Dundas Street (Regional Road 5) Corridor Improvements Class EA Welcome to Public Information Centre #3 Thursday, September 13, 2012 Members of the Project Team are available to discuss the information and answer any questions you may have. Please Sign In
Purpose of the PIC The purpose of this Public Information Centre (PIC) is to: Introduce a three stage study completion approach for improvements to Dundas Street in the following order: Stage 1: Dundas Street Class EA Proudfoot Trail to Bronte Road Stage 2: Dundas Street Class EA Oak Park Boulevard to Neyagawa Boulevard Stage 3: Dundas Street Class EA Bronte Road to Brant Street
Purpose of the PIC The purpose of this Public Information Centre (PIC) is also to: Present the preliminary design plan for the proposed Dundas Street improvements between Proudfoot Trail and Bronte Road (Stage 1). Proposed improvements 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 signalized intersections Implement transit priority measures on support corridor, such as Third Line, between Dundas Street and Bronte GO Station 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 September 28 th, 2012
Background 2008 - Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan - The Big Move identified Dundas Street as a key higher order transit corridor November 2009 - Halton Region initiated Dundas Street Improvements Environmental Assessment Study (from Proudfoot Trail to Brant Street) to address existing and future transportation needs 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 planning 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 Stage 2: Dundas Street Class EA Oak Park Boulevard to Neyagawa Boulevard Stage 3: Dundas Street Class EA Bronte Road to Brant Street
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.
Study Area The focus of this PIC is Dundas Street between Proudfoot Trail and Bronte Road as shown below:
Existing Conditions PLAN OF CONSTRAINTS WITH LEADER LINES TO PHOTOS OF CORRIDOR PROUDFOOT TRAIL TO BRONTE ROAD SEE SEPARATE DISPLAY
PIC #2 November 2011 Purpose of the PIC held in November 2011 was to obtain public input on: 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 Key comments from the PIC included: Interest in property requirements and property impacts General support for BRT General questions regarding BRT (frequency, integration with Oakville Transit and Burlington Transit) 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
HOV / Transit Lane Strategy What are the technical details of the HOV / BRT Transit lanes on Dundas Street? HOV / Transit lanes at 4.2 m wide in each direction (curb lanes) HOV / BRT transit lanes may be signed and marked (e.g. diamonds) and/or may have different surface Vehicles which may legally use the HOV / BRT Transit lanes include: private vehicles with 2 or more occupants, taxis, buses, emergency vehicles, this is similar to provincial HOV facilities in the area 2 T A X I The HOV / BRT Transit lanes are wide enough to accommodate on-street cyclists 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
A Typical Cross Section and Streetscape Opportunities A 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 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 at Dundas Street / Third Line
Bus Stop Design Bus Stop Bus stops will be provided with bus bays, generally located on the far side of intersections. 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 CCTV Emergency call button/alarm High visibility Multiple shelter access/egress points Real-time passenger information Ticket vending machines (at major stops) Bicycle racks Trash and recycling bins ZUM Shelter, Brampton Ticket vending machine VIVA Station, York Region Tactile strips for the visually impaired Brisbane, Australia Real-time passenger information Brisbane, Australia Emergency Station, Mississauga Bus Shelter Seating, Hamilton Note: Features may vary by stop, location and type. Bicycle racks, VIVA Station, York Region
Proposed Bus Stops Within the Study Area of the current EA, bus stops are proposed to be located at all signalized intersections, including (from west to east): Grand Oak Trail, access to Palermo Park, Postmaster Drive, future Western Road, Third Line, and Proudfoot Trail Outside of the study limits of the current EA, but in the immediate proximity, bus stops will also be provided at Bronte Road, on both sides of the Sixteen Mile Creek crossing and Neyagawa Boulevard Town of Oakville LEGEND Study Area GO Station Supporting Corridor Connection Bus Stops Support Corridor (Third Line)
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 no more than 45 m from an intersection or entrance. 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, as well as accommodation for on-street 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 project, 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 there are 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 Noise modelling was carried out to compare the potential increase in noise level as a result of the proposed Dundas Street improvements (i.e. widening to accommodate 4 general purpose lanes and 2 HOV lanes in the interim and converting to 2 dedicated bus lanes in the ultimate conditions) and the future conditions without the proposed Dundas Street improvements (i.e. Dundas Street remains as 4 general purpose lanes). Noise modelling was carried out for receiver locations (noise sensitive areas) identified throughout the Dundas Street corridor between Bronte Road and Proudfoot Trail; these are private residential houses located adjacent to or in close proximity to Dundas Street. Findings from the noise analysis indicated that as a result of the proposed Dundas Street improvements (i.e. widening to accommodate 4 general purpose lanes and 2 HOV lanes in the interim and converting to 2 dedicated bus lanes in the ultimate conditions), the receiver locations are not expected to experience an increase in noise level greater than 5 dba. In addition, the absolute noise levels at the receiver locations are found to be less than 60 dba under the future conditions. Therefore, additional noise mitigation is not warranted under the MTO / MOE Noise Protocol
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 Proudfoot Trail to Bronte Road Property Requirement Noise Air Quality Secure required right-of-way through development process within areas of active development. Negotiate with property owners at fair market value. The change in noise level as a result of the Dundas Street improvements is not expected to exceed 5 dba; therefore, the consideration of noise mitigation measures is not warranted under MTO/MOE Noise Protocol. 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. All contaminants, with the exception of PM 10 and TSP (total suspended particles) were below their respective MOE Ambient Air Quality Criteria. The number of additional days above the guideline for PM 10 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. Cultural Environment Proudfoot Trail to Bronte Road Archaeology Built Heritage Provisions will be included in the contract on how to address any archaeological finds during construction. A Stage 2, 3 and 4 Archaeological Assessment would be carried out as required during detailed design. Provisions will be made to minimize any disruption to cultural landscapes during construction. Cross section in the proximity of Palermo School House and Palermo Cemetery has been modified to minimize impacts to these heritage features. Consultation with Oakville Heritage staff will continue as part of detailed design.
Mitigation Measures (cont d) Natural Environment Proudfoot Trail to Bronte Road 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. 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 (e.g. ecopassages) 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. 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 September 28 th,2012 Thank You For Attending!