ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: May 11, 1999

Author/Local: N. Hood/7742

RTS No. 00722 CC File No. 5702

Council: June 1, 1999

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Pedestrian Improvements - Carolina Street at Eighth Avenue

RECOMMENDATION

THAT corner bulges be constructed as detailed in this report at a total cost of $14,000 funded from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account 30000326 (Traffic Calming).

COUNCIL POLICY

On May 27th, 1997, Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan that emphasizes the need to provide more comfortable pedestrian environments.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to improve pedestrian conditions at the intersection of Carolina Street and East Eighth Avenue.

DISCUSSION

A traffic circle was constructed at the corner of Carolina Street and East Eighth Avenue in the late 1980's as part of a neigbourhood traffic calming plan. Traffic circles are designed to slow vehicles by deflecting the travel path of the vehicle around the circle. On some streets, the deflection of the vehicle may steer the vehicle partially into the pedestrian crossing path.

The Mount Pleasant Integrated Service Team has identified the need to improve the pedestrian environment at the intersection of Carolina Street and East Eighth Avenue, where the Voice of the Cerebral Palsied Housing Society has a building on the northwest corner.
There are fifteen persons who are physically challenged living in the building. The Society requested improvements be made to the intersection, on behalf of the residents.

Conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians can be reduced by relocating the curb ramps so that vehicle and pedestrian paths are separated. The pedestrian environment can be further improved by constructing corner bulges on Carolina Street, which will shorten the pedestrian crossing distance from 11m to 7m and will improve visibility between pedestrians and vehicle drivers.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The estimated capital cost of the construction of corner bulges on Carolina Street at East Eighth Avenue is $14,000. Funds for construction of the bulges are available from the Streets Basic Capital Account set aside for traffic calming. The ramp relocations can be carried out as part of the City's annual curb ramp program.

CONCLUSION

The construction of corner bulges and new curb ramps on Carolina Street at East Eighth Avenue will be a low cost effective way of improving the pedestrian environment adjacent to the Voice of the Cerebral Palsied Housing Society.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver