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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Author/Local: M. Zaborniak/7336
CC File No. 8016
TO:
Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
FROM:
General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:
Mt. Pleasant Traffic Plan - Implementation
A.THAT the following traffic calming measures in the area bounded by Main Street, Cambie Street, 12th Avenue, and Broadway be made permanent :
1)Closure of 10th Avenue to eastbound traffic at Yukon Street
2)Traffic Circle at Alberta Street and 11th Avenue
3) AM peak right-turn prohibition from 12th Avenue to Alberta Street
4) AM peak right-turn prohibition from 12th Avenue to Columbia Street
5) Closure of Columbia Street to southbound traffic at the lane south of Broadway
6) Closure of Columbia Street to northbound traffic at 11th Avenue
7) Closure of Manitoba Street to southbound traffic at the lane south of Broadway
8) Closure of Manitoba Street to northbound traffic at 12th Avenue
9) Full Closure of Ontario Street between 11th Avenue and the lane to the north
10)Closure of Quebec Street to southbound traffic at Broadway
11)Closure of 10th Avenue to westbound traffic at Quebec Street
B.THAT the northbound closure on Quebec Street at 12th Avenue be removed and replaced with a northbound closure on Quebec at 11th, on a six-month trial basis.
C.THAT funding of $46,000 be provided from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account Number 13/32/9801/999 - Local Area Plans and Other Improvements to complete the above work.
D.THAT the Operating Budget be increased by $1,600, without offset, to pay for maintenance of the signs and paint markings, and landscaping in the traffic circle.
It is a Council Policy to protect residential neighbourhoods from intrusion of non-local traffic on local streets.
It is a Council Policy to implement traffic calming measures on a trial basis, with a follow-up survey, before making the measures permanent.
The purpose is to finalize and adjust the temporary traffic measures in Mount Pleasant.
In early 1995, residents of the Mt. Pleasant area were involved in a public-input process regarding proposed traffic signals adjacent to the area, and potential traffic calming measures. The public process included a number of meetings, an Open House, and finally a public opinion survey.
On June 12, 1996, City Council approved the installation of twelve temporary traffic measures (see Figure 1), traffic signals at Quebec/Broadway, and Cambie/10th, and a signal upgrade at Broadway/Manitoba. Council also approved the Ontario Bike route, which included pedestrian-bicycle signals at Broadway/Ontario and 12th/Ontario. In the Fall of 1996, the traffic signals and temporary traffic calming measures were installed.
The neighbourhood was surveyed in November 1997, to determine the level of support for the temporary measures. Of the 1500 hand delivered surveys, 350 (23%) were returned, which is a good response rate for a survey of this type. An example of the survey is shown in Appendix A. All of the existing measures received support, and 76% of respondents answered "yes" to the question " overall, are you in favour of the traffic calming plan?". Appendix B shows a summary of the results of the questionnaire.
In response to input received during the trial period, two new options were included in the survey. At Alberta and 11th a diagonal diverter was proposed to replace the traffic circle (see Figure 2). The reason for this proposal is to reduce traffic on Alberta St. However, many residents feared that a diverter would make access very difficult. As a result, the traffic circle received more support and is being recommended as a permanent measure.
The second option was the relocation of the closure of northbound Quebec St. at 12th Avenue to 11th Avenue (See Figure 2). The current closure has created difficult access conditions, and has resulted in traffic shifts within the area. The purpose of this proposed change is to allow more direct access to St. Patrick’s School while still preventing Quebec St. from being used as a shortcut route. This change was favoured by respondents and is being recommended on a 6-month trial basis. After this trial, further public consultation will be required to evaluate the success of this measure.
An extensive before and after traffic count program was conducted to determine the changes in traffic patterns (see Appendix C). Overall, there has been a 25% decrease in traffic entering and leaving the area. It is necessary to have a few openings into the area for local trips and in some of these locations there have been traffic increases. The two streets with the most significant increases are Alberta Street and 11th Avenue. Nevertheless, the residents on both of these streets strongly supported the overall traffic plan.
While most residents favour the plan, there are some concerns about reduced access, inconvenience, and shifts of traffic within the area. Traffic calming and prevention of shortcutting cannot be achieved without some disruption to local residents. Although the new traffic signals that have been installed in the area help access somewhat, it is acknowledged that access is more difficult in the area. This is one of the trade-offs in a traffic calming plan, and it has been left up to the neighbourhood to determine if the benefits of the traffic measures out-weigh the impacts. The survey has clearly indicated that a majority of residents support the plan and wish the measures to be made permanent.
Many residents were concerned about the level of traffic in the lanes. This can be partly addressed with speed humps, as part of our local improvement program. There were also a number of complaints about disregard for the measures. The Police Department have been asked to monitor the area and enforce the closures, where necessary. Appendix B shows a summary of all comments residents have made.
Since the closure of Ontario at 11th has received a positive response (67% support), it is recommended this be made permanent. A proposed design for this closure is shown in Figure 3.
The closure to southbound traffic on Columbia at the lane south of Broadway has also received majority support (78%) so it is being recommended. Since this roadway treatment has been done with a granitoid surface, residents asked that as much as the surface be retained as possible. For this reason, it is proposed that bollards be used to reduce the street width to create the one-way closure. Figure 4 shows a proposed design. Residents will be consulted on the final design.
On June 12, 1996, City Council approved the installation of temporary traffic measures in Mt. Pleasant, and the upgrading of the traffic signal at Manitoba and Broadway to a full signal. At that time, $158,000 was provided from Streets Basic Capital to fund the temporary and permanent traffic measures, and the traffic signal change.
However, additional funding is needed because the signal upgrades at Manitoba and Broadway cost more than expected because the existing poles and signal heads were updated with new equipment. Furthermore, the closure/mini-park on Ontario will involve more work than originally planned. This additional funding of $46,000 is available from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account set aside for Local Area Plans.
Due to the strong majority of support from the community, it is recommended the traffic calming plan in Mt. Pleasant be made permanent. Some residents have expressed concerns, such as decreased vehicle access, traffic in lanes, and disregard for measures. Speed humps can be used to address lane traffic and the Police will be requested to monitor the area and enforce violations. Residents have evaluated the pros and cons over the past year and have decided that the benefits of having reduced traffic cutting through the area outweigh the reduction in local access.
* * * *
October 27, 1997 File #2122-25
TO:RESIDENTS, BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY BROADWAY, 12TH AVENUE, YUKON STREET AND MAIN STREET
MT. PLEASANT TRAFFIC CALMING SURVEY
As you are aware, a system of temporary traffic calming measurers was approved by City Council and installed in your area in September, 1996. Prior to Council approval, there had been a number of meetings between City staff and residents. As a result, a trial was proposed to address traffic problems in the area.
Specifically, the traffic calming plan was intended to address the following problems and concerns:
i)reduce traffic cutting through the area (shortcutting)
ii)reduce impacts on the neighbourhood caused by increased commercial activity (for example, the Mountain Equipment Coop)
iii)limit impacts from new traffic signals in the area, which have been installed along Cambie, Broadway, and 12th Avenue
A public opinion survey was distributed in the area in March of 1996 to determine support for the proposed measures. The results were reported to City Council, which approved the plan on a trial basis.
After the temporary measures were installed and traffic patterns stabilized, a series of traffic counts were done to determine the success of the measures by comparing with counts taken before any changes were made. The counts show that, overall, the plan has reduced shortcutting and has limited the impacts from the new signals and commercial activity. The total traffic entering and exiting the area has been reduced by about 25%. It is important to note that there have also been some shifts of traffic within the area and increases on some of the streets and lanes. For example, traffic from St. Patrick's School has been diverted to 11th Avenue. Some residents have noted concerns about these increases. As a result, a couple of modifications have been proposed as a way of reducing the impacts. The enclosed survey asks your opinion about the temporary traffic calming measures and the proposed modifications.
Figure 1 shows all of the temporary measures in the area. Please study this figure and then fill out the survey, and return it in the postage-paid envelope by November 19, 1997. The response will be used to determine if the measures should be made permanent (with concrete curbs and landscaping) or if changes should be made. This decision will be made by City Council.
If you have any questions, please phone Mark Zaborniak of the Strategic Transportation Planning Branch at 873-7693. If you would like to receive the report or attend the Transportation Committee meeting, please make a note in the comments section of the survey.
Assistant City Engineer, Transportation
SURVEY ON FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE
- lanes are clogged/need speed humps (3)
- owners ignore diverters/need enforcement (2)
- like traffic calming/area is quieter/safer (2)
- City Hall employees park in the neighbourhood (2)
- a diagonal diverter would frustrate drivers
- traffic circles slow vehicles but still allow access
- I appreciate the pedestrian signals
- the closure of Columbia feeds traffic onto Alberta
- Alberta should be blocked at 12th Avenue
- traffic has shifted to Alberta Street
Overall, 93% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 29)
- traffic measures are ignored/need enforcement (3)
- traffic has increased in alleys (3)
- a diagonal diverter at Alberta and 11th Avenue would limit access
- noise levels have not reduced
- lots of traffic from churches
- allow taxis through the barriers
- measures are irritating/dangerous
Overall, 64% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 11)
- increase enforcement/drivers ignore signs (2)
- don't ticket local residents
- do not relocate the 12th/Quebec closure
- there is a pattern of traffic that follows 11th, then Manitoba
- remove the closure of Ontario
- City vehicles tend to ignore the signs
Overall, 100% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 5)
- traffic has increased on Ontario (2)
- noise in the area has decreased (2)
- some inconvenience, but overall the area is better (2)
- keep up the good work/thank you (2)
- develop the park at Ontario/11th
- perhaps install signs indicating closure ahead
- need better access/plan is unacceptable
- frustrating/difficult to get home
Overall, 91% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 11)
- moving the 12th/Quebec closure could push more traffic down 11th
- need enforcement of diverters (5)
- install more speed bumps in lanes (5)
- traffic has shifted to 11th Avenue (3)
- there are too many signals on Broadway
- traffic measures make things convoluted/frustrating (3)
- not perfect, but an improvement (3)
- some parking has been lost on Ontario (due to closure) (2)
- strongly oppose relocating the 12th/Quebec closure (2)
- bingo creates parking problems
- consider a diagonal diverter at 11th/Quebec
- traffic has been diverted to lanes
- well-balanced area plan is quieter
- consider moving the Broadway/Quebec partial closure to the lane
- quality of life has gone down
- close the southern half of the lane west of Quebec, between 10th and 11th
- better for bikes and pedestrians
- more permit parking is needed
- traffic circles would be better
Overall, 82% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 38)
- measures are frustrating/access is more difficult (16)
- traffic is calmer/noise has been reduced (13)
- speed bumps need to be added to more lanes (9)
- there is more traffic in the lanes (6)
- need more permit parking and better enforcement of regulations (5)
- some measures are being ignored/need enforcement (4)
- a diagonal diverter at 11th and Alberta would be too restrictive (4)
- taxis violate the measures (3)
- traffic circles are better than closure (3)
- temporary measure are ugly, will they be fixed up? (3)
- speed bumps behind MEC don't work (3)
- waterworks construciton has made access even more difficult (3)
- install landscaping in traffic measures (2)
- difficult for emergency access (2)
- traffic shortcuts on Ontario
- like the diagonal diverter idea
- should install a diagonal diverter at 11th/Ontario
- pedestrian signals respond too slowly
- parking cars on 10th make travel more difficult
- install a pedestrian crosswalk at Yukon and 10th
- traffic circles are unsafe for pedestrians
Overall, 78% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 120)
- do not install the diagonal diverter (12)
- access is too difficult/confusing (11)
- there has been an increase in volume on 11th (10)
- parking has been lost/need more permit parking (6)
- signs are disobeyed/enforcement is needed (5)
- traffic has increased in the lanes (5)
- barricades are ugly, landscaping is needed (4)
- install speed bumps in the lanes (4)
- don't relocate the Quebe and 12th closure (3)
- totally opposed to the plan (3)
- water construction has made things worse (3)
- traffic circles/4-way stops could be better (2)
- too much traffic on Ontario (2)
- thank you for the work in the area (2)
- try the 11th/Alberta diverter (2)
- in favor of relocating the closure at 12th/quebec (2)
- parking is occurring in some lanes
- take out the closure on Columbia at 11th
- overall, I agree with proposals
- open Manitoba at lane south of Broadway
- remove internal closures and keep perimeter as is
- need to consider parking in the plan - it generates traffic
- install a diagonal diverter at 11th and Quebec
- people seem confused at traffic circles
- 12th and Cambie back-up leads to shortcutting
- improve bicycle and pedestrian access
- traffic circle has reduced noise
- make streets alternating one-ways
- remove Ontario closure and replace with a traffic circle
- more the Quebec/10th closure to Manitoba/10th
- now there is more circulation within the neighbourhood
Overall, 70% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 74)
- likes light at Cambie & 10th
- Cambie and Broadway are noisy
- relocate the closures on 12th to 10th or 11th
Overall, 66% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 3)
- concerned about traffic increases on Yukon
- concerned about loss of parking because of bulges on Yukon
- traffic has increased in the lane between 10th & 11th
- do not install the diagonal diverter
- the "No Right Turn" signs push traffic to Yukon
- traffic calming is a waste of money, spend it on sidewalk and street work
Overall, 50% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 4)
- reduce cars/encourage other modes (4)
- make it harder for shortcutting
- confusing/frustrating/longer trips
Overall, 71% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 7)
- take out the closures at Quebec/12th, Quebec/Broadway
- agree with the signal at Broadway/Quebec
- access has been seriously affected
- paint the speed bumps behid the MEC
Overall, 50% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 4)
- increased traffic in the lanes/need speed bumps (7)
- difficult for visitors/inconvenient (4)
- don't like the proposed diagonal diverter (4)
- need to improve the flow along 12th Avenue/remove some parking (3)
- like the traffic calming/good job (20
- likes traffic circle at 11th/Alberta
- car speed bumps be installed throughout area
- travel distance has increased
- many illegally parked vehicles
- 25% decrease in traffic is immaterial compared to the inconvenience
- closures may impede emergency vehicles
- install a partial closure on 11th at Quebec
- install turn signals for all directors at Main/12th
- measures are ignored by drivers
- if 12th/Cambie intersectionw as improved, traffic calming would not be needed
- stop the beeping at 12th & Ontario
- plant landscaping in the traffic circles
Overall, 69% in favour of the Traffic Plan (out of 29)
INDIVIDUAL MEASURES: YES/NO RESULTS
1.Partial closure, 10th & Yukon 205 (70%) 86 (30%)
2.Traffic Circle, 11th & Alberta 135 (49%) 39 (14%) 100 (36%)
3.No Right Turn, 7-9:30 a.m., 12th & Alberta 237 (88%) 33 (12%)
4.No Right Turn 7-9:30 a.m., 12th & Columbia 233 (87%) 35 (13%)
5.Partial closure, Columbia & lane 216 (78% 62 (22%)
6.Partial closure, Columbia & 11th 197 (72%) 77 (28%)
7.Partial closure, Manitoba & lane 216 (76%) 67 (24%)
8.Partial closure, Manitoba & 12th 209 (77%) 64 (23%)
9.Full closure, Ontario & 11th 190 (67%) 93 (33%)
10.Partial closure, Quebec & Broadway 201 (72%) 78 (28%)
11.Partial closure, 10th & Quebec 199 (69%) 89 (31%)
12.Partial closure, 12th & Quebec 91 (32%) 61 (22%) 129 (46%)
Overall, were you in favour of the Traffic Plan? Yes No Neutral
FIGURE 1-3 AND APPENDIX C ON FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE
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