Ridgeway East and West Extensions Temporary Traffic Measures

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: June 8, 2001
Author/Local: K.Thomson/7305

RTS NO. 00934

CC File No. 5767

CS&B: June 28, 2001

TO:

Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets

FROM:

General Manager of Engineering Services

SUBJECT:

Ridgeway East and West Extensions Temporary Traffic Measures

RECOMMENDATION

A. THAT the temporary right-in-all-out diverter on E. 45^th Avenue at Boundary Road be made permanent.

B. THAT the temporary chicane on E. 45^th Avenue west of Rupert Street be removed and replaced with a pair of speed humps and a corresponding pair of mid block bulges.

C. THAT the temporary right-in-right-out diverter on W. 37^th at Granville Street be made permanent.

D. THAT the wings on the temporary central median on Dunbar Street at W. 18^th be made permanent and the middle section be removed while further traffic assessments are conducted.

COUNCIL POLICY

On July 18, 1995, Council adopted the Vancouver Greenways Plan with the Ridgeway Greenway identified as one the routes.

On May 27, 1997, Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan to establish the City's policy of promoting walking and cycling by providing better pedestrian and bicycle connections.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to discuss the trial periods of the temporary traffic measures along the Ridgeway Greenway and to obtain Council approval for the permanent construction of these traffic measures where recommended by staff.

BACKGROUND

The Ridgeway Greenway is the first of 14 Greenway routes through the city. When complete the Ridgeway will connect Pacific Spirit Park and Central Park in Burnaby. Greenways provide recreational opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians, and incorporate special places along the route that enhance the public realm and foster community spirit.

This report discusses five traffic calming measures along the Ridgeway West and the Ridgeway East Extensions that were approved by Council for installation on a temporary basis in the fall of 1998 and the summer of 1999 respectively. Each of these five temporary measures were installed in the winter and spring of 2000. Then in the fall of 2000, surveys of the neighbourhood residents and businesses were conducted to assess support for each measure. Automatic traffic counts were performed throughout the neighbourhoods surrounding each measure before initial installation, and then again after the installation, to gauge the impact each measure has had on neighbourhood traffic patterns. Summaries of the community surveys and traffic count data are contained in Appendix A.

DISCUSSION

Right-In-All-Out Diverter on E. 45^th Avenue at Boundary Road

This temporary diverter has substantially reduced traffic volumes on E. 45^th Avenue, and has support from the majority of the survey respondents, and therefore, staff recommend that it be installed permanently.

Chicane on E. 45^th Avenue West of Rupert Street

The chicane consists of 3 offset mid block bulges that force cars to meander through a significantly reduced street width. Initially the chicane was installed with throat widths that could not accommodate 2-way traffic. The chicane was modified early in the trial period toaccommodate 2-way traffic and a directional dividing line was added to encourage 2-way flow.

The reconfigured temporary chicane was successful at reducing average vehicle speed through the 30km/hr speed zone between Killarney and Rupert Street during the peak periods but was less effective when traffic volumes were light. This can be attributed to vehicles crossing the directional dividing line in the absence of oncoming traffic to take a straighter line through the chicane. During the temporary period we also heard from a number a cyclists that they felt unsafe sharing the road with motorists in the chicane. A design that allowed cyclists to bypass the chicane by providing a path along the boulevard on either side was not possible without removing several existing mature trees. With these points in mind, staff recommend that the chicane be removed and a pair of speed humps and mid block bulges be installed to slow traffic through the 30km/hr speed zone. The speed humps will universally control speeds and the mid block bulges will meet the Greenway goals to increase greenspace in the street, reduce vehicle speeds, and allow the damaged sections of curbs along this block of E 45^th Avenue to be rebuilt.

All-In-Right-Out Diverter on E. 45^th at Clarendon/Elliot

The survey of the residents conducted in the fall of 2000 concluded that this diverter was not supported by the community and therefore it was removed in January 2001.

Right-In-Right-Out Diverter on W. 37^th at Granville Street

This temporary diverter has substantially reduced traffic volumes westbound on W. 37^th Avenue, and, based on automatic traffic classifier counts, has not caused a measurable increase of traffic volumes on adjacent streets. A pedestrian/cyclist actuated signal was installed on the Ridgeway to provide a safe crossing of Granville Street for Bikeway and Greenway users. The purpose of the diverter is reduce the volumes of vehicles on the Ridgeway and specifically to prevent an increase of non-resident traffic on the Ridgeway associated with the pedestrian signal. Approximately half of the survey respondents support the construction of the diverter as a permanent measure. Staff recommend that this diverter be installed as a permanent measure.

Central Median on Dunbar Street at W. 18^th Avenue

The temporary Central Median on Dunbar street at 18^th Avenue was proposed to work in conjunction with the newly installed pedestrian activated traffic signal at this location. The median provides cyclists and pedestrians with a refuge as they cross Dunbar, as well as accommodating cyclists turning off Dunbar on to the Ridgeway. The central portion of the median prevents increased vehicle traffic on the Greenway by restricting through movements.

While the majority of the local residents supported the permanent installation, we heard from many of the Dunbar Street business owners that they felt the median was negatively impacting their business by inconveniencing shoppers. Many business owners also suggested that there would not be an increase of traffic on 18^th Avenue due to the new pedestrian signal and hence felt the impact on their business was not justified. In response to the complaints from the businesses, the middle section of the central median was removed in March 2000 allowing vehicles free movement through the intersection. Traffic counts performed a month after the middle section was removed were inconclusive and therefore staff recommend that the trial involving the removal of the middle section continue until the fall when further traffic counts can be conducted.

The wings of the central median continue to provide a pedestrian and cycling refuge and also provide an opportunity for some landscaping in the street to beautify this section of Dunbar and the Greenway. Therefore, staff recommend that the wings of the central median be made permanent.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Greenways and Bikeways benefit the environment by providing alternate ways to move through the city. The traffic calming measures proposed for permanent construction in this report will enhance the opportunities to walk and cycle.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Allocations of funding for permanent construction of these measures have been approved in previous council reports: Development of the Ridgeway Greenway/Bikeway - West Extension dated September 15, 1998 totalling $45,000 for the Dunbar Street Central Median and the Diverter at Granville Street; and Development of the Ridgeway Greenway - EastExtension dated July 6, 1999, totalling $55,000 for the Chicane west of Rupert and the Diverter at Boundary Road.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Pending Council approval, construction of the permanent measures would occur summer 2001.

CONCLUSIONS

Permanent construction of these traffic calming measure will help establish the Ridgeway Greenway/Bikeway as a preferred route for pedestrians and cyclists, growing our network of local, citywide and regional greenways for future generations.

*****

APPENDIX A

East 45^th Ave at Boundary Rd
Right-in/ All-out Diverter

Survey
Survey question: Do you support the construction of a permanent right-in/all-out diverter at the west side of the intersection of East 45^th Ave and Boundary Road?

Survey Results - Area 4

Yes

No

No Opinion

Total responses

56%

38%

6%

On-route responses (45^th Ave)

73%

24%

3%

Off-route responses

52%

41%

7%

Survey boundaries: Ridgeway East Area 4 41^st/44^th, Rupert, Waverly/47^th, Boundary
Total mail outs: 1235 Returns: 232 Response rate: 19%

Sample Comments
Cars now turn left off Boundary onto 46^th
Install a full traffic signal at Boundary and 45^th
Increased traffic on 46^th.

Traffic Volumes

Location

Eastbound
Oct '96 /Jan '01

Westbound
Oct '96 /Jan '01

2-Way Totals
Oct '96 /Jan '01

45^th east of Ormidale

1427/1103

1572/1142

2999/2245

East 45^th Ave west of Rupert St.
Chicane

Survey
Survey question: During the trial period, the chicane was modified to allow two-way traffic instead of one-way alternating traffic. Do you support the construction of a permanent two-way traffic chicane on East 45^th Ave west of Rupert St?

Survey Results - Area 3

Yes

No

No Opinion

Total responses

47%

51%

2%

On-route responses (45^th Ave)

69%

31%

0%

Off-route responses

46%

52%

2%

Survey Results - Area 4

Yes

No

No Opinion

Total responses

58%

35%

7%

On-route responses (45^th Ave)

71%

20%

9%

Off-route responses

54%

39%

7%

Survey boundaries: Ridgeway East Area 3 43^rd, Clarendon & Elliott, Waverley, Rupert

Ridgeway East Area 4 41^st/44^th, Rupert, Waverly/47^th, Boundary

Total mail outs for both areas: 1775 Total Returns: 367 Response rate: 21%

Sample Comments
Install a concrete lane divider in chicane.
Make more room for cyclists.
Replace chicane with speed humps.
Lanes are too narrow.
The chicane is good because of the school and park.
It's just a rally course.
It's inconvenient.
Prefers the one-way chicane.

Traffic Volumes
Peak hour traffic volumes (4:20 pm to 5:20 pm) on E 45^th Ave west of Rupert were counted in May 1999 and in January 2001.

May 1999

337

January 2001

327

Clarendon/Elliot and 45^th
All-In-Right-Out Diverter

Survey
Survey question: Do you support the construction of a permanent all-in/right-out diverter at the west side of the intersection of East 45^th Ave and Clarendon/Elliott St?

Survey Results - Area 2

Yes

No

No Opinion

Total responses

30%

67%

3%

On-route responses (45^th Ave)

32%

68%

0%

Off-route responses

30%

66%

4%

Survey Results - Area 3

Yes

No

No Opinion

Total responses

47%

50%

3%

On-route responses (45^th Ave)

73%

27%

0%

Off-route responses

40%

56%

4%

Survey boundaries: Ridgeway East Area 2 41^st, Gladstone, Waverley, Clarendon & Elliott

Ridgeway East Area 3 43^rd, Clarendon & Elliott, Waverley, Rupert

Total mail outs for both areas: 1125 Total Returns: 270 Response rate: 24%

Sample Comments
Forces traffic to use the lane.
Make diverter bigger to force drivers to the right.

Traffic Volumes
No comparative traffic volumes are available.

Granville and 37^th
Right-In-Right-Out Diverter

Survey
Survey question: Do you support the construction of a permanent right-in/right-out diverter at the west side of the intersection of West 37^th Ave and Granville St?

Survey Results

Yes

No

No Opinion

Total responses

49%

46%

6%

On-route responses (37^th Ave)

69%

23%

8%

Off-route responses

42%

53%

5%

Survey boundaries: Ridgeway West Area 1 Granville St/ 34^th& 35^th/ East Boulevard/ 39^th & 40^th
Total mail outs: 425 Returns: 162 Response rate: 38%

Sample Comments
37^th and Connaught is the real problem.
Restrict left turns from 37^th to 33^rd.
Install a traffic circle at 37^th and Connaught.
Extend the length of time of the left turn arrow at 41^st.
Diverter makes drivers slow down.
There is less traffic on 37^th.
Traffic has increased on Connaught, 35^th and 36^th.

Traffic Volumes
Traffic counts were conducted in October 1998 before the diverter was installed and again in January 2001 with the diverter in place.

Location

Eastbound
Oct '98 /Jan '01

Westbound
Oct '98 /Jan '01

2-Way Totals
Oct '98 /Jan '01

35^th east of Connaught

94/84

215/210

309/294

36^th east of Connaught

60/44

173/196

233/240

37^th east of Connaught

587/551

554/268

1141/819

37^th east of East Boulevard

1530/1643

1424/1842

2954/3485

Connaught east of Churchill

No data/221

No data/163

No data/384

40^th east of Churchill

155/173

110/144

265/317

Right -In-Right-Out Diverter
on 37^th Ave. at Granville

18^th and Dunbar
Central Median

A. Survey of residents and businesses
Survey question: Do you support the construction of a permanent median at the intersection of Dunbar St and West 18^th Ave?

Survey Results

Yes

No

No Opinion

Total responses

68%

30%

2%

On-route responses (18^th Ave)

76%

22%

2%

Off-route responses

64%

34%

2%

Survey boundaries: Ridgeway West Area 4/5 - Blenheim St, 16^th, Camosun, portions of 20^th & 21^st.
Total mail outs: 853 Returns: 259 Response rate: 30.4%

Sample Comments
-Makes it much easier to go shopping and be able to go to shops on both sides.
-It has increased traffic on 17^th.
-Creates dangerous situation in strip mall.
-Traffic has doubled on 19^th.
-Longer left turn light at 16^th.
-Signal creates more congestion at rush hour.
-Difficult to access stores.
-Install a left turn restriction on 17^th.
-Nothing but good remarks from our customers.
-Has severely interrupted the flow of customers into business.

B. Survey of Dunbar St Businesses Only
Survey question 1: Has the temporary median at the intersection of Dunbar St and W 18^th Ave had any impact on your business?

Yes - positively

Yes - negatively

No

No Opinion

Total responses

6%

25%

56%

13%

Survey question 2: As a business on Dunbar St, do you support the construction of a permanent median at the intersection of Dunbar St and W 18^th Ave.

Yes

No

No Opinion

Total responses

41%

37%

22%

Survey boundaries: Both sides of Dunbar from 16^th to 19^th
Total mail outs: 49 Returns: 32 Response rate: 65%

Sample Comments
-Our customers can cross the street safely.
-Pedestrian signal may have improved business, as most of my business is pedestrians.
-Prevents people from turning left on 17^th to park at the back of my business because of southbound back up of cars.
-My customers complain about the median.
-At least 3 customers told me they cannot come back because of the inconvenience caused by the median.
-Difficult to take delivery of supplies.
-Safer for elderly customers to cross.
-Positive impact.

Traffic Volumes
Traffic counts were conducted in October 1998 before the diverter was installed and again in January 2001 with the diverter in place.

Location

Eastbound
Oct '98 /Jan '01

Westbound
Oct '98 /Jan '01

2-Way Totals
Oct '98 /Jan '01

17^th east of Dunbar

333/284

206/154

539/438

18^th east of Dunbar

268/233

167/174

435/407

19^th east of Dunbar

221/214

169/187

390/401

20^th east of Dunbar

176/220

339/197

515/417

17^th east of Highbury

311/320

439/456

750/776

18^th east of Highbury

407/331

339/155

746/486

19^th east of Highbury

278/202

355/426

633/628

20^th east of Highbury

272/179

241/236

513/415

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TO:	Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Ridgeway East and West Extensions Temporary Traffic Measures