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CITY OF VANCOUVER ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT |
Date: |
April 19, 2004 | |
Author: |
W. Chou | |
Phone No.: |
7913 | |
RTS No.: |
04097 | |
CC File No.: |
5761 | |
Meeting Date: |
May 4, 2004 |
TO: |
Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic |
FROM: |
General Manager of Engineering Services |
SUBJECT: |
2004 Traffic Signal Program |
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT Council approve the 2004 Traffic Signal Program with funding of $992,000 in advance of the 2004 Streets Basic Capital Budget, and that the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to install and modify pedestrian and traffic signals, as described in this report; and
B. THAT additional annual costs of $22,000 related to ongoing maintenance be reflected in future Operating Budgets, subject to the 2005 budget review process.
COUNCIL POLICY
Council approved funding which provides for traffic signal installations as part of the 2003-2005 Streets Capital Plan.
On May 27, 1997, Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan which emphasizes the need for improved pedestrian facilities.
SUMMARY
Council has approved funding as part of the 2003 - 2005 Streets Capital Plan for the Annual Traffic Signal Program. Funding requests included in this report account for one-third of the money approved in the three year Capital Plan. The 2004 Traffic Signal Program is recommended as follows:
A) Pedestrian-Controlled Signals City ICBC
A1) Renfrew at 3rd Avenue $75,000 $10,000
A2) 4th Avenue at Pine $70,000 $20,000
A3) Fraser at 29th Avenue $67,000 $15,000
A4) 70th Avenue at Fremlin $75,000 $10,000
A5) King Edward at Laurel Street $77,000 $10,000
A6) SW Marine at Crown Street $76,000 $10,000
A7) 4th Avenue at Blenheim Street $67,000 $15,000
B) Full Signals
B1) 54th Avenue & Tyne Street $80,000 $10,000
B2) Marine Drive & Hudson Street $60,000 $10,000
C) Signal Modifications $345,000 $85,000
FUNDING SUMMARY
Total City Funding $992,000
Total ICBC Funding $195,000
Total TransLink Funding $220,000
TOTAL 2004 PROGRAM $1,407,000
PURPOSE
This report lists the locations recommended for signal installations or modifications and the reasons for these recommendations.
BACKGROUND
The City of Vancouver relies on a surface street network to handle its transportation needs. Therefore, pedestrian, cyclist, transit and traffic signals are significant traffic management elements in the safe movement of people and goods. Detailed studies are undertaken each year by staff to determine locations that require new or modified traffic signal controls. Users of the transportation system such as pedestrians, cyclists, transit vehicles, trucks and automobiles are considered in these studies. Many locations are reviewed in this program to provide a comprehensive coverage. Based on this review, a recommended Traffic Signal Program has been prepared.
Council's top transportation priority is pedestrians, and seven of the nine recommended signals are pedestrian-controlled signals, four of which will assist school students. Transit customers and transit vehicles are being aided at several of the recommended signals and signal improvements. The proposed vehicle signals will address pedestrian and traffic safety needs.
DISCUSSION
A) Pedestrian Signals - Recommended Locations
A1) Renfrew Street at 3rd Avenue $75,000
Currently, there is a marked school crosswalk with overhead signs and zebra pavement markings at this crossing to assist students of Maquinna Elementary School. This portion of Renfrew Street is a designated arterial and has 2 lanes of traffic plus parking in each direction. The Renfrew & 3rd intersection is also located in the middle of a four block stretch between 1st and 5th Avenues where there is no signal to assist pedestrians crossing Renfrew. During field observations, staff noted that the majority of pedestrians crossing at the intersection were school children. Other pedestrian generators near the intersection include a seniors' care facility, church, bus stop, and video store. Within the past five years there have been no Police reported pedestrian-vehicle collisions at the intersection. Staff of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), Road Safety Program have conducted a review of this location and are willing to contribute $10,000 towards this signal for a total cost of $85,000.
A2) 4th Avenue at Pine Street $70,000
4th & Pine is located in a busy retail area with high traffic and pedestrian volumes. During peak commuter periods, pedestrians must cross 5 lanes of through traffic plus a parking lane. In addition, the southbound off-ramp from the Granville Bridge to 4th Avenue is located just east of this intersection. Due to the horizontal and vertical curve of the off-ramp, pedestrians' visibility of motorists approaching the intersection from the bridge is limited. Staff have received numerous requests from businesses and residents in the area for a pedestrian-controlled signal. During field studies, staff observed that there were very few gaps in traffic for pedestrian to cross 4th Avenue and motorists generally did not yield to pedestrians. Over the past five years there has been one Police reported pedestrian-vehicle collision at the intersection. A pedestrian controlled signal is recommended to assist pedestrians crossing at this intersection. Based on ICBC's review, they are willing to contribute $20,000 towards this signal for a total cost of $90,000.
A3) Fraser Street at 29th Avenue $67,000
Presently, there is a marked crosswalk at this intersection to assist pedestrians crossing Fraser Street. However, staff have received requests from area residents for additional measures to enhance existing crossing conditions. During field studies, staff observed mainly adults and seniors who used this crosswalk. A neighbourhood shopping centre and a southbound bus stop are the main sources of pedestrian activity at this crossing. During peak commuter periods staff also observed that motorists sometimes did not yield to pedestrians. Along this portion of Fraser Street pedestrians must cross 2 lanes of traffic plus parking in each direction. Currently, there is a Special Crosswalk on Fraser at 31st Avenue. However, there are no signals on Fraser Street between King Edward and 33rd to assist pedestrians. Within the past five years there has been one Police reported pedestrian-vehicle collision at this intersection. For these reasons staff recommend a pedestrian signal at this intersection. ICBC is willing to contribute $15,000 towards this signal. The total cost of the signal is $82,000
A4) 70th Avenue at Fremlin Street $75,000
This intersection is located along 70th Avenue, between Oak Street and SE Marine Drive, which carries high volumes of traffic accessing the Oak Street Bridge. This portion of 70th is a six block stretch where there are currently no signals to assist pedestrians. During peak commuter periods, pedestrians must cross three lanes of through traffic plus one parking lane. A number of children were observed crossing at this intersection, which may be due to the change in the school attendance area boundary for Laurier Elementary School that now extends south of 70th Avenue. Since the boundary was changed, staff have received requests from the school and the Parent Advisory Council for a pedestrian signal at this intersection. Over the past five years there have been no Police reported pedestrian-vehicle collisions at this intersection. The total cost of the signal is $85,000 and ICBC is willing to contribute $10,000.
A5) King Edward at Laurel Street $77,000
The intersection of King Edward and Laurel is adjacent to Emily Carr Elementary School, a neighbourhood shopping centre, and a medical facility. Currently, there is a marked crosswalk with zebra pavement markings to assist pedestrians crossing this intersection. However, staff have received concerns from area residents and the Parent Advisory Council of Emily Carr regarding pedestrian safety at this crossing. During field studies, staff observed that this was a busy intersection with commuter traffic and motorists exiting onto King Edward from the shopping centre. Many seniors and students were also observed crossing. Over the past five years there have been no Police reported pedestrian-vehicle collisions at this intersection. ICBC will contribute $10,000 towards this signal installation for a total cost of $87,000.
A6) S.W. Marine Drive at Crown Street $76,000
The intersection of Marine Drive at Crown is located towards the western end of Marine Drive adjacent to Musqueam Park. Currently, there is a marked and signed school crosswalk to assist students and residents in the area. Over the past several years, Council and staff have received concerns from the Musqueam Indian Band regarding pedestrian safety at this location. Comments from Musqueam Band members indicate that residents use this crossing to access the Southlands Elementary School and the eastbound bus stop at 41st Avenue at Crown. Although there has been no Police reported pedestrian-vehicle collision at this location, the Musqueum Band had indicated that 2 pedestrians have been struck by vehicles over the past five years. For these reasons, staff recommend a pedestrian signal at this intersection. ICBC will provide $10,000 towards this installation. The total cost of the signal is $86,000.
A7) 4th Avenue at Blenheim Street $67,000
4th Avenue & Blenheim is adjacent to McBride Park and several residential buildings with retail units on the lower level. Currently, there is a marked pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection to assist pedestrians crossing 4th Avenue. Along this portion of 4th Avenue, pedestrians must cross 2 lanes of traffic plus parking in each direction. Based on concerns from residents and businesses in the area, staff have made signage modifications at the crosswalk to increase motorists' awareness of pedestrians. However, staff continue to receive requests for a pedestrian signal. During field observations, staff noted that the coffee shop, bus stop, and park generated most of the demand for pedestrians to cross at this location. Within the past five years there have been no Police report pedestrian-vehicle collisions at this intersection. ICBC is willing to contribute $15,000 towards the signal for a total cost of $82,000.
B) Full Signals - Recommended Locations
B1) 54th Avenue & Tyne Street $80,000
The intersection of 54th Avenue and Tyne Street is a "T" intersection which is controlled by a stop sign for eastbound motorists on 54th Avenue. The dominant vehicle movements including transit buses are eastbound to northbound left-turns and right-turns in the opposite direction. During peak commuter periods, eastbound to northbound buses can experience significant delays as vehicles queue at the intersection waiting to make a left-turn. In addition, recent residential and commercial developments in Champlain Village have increased traffic and pedestrian volumes at the intersection. This location was also identified by the Victoria/Fraserview & Killarney Community Visions Group as a priority to assist pedestrians. In March of this year, staff distributed a letter to area residents requesting for their feedback regarding the proposed traffic signal. Of the residents who responded all were in favour of the proposal. In order to facilitate transit and pedestrian movements at the intersection a traffic signal is recommended. ICBC is willing to contribute $10,000 towards this signal. The total cost of the signal is $90,000.
B2) SW Marine & Hudson Street $65,000
TransLink is currently applying to the City for the development of a new transit facility located on the Eburne Sawmill site in South Vancouver. As part of this process, a transportation impact study was completed which recommends a signal at the intersection of Marine & Hudson to facilitate transit vehicle access to and from the site. This signal would also assist pedestrians crossing the intersection (which is on a curve) and provide access for residents north of the intersection turning from Hudson onto Marine Drive. The development application is expected to be presented to the Development Permit Board shortly. Therefore, staff recommend a traffic signal at this intersection, subject to the approval of the development. ICBC will contribute $10,000 and TransLink will provide fifty percent funding for this signal for a total estimated cost of $140,000.
C) Signal Modifications
C1) Pedestrian Indicators $55,000
Pedestrian indicators provide "walk" and "don't walk" indications for pedestrians at signalized intersections. Existing signals that do not have pedestrian indicators are reviewed and retrofitted each year. It is recommended that funding for up to seven suitable locations at an average cost of $7,500 be appropriated for 2004.
C2) Left-Turn Phasing $100,000
The City receives many requests for left-turn flashing arrows at existing traffic signals. They are best suited at intersections with left-turn bays and high left-turn volumes which cannot clear during gaps in opposing traffic flow. This program also provides funding for the addition of detectors in the left-turn bay so the length of the left-turn phase responds to demand. TransLink is expected to contribute an additional $150,000 from the Transit Related Road Infrastructure Program (TRRIP) for a total program budget of $250,000.
C3) Audible Signals $45,000
Vancouver has more audible signals than any other Canadian city. Over two hundred and sixty locations have been completed as of March 2004. Funding of $45,000 is recommended to install audible signals at existing and new signal installations. The priority of installation is established by user requests, land use, and transit availability in consultation with local advocacy groups, the CNIB, Vancouver School Board and the Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues.
C4) Signal Modifications $65,000
There are routine modifications required on the present signal system from time to time. Some examples of the modifications are:
· adjustment of signal timings in the local controllers;
· visibility improvements of existing signal equipment by the relocation or addition of signal heads;
· the modification of overhead signs;
· minor modifications to hardware and software for the controllers and Central Control System;
· installation of intersection monitoring and related data transfer equipment; and
· purchase of computer hardware and software to allow staff to better manage the existing signal system, utilize database software to inventory pedestrian and vehicle information, and to handle increasing requests from the public for traffic related data.
C5) Intelligent Transportation Systems $30,000
Intelligent Transportation Systems are the application and use of technology to optimize the effectiveness of the existing street infrastructure. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) provide the technology to enable people to make smart travel choices.
With the implementation of the Traffic Signal Management System improved functionality and information exchange is possible. Initiatives which are being proposed in this program include: testing detection equipment, installation of permanent counting stations, and providing information to the City's public web page.
C6) Tertiary Heads $50,000
Since 1994, the City has been cost-sharing with ICBC the upgrade of existing signalized locations for improved signal visibility. These upgrades include the addition of a third signal head and have achieved significant reduction of traffic collisions at many high-accident intersections. Throughout the coming year, staff will continue to pursue further support from ICBC. This funding partnership will allow the City to continue to install tertiary signal heads at high volume/high collision intersections. ICBC is expected to contribute $85,000 towards this program. The total cost of the program is $135,000.
OTHER SIGNAL INSTALLATIONS
Signal installation and modifications may also be initiated through other programs or agencies. Appendix B lists signals which are being reviewed due to private developments and through other projects such as Greenways, Bikeways, Community Visions, and Neighbourhood Centres. Additional reports will be forwarded to Council as these public processes are completed.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The 2004 Traffic Signal Program, at a total cost of $1,407,000, consists of $992,000 from City funding; $195,000 from ICBC; and $220,000 from TransLink. The $992,000 represents approximately one-third of the money approved in the 2003-2005 Streets Capital Plan. It is recommended that Council approve this funding in advance of the 2004 Engineering Basic Capital Budget, which will be submitted shortly. It is important to gain early approval of this program so that materials can be ordered, and work completed in time for upcoming deadlines, such as the opening of school in September.
Future Operating Budgets will be affected by increases in maintenance costs associated with the addition of new signals, signage, road marking, intersection traffic counts, and increased energy consumption. This year's Signal Program represents roughly a one and one-half percent increase in the plant of the Traffic Signal System. For this increase in the City's signal plant, costs of $22,000 will be incurred in future Operating Budgets. These increases will be subject to budget review in 2005.
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