ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: July 5, 1996
Dept. File No. 2122-4
2122-24
TO: Vancouver Traffic Commission
FROM: General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT: Traffic Plan - Arbutus to Burrard, Broadway to 16th
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT a Traffic Plan consisting of 2 traffic circles, 2
right-in/right-out diverters, 4 new stop signs, and reversal
of stop signs at one intersection be installed as outlined in
this report.
B. THAT funding of $35,000 for the installation of these measures
be provided from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated
Account #13/32/9801/999 - Local Area and Other Improvements.
C. THAT funding of $500 per year per traffic circle, for a total
of $1,000 per year, be added to the Operating Budget for
maintenance, reduced to $100 per year per circle if neighbours
agree to adopt the circles.
COUNCIL POLICY
Council has a long standing policy of protecting neighbourhoods
from shortcutting.
PURPOSE
To report the results of a public opinion survey and traffic counts, and
present a traffic calming plan for Commission's approval.
BACKGROUND
May and July 1994, Council directed that a traffic plan be
prepared for the neighbourhoods adjoining the Arbutus
Industrial Lands Area. The area was categorized into four
sub-areas and discussions began with interested residents.
1994 and 1995: A traffic calming plan was implemented for the
first sub-area. Meetings were held with residents of the next
2 sub-areas in which traffic concerns, studies, and proposals
were reviewed. A consensus was reached on a proposal for a
combined Traffic Plan and Bike Route.
April 1996: 1,131 surveys were distributed to all residents,
merchants, and property owners in the area bounded by
Broadway, Burrard Street, 16th Avenue, and Arbutus Street. A
combined Bike Route and Traffic Plan Open House was held at
City Hall on April 30/96.
DISCUSSION
Residents have raised concerns about traffic speeding and cutting
through their neighbourhood. Engineering staff have reviewed these
concerns and had numerous discussions with representatives from the
neighbourhood regarding various traffic control measures. The results of
a license plate trace indicated some short-cutting in the vicinity of
Tennyson School (11% in the a.m. and 15% in the p.m. rush period). The
results of traffic counts are summarized in Appendix A.
In view of a proposed Bicycle Route for Cypress Street it was agreed to
develop a joint plan and survey the neighbourhood on both the Traffic
Plan and the Bicycle Route simultaneously. A joint Open House on April
30, 1996 attracted approximately 100 visitors, of whom 17 identified
themselves as residents of this sub-area.
The Traffic Plan and Bike Route are designed to complement each other in
managing traffic within this neighbourhood. The Bike Route creates a
safe environment for cyclists along Cypress Street and the Traffic Plan
ensures that the remainder of the neighbourhood is protected from
short-cutting and speeding. The Traffic Plan involves 2 traffic circles,
2 right-in/right-out diverters (1 on Cypress), 4 additional stop signs,
and re-orientation of stop signs at 1 intersection (see diagram in
Appendix C for exact locations).
Three additional items relating to this neighbourhood will be considered
separately. They are:
1. 2600 Maple Street adjacent to Tennyson school: residents have
approached the City regarding some special treatment such as
angle parking and additional trees. This request will be
reviewed as part of the Residential Streets Program once the
pilot project (Garden Drive) is completed.
2. Greenway on 11th Avenue between Arbutus and Maple Streets:
this is linked to the greenway to be constructed as part of
the Arbutus Lands Development west of Arbutus Street, and can
be advanced as redevelopment proceeds in this area.
3. Corner bulges at various locations throughout the
neighbourhood: to be pursued as local improvements. Petitions
will be prepared, and circulated by residents.
PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY
The survey was distributed to all residents, merchants, and property
owners in the area on April 14/96. The results of the public opinion
survey are summarized in Appendix B and a sample of the survey is shown
in Appendix C. Of the 1,131 surveys distributed 276 (24%) were returned,
which is above average for this type of survey.
Both the Bike Route and Traffic Plan as proposed were accepted by
residents (79% and 75% in favour respectively). The Bike Route was
reported to the Vancouver Traffic Commission on July 9, 1996.
A summary of comments is shown in Appendix D. A total of 243 comments
were received; the most frequent comment indicated support for the plans
as presented. Six residents have volunteered to garden the traffic
circles.
FUNDING
Funding of $35,000 is available from Streets Basic Capital
Unappropriated Account #13/32/9801/999 - Local Area and Other
Improvements. The annual Operating Budget should be increased by $1,000
to maintain the traffic circle landscaping and signs, reduced to $200
per year on the assumption that residents continue to 'adopt' the
gardening.
CONCLUSIONS
The plan that has been developed in collaboration with the community
should be effective in addressing shortcutting and speeding concerns. It
has been approved by a large majority of those responding to the survey.
Accordingly, it is recommended that this plan proceed. Further elements
of the plan, including local improvements, the greenway, and the bicycle
route, will proceed separately.
* * * * *
General Mgr./Dept. Head: Report dated: July 5, 1996
Author:J. Clelland
Date Phone:7297IRTS Number:CC96164
Concurring Departments
This report has been prepared
in consultation with the
depart- ments listed to the
right, and they concur with its
contents.
JPC/mfd
Attachment