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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-18-009 - Parkvale Drive Traffic Calming ReviewREPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: March 5, 2018 SUBMITTED BY: Ken Carmichael,Interim Director Transportation Services (519)741-2200 x7372 PREPARED BY: Steven Ryder, Traffic Technologist,(519)741-2200 x7152 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 5 DATE OF REPORT: February 8, 2018 REPORT NO.: INS-18-009 SUBJECT: Parkvale Drive Traffic Calming Review ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATIONS: That a raised, mid-block narrowing be installed in the location of the hydro corridor trail crossing between Parkvale Court and Bianca Court; That parking be prohibited in the immediate vicinity of the raised, mid-block narrowing; That an intersection narrowing be installed at Parkvale Drive and Woodbine Avenue (north intersection); That a left turn lane be added to the existing lane configuration of Parkvale Drive at Huron Road; That stopping be prohibited during school times along the north/west side of Parkvale Drive between Parkvale Court and the hydro corridor trail crossing; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-Law be amended accordingly. BACKGROUND: Traffic volume and speeding are significant safety related issues frequently raised by residents of affected neighbourhoods in the City of Kitchener. In response to these issues, Council reviewed, updated and subsequently Traffic Calming Policy in 2014 and established an annual budget to address traffic management issues in residential neighbourhoods. The traffic calming policy outlines a number of evaluation criteria that provide a fair and consistent review of streets and communities, while defining and prioritizing the individual streets and/or communities that are most in need of traffic calming from a traffic safety perspective. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 5 - 1 In June 2015, Council approved report INS-15-040Traffic Calming Priority - 2015in which staff recommended that a traffic calming review be conducted for Parkvale Drive. REPORT: InSeptember 2015, Transportation Services initiated a traffic calming review for Parkvale Drive through a survey mailed to directly affected residents. Staff also proceeded with an introductory Public Information Centre (PIC) that was held in October 2016. The intent of this PIC was to discuss the traffic calming review process, the current traffic conditions of the roadway, and potential traffic calming measures. A subsequent PIC was held after receiving feedback from residents through the first PIC. The intent of the second PIC was to review the summarized resident feedback, provide alternative design options, including the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative, and present the preferred design option as determined by the traffic calming steering committee. Grand River Transit was consulted regarding the proposed locations and type of traffic calming measures, andconfirmed that generally they had no concerns, but asked that the raised crosswalk be located so as not to impede the bus stop operation that is within the limits of the proposed raised crossing. This has been accommodated through the traffic calming design. Kitchener Fire was also consulted regarding the proposed traffic calming plans and stated that they have no concerns. In January 2018, Transportation Services staff mailed a final survey to all affected area residents along Parkvale Drive. The intent of the survey was to determine if there is sufficient support for the implementation of the recommended traffic calming measures. As per the City of Kitchener Traffic Calming policy, a minimum of 50% of directly affected residents must respond to the survey and 60% of the respondents must support the recommended plan for staff to recommend installation of the proposed measures. There were a total of 184 directly affected properties surveyed within the boundaries of the study area. The results of this survey are as follows: Residents in favour of the recommended plan: 41 (87% of 47 votes) Residents opposed to the recommended plan: 6 (13% of 47 votes) Total 47 responded out of 184(26%) Although the minimum participation rate was not achieved, there is strong support to implement the proposed traffic calming measures amongst those who responded to the survey. Based on the indicated support, Transportation Services recommends that the proposed traffic calming plan be implemented. The recommended changes would ultimately create a safer environment for all road users, however will result in the loss of approximately 6-8 on-street parking spaces. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 5 - 2 ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: Strategic Priority:3:Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods. Strategy:3:2Create safer streets in our neighbourhoods through new traffic calming approaches. Strategic Action:NB39 Traffic Calming FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The total cost of implementing the traffic calming plan is approximately $40,000 and will be taken from the Traffic Calming capital budget account. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM Directly affected residents of the Parkvale Drive traffic calming review have received information and communication regarding this review since September 2015. Notification of both Public Information Centres was provided through mail and project signage. Information packages were distributed at both PICs which highlighted key topics discussed and included questionnaires for feedback. Presentation materials, including the information packages, were also CONSULT The Parkvale Drive traffic calming review began with an initiation survey in September 2015. Two (2) Public Information Centres were held to gain input at key stages of the traffic calming review process, including feedback on the preferred solution. In February 2018, Transportation Services staff mailed a final survey to all affected residents along Parkvale Drive and the surrounding neighbourhood to determine support for the preferred plan. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services Department Attached: Appendix A Traffic Calming Plan *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 5 - 3 Appendix A: Traffic Calming Plan Parkvale Drive Woodbine Avenue to Huron Road 3) 2) 3) 1) 5) 4) 3) 1) Stopping prohibitions during school times on north side of Parkvale Drive between Parkvale Court and the hydro corridor trail crossing; 2) Raised, mid-block narrowing located at hydro corridor trail crossing; 3) New pavement markings along curves on Parkvale Drive; 4) Intersection narrowing at Parkvale Drive and Woodbine Avenue; 5) New left turn lane on Parkvale Drive to enter Huron Road. - Study boundary *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 5 - 4