Vancouver City Council

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: February 14, 2003
Author/Local: D. Kim/7021

RTS No.3053
CC File No.5757

T&T: April 8, 2003

TO:

Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic

FROM:

General Manager of Engineering Services

SUBJECT:

Ash Street and West 45^th Avenue Traffic Calming Measures

RECOMMENDATION

A. THAT a coloured stamped asphalt crosswalk, corner bulges and a new median be installed at Ash and West 45^th Avenue as described in this report and illustrated in Appendix A.

B. THAT funding of $48,000 for these improvements be provided in advance of the 2003 Streets Basic Capital Budget, Local Area and Other Improvements.

C. THAT the Streets Operating Budget for Horticultural Maintenance be increased by $2300 and the Traffic Operating Budget for Signage be increased by $500, without offset, commencing in 2004, for the maintenance of the new traffic measures.

COUNCIL POLICY

· On May 27^th, 1997, Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan that emphasizes the need to mitigate the effects of traffic in local neighbourhood areas and to give priority to streets and neighbourhoods where traffic impacts are most serious.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to seek Council's approval and funding to proceed with the installation of new corner bulges on West 45^th Avenue, a new crosswalk, and a new median at Ash and W. 45^th Avenue, as shown in Appendix A.

BACKGROUND

As part of the Oakridge/Langara Traffic Management Plan (1996) and the Implementation of High-Priority Public Realm Amenities in Oakridge/Langara - Walking and Traffic Calming Improvements Report (1997), Council approved pedestrian improvements and traffic calming measures at the intersection of Ash and West 45^th Avenue among other locations. The proposed improvements were to include corner bulges on Ash Street, and a pedestrian crosswalk on the west side of the intersection of Ash and W. 45^th Avenue. The corner bulges on Ash Street were installed but the crosswalk was put on hold to see if a raised crosswalk was warranted.

The construction of the traffic calming measures was to be coordinated with the development of a multi-family development project at 620 West 45^th Avenue. The development of the adjacent properties has been completed but the crosswalk has not yet been installed. Public consultation on the 45^th Avenue project was conducted as part of the 1996 Oakridge/Langara Traffic Management Plan.

The existing median on W. 45^th Avenue at Ash Street is too narrow and short to effectively restrict vehicle movements in and out of Oakridge Mall as originally intended. Drivers continue to make illegal turning movements to get around the median, which is dangerous for other drivers and pedestrians at this intersection. The current median is also in poor repair and will eventually need to be replaced.

DISCUSSION

The City has received many calls from the public to improve traffic safety at this intersection. After conducting speed checks, field observations and studies, it was determined that a crosswalk with additional traffic calming measures of bulges on 45^th Avenue and road narrowing would be the best solution.

When a speed check was done in the 600 block of Ash Street, vehicle speeds were found to be moderate with the 85^th percentile speed being 47 km/h in a 50 km zone. Since speeding is not a problem at this location, the focus was put on increasing pedestrian visibility and safety. A new crosswalk constructed of stamped asphalt with an offset brick pattern in terra cotta will visually highlight the crosswalk.

To increase pedestrian safety, reduce the crossing distance, and to slow down traffic, additional corner bulges on both sides of W. 45^th Avenue are also recommended at the crosswalk location. The corner bulges will make pedestrians more visible to drivers and give pedestrians a better view of traffic.

The proposed median is wider and longer than the existing median, which will reduce the number of illegal movements going in and out of Oakridge Mall. The combination of the new corner bulges with the new median will help to lower speeds through the intersection by narrowing the roadway.

The proposed median and corner bulges installed with the approved coloured stamped asphalt crosswalk, will increase pedestrian and traffic safety at this location.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The cost of this project is estimated to be $48,000. These improvements would be funded by the 2003 Streets Basic Capital Budget A-5a - Local Area and Other Improvements. The following provides a breakdown of the costs:

Corner Bulges $ 30,000

Stamped Colored Asphalt Crosswalk $ 2,000 stamped terra cotta brick pattern

New Landscaped Median on W.45^th Ave. $ 16,000

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Total $ 48,000.

CONCLUSIONS

The crosswalk at Ash Street and West 45^th Avenue is being installed as part of the Oakridge/Langara Traffic Management Plan. To highlight the crosswalk, stamped, coloured asphalt will be used. Staff recommends corner bulges on West 45^th Avenue to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians and improve visibility for pedestrians and drivers. The new longer, and wider median on West 45^th Avenue will prohibit restricted turning movements at the intersection and decrease speeds of vehicles on West 45^th Avenue.

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APPENDIX A

GEOMETRIC DESIGN OF ASH AND WEST 45^TH AVENUE


TO:	Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Ash Street and West 45^th Avenue Traffic Calming Measures