ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: June 16, 1997
CC File: 5768
TO: Vancouver City Council
FROM: General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT: Reconstruction of Fourth Avenue from Blanca Street to Drummond
Avenue
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the existing strip pavement on 4th Avenue from Blanca Street
to Drummond Drive be reconstructed at the existing width of 10
metres at an estimated cost of $190,000, with funding to be
provided from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account
No. 12/31/9801/999 ($160,000), and Streets Basic Capital Account
No. 12/31/0301/999 ($30,000).
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to obtain approval for the reconstruction
of the existing poor condition strip pavement on 4th Avenue from Blanca
Street to Drummond Drive.
DISCUSSION
This section of 4th Avenue from Blanca Street to Drummond Drive connects
to Chancellor Boulevard just west of Drummond Drive and is a major route
to UBC. This portion of the City arterial street system is an uncurbed
strip pavement which is failing. Patching is no longer practical and,
therefore, reconstruction is required.
Two reconstruction options have been considered.
Curbing and Pavement
This option would see this portion of 4th Avenue upgraded to an
arterial standard with concrete curbing and a 15 metre wide
pavement. This width would be slightly narrower than the 16.8
metre pavement on 4th Avenue to the east. This four lane roadway
would also tie in with the four lanes of Chancellor Boulevard to
the west.
The abutting property owners were balloted to determine their
support for this proposal which would involve widening of the
existing pavement and cost-sharing as a Local Improvement. The
property owners were not supportive. Of the total 20 owners
involved, 14 responded and 12 were opposed. Therefore, this option
is not being recommended.
Reconstructing the Existing Strip Pavement
Reconstructing the existing strip pavement, approximately 10 metres
wide to the same width, will deal with the rideability and
maintenance issues and accommodate the existing traffic volumes.
The design would allow for further widening in the future if
necessary. The 10 metre width accommodates one vehicle lane,
including bicycles, in each direction.
The estimated cost of this work is $190,000, and funding is
available from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account set
aside for Arterial Local Improvements (#12/31/9801/999 - $160,000),
and from funds remaining following completion of the reconstruction
of 57th Avenue, between Oak and Granville Streets (#12/31/0301/999
- $30,000). The cost of this improvement would be 100% City cost.
There is little local benefit as no concrete curbs or paved parking
lane would be provided. The funding normally available for the
City s share of the full Local Improvement project will be used to
fund upgrading of the strip pavement which would have been part of
that project. The design will accommodate a complete Local
Improvement in the future.
CONCLUSION
The existing poor condition asphalt strip pavement on 4th Avenue from
Blanca Street to Drummond Drive is in need of reconstruction. The
installation of a 15 metre pavement with concrete curbing to provide the
current arterial standard is not supported by the adjacent property
owners. In addition, the current volumes on this section of 4th Avenue
do not necessitate construction to this standard at this time.
Therefore, it is recommended that the existing strip pavement be
reconstructed to a width of 10 metres which will accommodate one lane of
vehicular traffic and bicycles, in each direction.
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