HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-18-018 - Max Becker Drive Traffic CalmingREPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: April 9,2018
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: March 8, 2018
REPORT NO.: INS-18-018
SUBJECT: Max Becker Drive Traffic Calming Review
___________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That a speed hump be located on Max Becker Drive between Activa Avenue and
Bridlewreath Street; and further,
That intersection narrowings be installed on Max Becker Drive at the
intersections of:
Bridlewreath Street
Copper Leaf Street
Isabella Street; and further,
That a centre median island and secondary stop sign be installed on Max Becker
Drive on the north leg of the intersection at Commonwealth Street; and further,
That parking be prohibited at any time in the immediate vicinity of the
intersection narrowings; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.
BACKGROUND:
Transportation Services had received requests from residents of Max Becker Drive in
the past to review the existing traffic conditions on Max Becker Drive. Max Becker Drive
is a major community collector roadway and its primary intent to is to serve local traffic
and collect and distribute traffic within the Laurentian West neighbourhood. The
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volume. In 2017, a formal traffic calming review was initiated for Max Becker Drive with
the intent to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety for all road users.
REPORT:
InMarch 2017, Transportation Services conducted an initiation survey on Max Becker
Drive. The Traffic Calming Policy dictates that a minimum of 25% of the neighbourhood
must respond in favour of a traffic calming review in order for staff to proceed. The
results of that survey are as follows:
In support of a traffic calming review: 57 (27% of 214 homes surveyed)
Not in support of a traffic calming review: 7 (3% of 214 homes surveyed)
stth
Subsequently, two public meetings were held on May 31, 2017 and November 30,
2017 to discuss the traffic calming review process along with the current traffic
conditions, alternative design options, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of
each design alternative, and to present the preferred design alternative option as
determined by the traffic calming steering committee.
The preferred alternative design was circulated to both Grand River Transit and Kitchener
Fire who confirmed that they have no concerns with the proposed traffic calming plan.
Staff acknowledge that since the revised traffic calming policy was approved in 2014,
there has been considerable effort to reduce the use of speed humps. Speed cushions
have been used in lieu of speed humps in previous reviews where warranted, however
aspeed cushion would be less effective at reducing overall speed and would result in
the loss of parking in the immediate vicinity of the measure. It should be noted that a
lack of parking is already an issue within the neighbourhood.
RESIDENT SUPPORT
In January 2018, Transportation Services staff mailed a final survey to all affected area
residents along Max Becker 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 214 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: 36(86% of 42 votes)
Residents opposed to the recommended plan: 6 (14% of 42 votes)
Total 42 responded out of 214(20%)
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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. Further, the initiation survey showed significant resident support as well. 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 3-4
on-street parking spaces.
It should be noted that there are existing school crossing guards located on Max Becker
Drive at Isabella Street and at Commonwealth Street. The proposed infrastructure
improvements for these locations will serve to enhance the walk to school (Williamsburg
Public School) for elementary school students.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Priority:3: Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods.
Strategy:3:2 Create safer streets in our neighbourhoods through new
traffic calmingapproaches.
Strategic Action:NB39 Traffic Calming
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The total cost of implementing the traffic calming plan is approximately $50,000 and will
be taken from the Traffic Calming capital budget account.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM Directly affected residents of the Max Becker Drive traffic calming review
have received information and communication regarding this review since March 2017.
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
website after the conclusion of each PIC.
CONSULT The Max Becker Drive traffic calming review began with an initiation
survey in March 2017. 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 January 2018, Transportation Services staff mailed a final survey to all
affected residents along Max Becker Drive and the surrounding neighbourhood to
determine support for the preferred plan.
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ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman, Interim Executive Director,
Infrastructure Services Department
Attached:
Appendix A Traffic Calming Plan
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Appendix A: Traffic Calming Plan
Max Becker Drive Activa Avenue to Fischer-Hallman Road
#3
#1
#5
#2
#4
#1 Speed hump located between Activa Avenue and Bridlewreath Street.
#2Narrowed intersection located at Bridlewreath Street.
#3 Narrowed intersection located at Copper Leaf Crescent/Copper Leaf
Street.
#4 Narrowed intersection located at Isabella Street.
#5Centre Median Islandand secondary stop sign located on Max Becker
Drive at Commonwealth Street.
- Study Boundary
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