible. Bus Bay Bus shelters will be installed, and will feature a unique architectural design and state-of-the-art amenities, such as: Enhanced accessibility features: Tactile strip at platform edge Audible and visual passenger information Seating and lean rails Enhanced security features: Enhanced lighting High visibility Multiple shelter access/egress points Real-time passenger information Ticket vending machines (at major stops) Bicycle racks Trash and recycling bins Note: Features may vary by stop, location and type. ZUM Shelter, Brampton Ticket vending machine VIVA Station, York Region Tactile strips for the visually impaired Brisbane, Australia Real-time passenger information Brisbane, Australia Bus Shelter Seating, Hamilton Bicycle racks, VIVA Station, York Region
Proposed Bus Stops Within the Study Area of the current EA, enhanced bus stops are proposed to be located at most signalized intersections, including (from west to east): Neyagawa Boulevard, Towne Boulevard, Harman Gate, Sixth Line and Oak Park Boulevard Local bus stops are also proposed at the future signalized intersection at Post Road LEGEND Study Area GO Station Supporting Corridor Connection Proposed Bus Stops Trafalgar Road EA* *Trafalgar Road (Regional Road 3) Improvements Class Environmental Assessment (from Cornwall Road to Highway 407) currently being carried out by others for Halton Region. (www.halton.ca/eaprojects)
Traffic Operations - Access Access on Dundas Street As a major arterial, Dundas Street will include left and right turn lanes at most signalized intersections. o Left turns could proceed during the protected signal phase and the permissive signal phase (when safe to do so). o Right turns would be made from the right lane. Entry into the HOV lane is typically permitted between intersecting roads. There are existing commercial and residential properties along Dundas Street that currently have full move access (i.e. can turn left and right). However, when Dundas Street is widened, there would be a raised median throughout its length except at signalized intersections. Access to some commercial and residential properties would become right-in / right-out access only. Private residences and businesses will be affected and will require alternate ways to access / egress including U Turns at signalized intersections. By limiting access, Dundas Street will be more efficient and will operate safely. Protected Left Turn Phase Permissive Left Turn Phase
Active Transportation Halton Region is carrying out an Active Transportation Master Plan Study to create a 20-year vision for active transportation in Halton Region Active transportation is any form of human-powered transportation, including walking, cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding and moving with mobility devices An active transportation network includes sidewalks, multi-use paths, crosswalks, on-road bike lanes and off-road trails http://www.halton.ca/activetransportation The objective of the Active Transportation Master Plan is to create a network that will make it easier for people to walk, bike and roll around Halton As part of the Dundas Street improvements, features of active transportation have been included, such as implementation of multi-use paths (3 m) for pedestrians and cyclists Enhancements to intersections would be provided to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists crossing see preliminary plan for details
About Noise Noise is a form of energy. Noise is measured in terms of sound pressure, using "Decibels". Noise may be measured on an "A" weighted scale (dba) to best represent the way in which the human ear perceives noise. The decibel scale is not linear; it is logarithmic: 1 dba increase = not normally perceivable 2-3 dba increase = just perceivable 10 dba increase = twice as loud 20 dba increase = four times as loud A doubling of traffic volume typically produces an increase in sound level of about 3 dba. Roadway noise levels generally depend on: Vehicle type (truck, car) Operating Speed Road profile Distance from receiver Type of ground between the road and the receiver Roadway noise, like most noise, varies throughout the day.
About Noise Ministry of Transportation (MTO) / Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Noise Protocol The noise descriptor used in Ontario to assess noise is the equivalent sound level, Leq. Leq is identified as the continuous sound level which has the same energy as a time varying noise level over a specified time period. The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) uses the 16-hour period between 7 AM and 11 PM for the assessment of municipal roadway noise. The noise at any one instant may be higher or lower than the 16 hour average. MTO/MOE Noise Protocol requirement: compare future noise level with and without the proposed road improvement adjacent to a Noise Sensitive Area (NSA). For purposes of assessing noise as part of road expansion projects, a NSA is defined as a noise sensitive land use with an outdoor living area, which includes: single family houses (typically back yard), townhouses (typically back yard), multiple unit buildings such as apartments with outdoor living areas for use by all occupants, as well as hospital, nursing homes, where the outdoor living areas for the patients. Halton Region Requirements Halton Region has its own Noise Abatement Policy which was developed based on the principle that existing Noise Sensitive Areas (NSA s) that are exposed to high noise levels due to their proximity to a Regional noise source, such as a Regional Road, should receive consideration for retrofitting of noise attenuation measures.
Noise Analysis River Oaks Community Noise impact studies submitted as part of the development application process for the River Oaks Community (1995, 1996, and 1998) assumed an ultimate 4-lane Dundas Street under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). The approval of these noise impact studies was based on criteria different from current Halton Region standards. Based on the above, on site noise measurement and additional noise analysis were carried out in the River Oaks Community in late 2009. A public meeting was held in June 2010 to present findings of the additional noise analysis. Noise analysis at the time indicated absolute noise levels at some receiver locations closest to Dundas Street to be at or greater than 60 dba.
Noise Analysis Based on recommendations from the additional noise assessment and commitment from the Region, the Region would provide a noise wall approximately 3.5 m in height (replacement of existing develop barrier) at properties directly adjacent to Dundas Street in the River Oaks Community. The Region will be responsible for the cost of construction and maintenance of the new noise wall. The details of the noise wall (e.g. type, colour, aesthetics, etc.) will be determined during detailed design and in consultation with the affected property owners. Noise wall examples
Mitigation Measures Mitigation of negative effects is provided within the project to avoid or minimize natural or community impacts where possible. Some negative effects, however, cannot be totally avoided. The following table provides a general outline of the proposed mitigation measures. Socio-Economic Environment Neyagawa Boulevard to Oak Park Boulevard Property Requirement Noise Secure required right-of-way through development process within areas of active development. Negotiate with property owners at fair market value. The Region would provide a noise wall approximately 3.5m in height (replacement of existing developer barrier) at properties directly adjacent to Dundas Street in the River Oaks Community. During construction on Dundas Street, the contractor will abide by the municipal noise control by-laws. The contractor will be required to keep idling of construction equipment to a minimum and to maintain equipment in good working order to reduce noise from construction activities. Air Quality All contaminants, with the exception of PM10 and TSP (total suspended particles) were below their respective MOE Ambient Air Quality Criteria. The number of additional days above the guideline for PM10 and TSP for the future build scenario was less than 1% of the time over the 5 year period under the interim (i.e. Dundas Street with 4 general traffic lanes and 2 HOV lanes) and ultimate (i.e. Dundas Street with 4 general traffic lanes and 2 dedicated BRT lanes) conditions. Since there is a relatively small increase in the number of days above the guideline, mitigation measures are not warranted.
Mitigation Measures (cont d) Cultural Environment Neyagawa Boulevard to Oak Park Boulevard Archaeology Built Heritage Provisions will be provided in the contract on how to address any archaeological finds during construction. A Stage 2, 3 and 4 Archaeological Assessment will be carried out as required. Design of Dundas Street was modified in the area of Sixth Line to minimize impact to Munn s Church and Munn s Cemetery (both are designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act). Modification include reducing the sidewalk to be 2.0 m on the south side of Dundas Street in the vicinity of Munn s Cemetery and eliminating the westbound right turn lane. [Note: In addition to the 2.0 m sidewalk, a 3.0 m multi-use path is also located south of Munn s Cemetery.] Even with the modified design, there will be some impact to the Munn s Church property on the north side of Dundas Street. While the Munn s Church building will not be directly impacted as a result of the widening of Dundas Street, there will be some property requirement along the southerly limit of the property to accommodate the multi-use path. Four existing parking spaces will be removed and relocated, but this will not affect the land use conformity of the Church. Provisions will be made to minimize any disruption to cultural landscapes during construction. Natural Environment Neyagawa Boulevard to Oak Park Boulevard General Application of standard good construction practice for all works. Stringent standard sediment and erosion control measures to protect aquatic and terrestrial resources. Proper storage and handling of all construction related materials, waste and equipment (including fuelling and maintenance). Environmental inspector to ensure all mitigation is completed as designed and functioning properly.
Mitigation Measures (cont d) Natural Environment Neyagawa Boulevard to Oak Park Boulevard Aquatic Minimize removal of riparian and woody vegetation where possible. Conduct in-water and near-water activities during appropriate warm and coldwater construction timing windows. Develop and implement comprehensive erosion and sediment control plan to protect the fish and fish habitat in the watercourses supporting direct and indirect fish use. Develop and implement appropriate temporary flow passage measures in accordance with all relevant permits as required (e.g. Permits To Take Water) to isolate the temporary instream construction zones and maintain clean flow downstream. Where no flow is present: contingency flow management measures will be in place in the event of a storm and associated runoff. If any temporary dewatering is required for the works, appropriate energy dissipation and settling/filtration measures will be used for discharge of dewatering water to ensure no erosion or sediment release occurs in the drainage features. Vegetation Minimize removal of natural vegetation through design and construction methods. Delineate work areas and off-limit areas to protect natural vegetation and features. Use proper clearing techniques. Proper siting and containment of temporary storage, maintenance and material stockpiles. Re-vegetate and restore disturbed and / or exposed areas per best management practices. Wildlife Wildlife incidentally encountered during construction will not be knowingly harmed. Opportunities to improve wildlife movement should be reviewed and incorporated where feasible and appropriate. Works will be completed in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and other applicable legislation.
Next Steps After this Public Information Centre, the following will be carried out: Review the comments received and respond to any questions. Incorporate any revisions and finalize the preliminary plan for Dundas Street (Neyagawa Boulevard to Oak Park Boulevard). Prepare the Environmental Study Report (ESR) which documents the decision making process of the EA Study. File ESR for public review (minimum 30 day review period). Obtain Approval of the EA Study from the Minister of the Environment. Visit the study website at: www.halton.ca/eaprojects
Please Complete a Comment Sheet Would you like to be included on the study mailing list? Do you have any questions or comments regarding the study? Please let us know by completing a Comment Sheet. Completed sheets can either be dropped in the comment boxes or submitted by mail, fax or email to either of the following Study Team members: Mr. Jeffrey Reid, C.E.T. Project Manager Halton Region 1151 Bronte Road Oakville, ON L6M 3L1 Phone: 905-825-6000 Ext. 7920 Fax: 905-847-2192 Email: jeffrey.reid@halton.ca Mr. Neil Ahmed, P. Eng. Project Manager MRC 2655 North Sheridan Way Mississauga, Ontario L5K 2P8 Phone: 905-823-8500 Fax: 905-823-8503 Email: nahmed@mrc.ca Please provide all comments by May 31 st, 2013 Thank You For Attending!