ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: May 31, 1995
TO: Vancouver Traffic Commission
FROM: General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT: Blenheim Street Traffic Measures
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT the following traffic measures be implemented along
Blenheim Street, with funding of $41,000 provided from
Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No.
13/32/9801/999 - Local Area Plans:
i) Traffic circle at 6th Avenue;
ii) Corner bulge at Broadway, northeast corner;
iii) Corner bulge at Broadway, southwest corner;
iv) Corner bulge at 10th Avenue, northeast corner;
v) Corner bulge at 16th Avenue, northeast corner;
vi) Right-in/right-out diverter in the south leg
at 4th Avenue;
B. THAT the following traffic measures be implemented along
Blenheim Street, provided out of existing funding in the
appropriate operating accounts:
i) Left turn prohibition during weekday rush periods for
northbound Blenheim at 10th Avenue; and
ii) Mandatory right turn from curb lane northbound
approaching 16th Avenue;
C. THAT a local improvement for street paving, curb and
gutter for Blenheim Street between 16th Avenue and the lane
north of 10th Avenue be advanced on the Initiative and, should
it be defeated, that staff bring forward, for Council's
consideration, a recommendation to proceed on Special Grounds;
and
D. THAT staff continue to monitor the impacts to traffic
that result from the measures of Recommendations A, B, and
C, and use stop sign infill as necessary to mitigate changes
or resolve existing problems on adjacent local streets.
CONSIDERATION
E. THAT traffic circles on Blenheim Street at 12th and at
14th Avenues be installed at an estimated cost of $13,000,
funded from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account
13/32/9801/999 - Local Area Plans, if the street improvements
of Recommendation C are approved and constructed.
The General Manager of Engineering Services does not recommend E, since
the circles are not consistent with the collector role of Blenheim
Street, which provides access to the Broadway shopping area and the
neighbourhood.
COUNCIL POLICY
The Kitsilano Traffic, Cycling, and Parking Plan, approved by Council on
October 8, 1992, includes provisions:
- That the status of Blenheim Street from Broadway to 4th Avenue be
downgraded from a collector to a local street.
- That the status of Blenheim Street between 16th Avenue
and Broadway be downgraded from a secondary arterial to a collector
street, and that the City Engineer report back to the Vancouver
Traffic Commission on what actions will be taken to implement the
downgrading.
- Blenheim Street - Install traffic circles at 5th Avenue and 8th
Avenue, and right-in/right-out diverters at Broadway and 4th
Avenue.
SUMMARY
City staff have worked with local residents to explore measures to
downgrade sections of Blenheim Street. Special traffic studies and a
neighbourhood survey were conducted. As a result, a package of measures
is recommended for approval by Council.
PURPOSE
This report reviews a number of measures which could be installed along
Blenheim Street, and recommends several that would be effective in
downgrading two sections of Blenheim between 16th Avenue and 4th Avenue
as specified in the Kitsilano Traffic Plan.
BACKGROUND
Over the past four years, three new traffic signals have been installed
along Blenheim Street, at King Edward Avenue (1991), 10th Avenue (1992),
and 16th Avenue (1993). At the time of approval of the signal at 16th
Avenue, concerns were raised by some local residents that, in
combination, these signals would cause increases in traffic that might
reduce livability along Blenheim. Council deleted the eastbound left-
turn bay on 16th, and requested that the City Engineer monitor the
impacts and report back on measures to mitigate them. Subsequently,
Council approved the Kitsilano Traffic, Cycling, and Parking Plan. The
Plan includes recommendations that Blenheim be downgraded from a
collector to a local street between 4th Avenue and Broadway, and from an
arterial to a collector street between Broadway and 16th Avenue.
Commencing May, 1994, staff from Engineering Services met with local
residents to explore what measures would be most effective and
appropriate in responding to Council-approved policies for Blenheim. A
number of special traffic studies were performed in augmentation of
normal data gathering for the area. The results of data collection
efforts are included in Appendix A.
DISCUSSION
From consultations with the residents working group, a total of 14
specific measures were identified. One of the measures is listed within
the Kitsilano Plan, the right-in, right-out diverter at 4th Avenue. The
traffic circle at 5th (in the Plan) has been shifted to 6th to fit in
with the existing stop sign pattern. The right-in/right-out diverter at
Broadway (north leg) listed in the Plan is replaced with a corner bulge
to be friendlier to pedestrians and sustain business access. All other
specific measures are new. In addition, the working group calls for the
provision of stop signs on adjacent local streets at as yet unspecified
locations to respond to any resulting changes in traffic patterns.
4th Avenue to Broadway Measures
These measures are designed to ensure that Blenheim functions as a local
street between 4th and Broadway. Traffic counts have shown that this
section carries approximately 1800 vehicles per day, while adjoining
Trutch Street and Waterloo Street carry some 1000 vehicles daily. The
difference is only partially explained by through traffic (see Figures 1
and 2, Appendix A); McDonald's Restaurant and Blockbuster Video are
major traffic generators situated at Blenheim and Broadway - these may
account for much of the added trips. To reduce the through component at
least, the following measures are recommended (see Figure 3, Appendix
B):
1) Right in/right-out diverter at 4th - This would prevent vehicles
from entering Blenheim from 4th Avenue except from the west, nor
exiting Blenheim to 4th except to the east. While through trips
would thus be encouraged to choose arterial routes Alma and
Macdonald, local trips would be rerouted to Trutch or Waterloo.
2) Traffic circle at 6th - With stop signs on Blenheim at 5th and 7th,
and the traffic circle recently installed at 8th as part of the
Off-Broadway Bicycle Route (and called for in the Plan), a traffic
circle at 6th would add a further disincentive for through traffic.
Traffic circles are particularly effective in reducing speed, and
improve safety comparably with new stop signs. Installation of
this circle will require a $400 annual increase in the Streets
Operating Budget to fund landscape maintenance.
3) Corner bulge at Broadway, northeast corner - This bulge would lend
an ambience more welcoming to pedestrians and less welcoming to
vehicles for the north leg of the intersection.
Broadway to 16th Avenue Measures
These measures are designed to encourage this section of Blenheim to
function as a collector street. As such, Blenheim would distribute and
collect traffic between local streets and area arterials. Access to and
from shopping, entertainment and transit services on Broadway, as well
as arterial Blenheim south of 16th, is essential. Macdonald Street and
Alma Streets are 5 and 4 blocks removed, respectively.
Traffic counts indicate that volumes have grown by 35 to 40 percent over
the past 5 years, and now approach a two-way total of 5000 vehicles per
day and 500 vehicles in the peak hour. This volume is high for a
collector. Nearly half of the traffic in the p.m. peak period and 40
percent in the a.m. peak period has been identified as through traffic
(see Appendix A), which likely includes most of the recent growth. This
pattern is not unusual for a collector. Discouraging the through
traffic, while maintaining Blenheim's status as an access route for the
neighbourhood, requires great care. To achieve a balance the following
measures are presented (see Figure 4, Appendix B):
4) Mandatory right turn northbound at 16th - This would require that
northbound vehicles in the curb lane be required to turn right onto
16th eastbound. This would reduce northbound through movement,
which now occurs in two informal lanes due to the width of the
approach. It also could improve safety, as merging would no longer
occur across the intersection. This measure received strong support
by the community.
5) Corner bulge at 16th, northeast corner - This would reduce the road
width at the entrance to the neighbourhood, similar to the
corresponding corner at Broadway. Treatment would be determined in
consultation with the owner of Bowers Grocery.
6&7) Traffic circles at 12th and at 14th - These would break up the
six-block segment of Blenheim in thirds, and give a more local
residential character to the corridor. Staff do not support these
measures because:
a) Circles lend equal stature to each approach leg and, thus, are
appropriate where all four legs have comparable volumes.
Here, volumes on Blenheim are as much as 10 times those on the
avenues, which will lead to hazards from confusion over who
has the right-of-way.
b) As vehicles turn to go around the circles, they may be tempted
to divert to the avenues as a bypass.
c) Finally, results from the survey show that the community is
divided in supporting or opposing the circles. Without clear
support the circles should not be installed.
Installation of these circles would require an $800 annual increase
in the Streets Operating Budget to cover the costs of landscape
maintenance.
8) Remove dividing line - This would be consistent with Blenheim being
declassified from an arterial, and with reduced traffic volumes.
On streets with peak hour volumes less than 500 vehicles (two-way),
a dividing line normally is not required to provide adequate
safety. This measure received more opposition than support from
respondents to the survey, and is not included in the
recommendations.
9) No left-turn from northbound Blenheim to 10th - This would ban left
turn movement during weekday peak periods. Significant left
turning through traffic was identified at 10th, likely the result
of the recent traffic signals installed. Impacts of the
recommended ban would require monitoring, and possibly further
measures, to avoid through traffic using Waterloo instead.
10) New pavement, curbs, and gutters, 10th to 16th - This would narrow
this segment of Blenheim generally to a width of 8.2m (27 ft.), in
conformity with the existing curb returns. Except for the half-
block north of 16th, with commercial and multiple residential use,
there would be parking on one side only. Restoration of the
boulevards would improve the appearance of the streetscape and
provide protection for recently planted trees. The local
improvement is heavily supported by the community, but fronting
property owners do not appear so supportive. As this improvement
is an essential component of the effort to establish Blenheim as a
collector, it should be advanced on the Initiative; and, if it is
defeated, consideration should be given to proceeding on Special
Grounds.
11) Corner bulge at 10th, northeast corner - This would reduce the
roadway width facing northbound traffic, similar to the
corresponding corners at Broadway and at 16th. The treatment would
feature landscaping, with an opportunity for resident involvement
(or "adoption").
12) New pavement, curbs, and gutters, 10th to the lane north - This
would improve this half-block of Blenheim at a width of 11m (36
ft.), a transition from the 12.8m width north of the lane to the
less than 9m width extending from 10th southward. Parking would be
provided on both sides. This half-block would be advanced as part
of the local improvement extending south of 10th (see #10).
13) Corner bulge at Broadway, southwest corner - This would reduce the
roadway width facing southbound traffic, creating a more
pedestrian-friendly street. The design would be treated similar to
that for the northeast corner (see #3).
14) No left turn from westbound Broadway to Blenheim - This would ban
left turns during the afternoon peak period on weekdays. While
this was identified as a significant movement by traffic going
through to south of 16th, it also is a well-used route for access
to the local merchants and residents on Broadway. The community
responses (excluding neutral votes) were fairly evenly split (53%
in favour, 47% opposed to the ban). Notably, the Kitsilano Chamber
of Commerce is strongly opposed to this measure. Staff also oppose
this ban, not only because of its interference with business
access, but also because it will force neighbourhood traffic to
take more circuitous routings on local streets and impact others
along their new routes.
PUBLIC INPUT
The public has been actively involved in the recent Blenheim review
process in a number of ways. The participation by residents in the
traffic signal reviews at 10th and 16th and in the formulation of the
Kitsilano Traffic, Cycling, and Parking Plan set the context for current
planning and design work. The ad hoc residents working group had a
large degree of responsibility in generating the listed measures.
Approximately 810 copies of a questionnaire (see Appendix C) were then
distributed to area residents and workers to obtain their preferences,
and another 175 mailed to non-resident owners of local property. At the
Open House held in the community on April 11, 1995, another 50 surveys
were given out to the approximately 60 attendees.
Altogether, 287 questionnaires were returned, for a 27% response rate.
This is a normal return rate. The results are summarized in Table I
below. Results are further reduced in Tables II and III (see Appendix
C), grouping responses based on whether from the Blenheim corridor, or
from either the Trutch or Waterloo corridors. This is to check for any
location-sensitive differences.
TABLE I - COMBINED RESULTS OF THE BLENHEIM TRAFFIC
MEASURES COMMUNITY SURVEY
TRAFFIC MEASURE % FOR % AGAINST %
NEUTRAL
1 Right-in/right-out diverter at 40 23 37
4th, south leg
2 Traffic circle at 6th 49 21 30
3 Bulge at Broadway, N.E. corner 52 27 20
4 Mandatory right turn northbound at 62 26 12
16th
5 Bulge at 16th, N.E. corner 49 30 21
6 Traffic circle at 12th 45 44 11
7 Traffic circle at 14th 46 44 11
8 Remove dividing line 31 39 29
9 No left turn northbound to 10th, 51 34 15
weekday peak periods
10 New pavement, curbs and gutters, 55 24 22
10th to 16th
11 Bulge at 10th, N.E. corner 50 30 20
12 New pavement, curbs, and gutters, 54 23 23
10th to the lane north
13 Bulge at Broadway, S.W. corner 51 28 21
14 No left turn westbound Broadway to 46 41 12
Blenheim, weekday p.m. peak period
- 287 RETURNED QUESTIONNAIRES IN TOTAL
- Results typically +/- 5 to 6% (95% confidence)
Results indicate support for:
- Right in/right-out diverter at 4th;
- Traffic circle at 6th;
- All 4 bulges;
- Mandatory right turn northbound at 16th;
- No left turn northbound to 10th, weekday peak periods; and
- New pavement, curbs, and gutters from 16th to the lane north
of 10th.
These are in the proposed measures.
The neighbourhood is split on:
- Traffic circles at 12th and 14th;
- No left turn Broadway westbound to Blenheim, weekday p.m.
peak period; and
- Removal of the dividing line.
These are not in the measures proposed in the recommendations.
Numerous comments were returned along with the questionnaires,
and a number of letters submitted. These are summarized in
Appendix D. Statements for or against the various measures were
virtually the same in number. Several requests were forwarded
for a pedestrian signal to be installed at Blenheim and 4th
Avenue, for converting the pedestrian signal on Blenheim at
Broadway to a full signal, and for installing a traffic diverter
at 16th and Blenheim. Finally, many comments were made praising
this initiative, and urging that measures be installed as soon as
possible.
CONCLUSION
After a consultative process amongst local residents, property
owners, and workers, as well as City staff, numerous measures for
the downgrading of two segments of Blenheim Street have been
identified. Staff recommend that Council support most of these
measures. Due to the division of support and opposition to the
traffic circles at 12th and 14th, coupled with concerns that they
are not an appropriate treatment on a street that has a valid
access function, staff do not support them but submit them for
consideration.
* * * * *
APPENDIX C
TABLE II - BLENHEIM TRAFFIC MEASURES COMMUNITY SURVEY
RESULTS FROM BLENHEIM CORRIDOR
TRAFFIC MEASURE % FOR % AGAINST % NEUTRAL
1 Right-in/right-out diverter at 4th, 51 19 29
south leg
2 Traffic circle at 6th 63 13 23
3 Bulge at Broadway, N.E. corner 60 22 18
4 Mandatory right turn northbound at 66 22 12
16th
5 Bulge at 16th, N.E. corner 56 25 19
6 Traffic circle at 12th 54 33 13
7 Traffic circle at 14th 56 33 11
8 Remove dividing line 38 33 29
9 No left turn northbound to 10th, 56 32 12
weekday peak periods
10 New pavement, curbs, and gutters, 55 24 21
10th to 16th
11 Bulge at 10th, N.E. corner 57 23 19
12 New pavement, curbs, and gutters, 57 19 24
10th to the lane north
13 Bulge at Broadway, S.W. corner 57 23 20
14 No left turn westbound Broadway to 53 25 12
Blenheim, weekday p.m. peak period
- 148 RETURNED QUESTIONNAIRES INDICATING RESPONDENT FROM
BLENHEIM CORRIDOR
- Results typically +/- 6 to 8% (95% confidence)
APPENDIX C
TABLE III - BLENHEIM TRAFFIC MEASURES COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS FROM
THE TRUTCH OR WATERLOO CORRIDORS
TRAFFIC MEASURE % FOR % AGAINST % NEUTRAL
1 Right-in/right-out diverter at 23 40 37
4th, south leg
2 Traffic circle at 6th 40 39 21
3 Bulge at Broadway, N.E. corner 33 45 22
4 Mandatory right turn northbound 33 46 21
at 16th
5 Bulge at 16th, N.E. corner 32 49 19
6 Traffic circle at 12th 30 51 19
7 Traffic circle at 14th 56 30 14
8 Remove dividing line 16 59 25
9 No left turn northbound to 10th, 53 24 23
weekday peak periods
10 New pavement, curbs, and 49 19 31
gutters, 10th to 16th
11 Bulge at 10th, N.E. corner 24 33 43
12 New pavement, curbs, and 24 70 6
gutters, 10th to the lane north
13 Bulge at Broadway, S.W. corner 24 68 8
14 No left turn, westbound Broadway 34 25 11
to Blenheim, weekday p.m. peak
period
- 69 RETURNED QUESTIONNAIRES INDICATING RESPONDENT FROM TRUTCH
OR WATERLOO CORRIDORS
- Results typically +/- 9 to 12% (95% confidence)