HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2021-4 - 2019 Traffic Calming Reviews - Implementation ApprovalStaff Report
REPORT TO:
DATE OF MEETING
SUBMITTED BY
PREPARED BY:
WARD(S) INVOLVED
DATE OF REPORT:
REPORT NO.:
SUBJECT:
RECOMMENDATION:
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1 Tc�f i.K
www.kitchenerca
Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
3/8/2021
Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services
Steven Ryder, Traffic Planning Analyst, Transportation Services
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
2/18/2021
DSD -2021-4
2019 Traffic Calming Reviews — Implementation Approval
That on Holborn Drive a segment of sidewalk be constructed at Holborn Court to
improve the pedestrian connection between the court and the bus stop; and
That on Holborn Drive a narrowing be installed midblock between Holborn Court
and Old Chicopee Drive; and
That on Holborn Drive a speed hump be installed on the northern leg at the
intersection with Carnaby Crescent adjacent Eby Park; and
That on Holborn Drive a speed cushion be installed midblock between the
northernmost intersection with Carnaby Crescent and Coventry Drive; and
That on Robert Ferrie Drive a raised crosswalk be installed at the Tilt Drive trail; and
That on Robert Ferrie Drive an intersection narrowing be installed at the intersection
with Bridleridge Street; and
That on Robert Ferrie Drive a speed cushion be installed between Bridleridge Street
and Doon South Drive; and
That on Deer Ridge Drive a narrowing be installed midblock between Lantern Street
and Fall Harvest Drive; and
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That on Deer Ridge Drive speed cushions be installed midblock between Terrace
Wood Drive and Deer Ridge Drive, and between Winifred Street and Master Court;
and
That the Deer Ridge Drive neighbourhood speed limit be reduced to 40 km/h; and
further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
• The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval for the implementation of the
proposed traffic calming plans for Deer Ridge Drive, Holborn Drive and Robert Ferrie
Drive. These were approved for review in 2019. This report also looks to establish a
Deer Ridge neighbourhood speed limit of 40 km/h.
• The key finding of this report is that the proposed traffic calming plans are supported
by affected residents. The proposed traffic calming measures will help reduce
automobile speeds and increase safety for all users of these streets.
• The financial implications are approximately $71,000 which will be taken from the
Transportation Services Traffic Calming capital account. Annual operational expenses
are not anticipated given the measures recommended.
• Community engagement included notification via mailouts and temporary road
signage for two (2) Public Information Centres (PICs) held for each traffic calming
review. It also included informational packages provided at the PICs and online via the
City of Kitchener's website.
• This report supports People -friendly Transportation.
BACKGROUND:
Traffic volume and speeding are 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 adopted the City's 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.
In February 2019, Council received report DSD -19-044, "Traffic Calming Priority Roadways -
2019", in which staff recommended that traffic calming reviews be conducted for Holborn Drive,
Westforest Trail, and Kenora Drive.
Upon discussion and deliberation, Council approved the traffic calming review for Holborn Drive. In
lieu of Westforest Trail and Kenora Drive, Council approved traffic calming reviews for Deer Ridge
Drive and Robert Ferrie Drive.
REPORT:
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Holborn Drive
In April 2019, Transportation Services conducted a survey regarding the initiation of a traffic
calming review for Holborn Drive. This survey did not meet the minimum required participation
threshold for responses; however, the responses received were positive, with 78.4% of
respondents in favour of the review. As a result, staff proceeded with a Public Information Centre
(PIC), in May 2019. 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 second PIC was held in January 2020 to share a preliminary preferred design with the
neighbourhood. The preliminary preferred design included a roadway narrowing between Holborn
Court and Old Chicopee Drive, a speed hump at the intersection with Carnaby Crescent adjacent
to Eby Park, and a roadway narrowing between the northernmost intersection with Carnaby
Crescent and Coventry Drive. The intent of the second PIC was to review resident feedback,
present the preliminary preferred design option, and answer any questions and comments raised
by residents.
The final proposed traffic calming plan was refined based on resident feedback after the second
PIC. The roadway narrowing between the northernmost intersection with Carnaby Crescent and
Coventry Drive was replaced with a speed cushion.
Affected agencies were also notified and asked to provide feedback on the proposed traffic
calming plan. Kitchener Fire expressed no concerns regarding the proposed traffic calming plan,
while Grand River Transit expressed some concern that the 6.0 metre roadway narrowing could
cause mirror clipping incidents if a transit bus were to traverse the roadway narrowing while a large
vehicle is oncoming. Transportation Staff have recommended that operators treat the narrowing as
a "yield to oncoming traffic" when required. The total length of the roadway narrowing is 15 metres
and therefore transit delays due to oncoming traffic should be short and infrequent.
In February 2020, Transportation Services staff mailed a final survey to all affected area residents
along Holborn Drive, and directly affected homes in the surrounding neighbourhood. 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 was a total of 647 properties surveyed within the boundaries of the study area. The results
of this survey are as follows:
Implementation Survey Results - Holborn Drive
Number
Percent
In favour of installing the proposed traffic calming measures
89
82%
Opposed to installing proposed traffic calming measures
19
18%
Responses received of 647 households surveyed
108
17%
Although the minimum participation rate was not achieved, there is strong support to implement
the proposed traffic calming plan amongst those who are directly affected. Based on the indicated
support, Transportation Services recommends that the proposed traffic calming plan be
implemented. The recommended changes will ultimately create a safer environment for road and
trail users; however, it will result in the loss of approximately 10 on -street parking spaces in the
immediate vicinity of the traffic calming measures.
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Robert Ferrie Drive
In April 2019, Transportation Services conducted a survey regarding the initiation of a traffic
calming review for Robert Ferrie Drive. This survey met the minimum required participation
threshold for responses, As a result, staff proceeded with a Public Information Centre (PIC), held in
June 2019. 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 second PIC was held in November to share a preliminary preferred design with the
neighbourhood. The preliminary preferred design included a raised crosswalk at the Tilt Drive Trail,
an intersection narrowing at the intersection with Bridleridge Street, and a speed cushion between
Bridleridge Street and Doon South Drive. The intent of the second PIC was to review resident
feedback, present the preliminary preferred design option, and answer any questions and
comments raised by residents. The preliminary preferred design has been refined into the final
proposed plan without major changes.
Affected agencies were contacted and Grand River Transit and Kitchener Fire expressed no
concerns regarding the proposed traffic calming plan.
In January 2020, Transportation Services staff mailed a final survey to all affected area residents
along Robert Ferrie 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 was a total of 100 properties surveyed within the boundaries of the study area. The results
of this survey are as follows:
Implementation Survey Results - Robert Ferrie Drive Number Percent
In favour of installing the proposed traffic calming measures 33 92%
Opposed to installing proposed traffic calming measures 3 8%
Responses received of 100 households surveyed 36 36%
Although the minimum participation rate was not achieved, there is strong support to implement
the proposed traffic calming plan amongst those who are directly affected. Based on the indicated
support, Transportation Services recommends that the proposed traffic calming plan be
implemented. The recommended changes will ultimately create a safer environment for road and
trail users; however, it will result in the loss of approximately three (3) on -street parking spaces in
the immediate vicinity of the traffic calming measures.
Deer Ridge Drive
In April 2019, Transportation Services conducted a survey regarding the initiation of a traffic
calming review for Deer Ridge Drive. This survey met the minimum required participation
threshold. As a result of the responses, staff proceeded with a Public Information Centre (PIC),
held in June 2019.
A second PIC was held in December 2019. The preliminary preferred design included four (4)
roadway narrowings, three (3) speed cushions and pedestrian improvements at the intersection of
Deer Ridge Drive and Fall Harvest Drive, where there is an existing all -way stop.
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Staff received significant resident feedback regarding the preliminary preferred design after the
second PIC regarding an additional traffic calming measure. The preliminary preferred plan was
modified to include an additional speed cushion, which resulted in the plan including four (4)
roadway narrowings, four (4) speed cushions and pedestrian improvements at the intersection of
Deer Ridge Drive and Fall Harvest Drive, where there is an existing all -way stop.
Affected agencies were contacted, and Kitchener Fire supported the proposed modified traffic
calming plan. Additionally, Deer Ridge Drive is not serviced by Grand River Transit and therefore
GRT has no concerns.
In February 2020, Transportation Services staff mailed a final survey to all affected area residents
along Deer Ridge Drive, and directly affected homes in the surrounding neighbourhood. There was
a total of 720 properties surveyed within the boundaries of the study area. The results of this
survey are as follows:
Implementation Survey Results - Deer Ridge Drive
In favour of installing the proposed traffic calming measures 54%
Opposed to installing proposed traffic calming measures 46%
Response percentage 42%
Although minimum participation thresholds were not achieved, there is overall majority support
(54%) to implement the proposed traffic calming plan, with distinct levels of support for the
proposed plan in different areas of the neighbourhood. Support for, or against, is clearly defined
based on geographic location within the neighbourhood. In the Figure 1 below, the neighbourhood
can be broken down into three (3) distinct areas of support for the proposed traffic calming plan.
Figure .i
Traffic Calming Survey Results
Deer Ridge Drive
Midblock
116 Res onses Narrowing
(69 Yes)
A Res onses
Speed Cushion
� Speed Cushion
94 Res onses
e#x
(78 Yate)
Legend
- Steers rat" a ma onty of r E.
� Streets with a majority of NO
- No Data
Given the distinct levels of support based on location, the proposed traffic calming plan been
amended further. A modified and scaled back traffic calming plan is being recommended to reflect
voting support within the neighbourhood. The modified traffic calming plan will include traffic
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calming measures in the areas with majority support, while removing traffic calming measures in
the areas with less support. Overall, this results in a total of three (3) traffic calming measures in
the plan, versus eight (8) traffic calming measures. The three (3) measures will be installed where
there is both majority resident support and the highest traffic speeds.
The modified traffic calming plan is as follows:
Speed cushion between Winifred Street and Master Court.
Midblock roadway narrowing between Lantern Street and Fall Harvest Drive.
Speed cushion between Deer Ridge Drive and Terrace Wood Drive.
In addition to the three (3) traffic calming measures, there will be pedestrian improvements at the
intersection of Deer Ridge Drive and Fall Harvest Drive. These improvements include additional
sidewalk connections and curb cuts to facilitate pedestrians crossing at the all -way stop.
Based on the indicated support, and the excessive speeds demonstrated through empirical data
collection, Transportation Services recommends that the modified proposed traffic calming plan be
implemented. The recommended changes will ultimately create a safer environment for drivers and
pedestrians in the neighbourhood and will not impact emergency response times. The modified
proposed traffic calming plan focuses on areas with resident support for traffic calming and with the
highest speeds. The changes will result in the loss of approximately nine (9) on street -parking
spaces in the immediate vicinity of the proposed traffic calming measures.
Deer Ridge Drive 40km/h Neighbourhood Speed Limit
In addition to the modified proposed traffic calming plan for Deer Ridge Drive mentioned above,
Transportation Services staff are also proposing to reduce the speed limit of the roadways within
the Deer Ridge neighbourhood to 40 km/h. Currently, Deer Ridge Drive has a speed limit of 40
km/h as identified in the Uniform Traffic By-law 2019-113. The intent of this change is to ensure
that there is a consistent speed limit within the neighbourhood as a whole, rather than a lower
speed limit (40 km/h) on the collector roadway, and higher speed limit (50 km/h) on the local
roadways that connect to Deer Ridge Drive.
The proposed implementation of a neighbourhood speed limit in the Deer Ridge area will be similar
to that of the three (3) neighbourhoods that were a part of the Neighbourhood Speed Limit Pilot,
which was approved by Council in August 2019. This recommendation will utilize a gateway
signage approach, where area speed limit signs are posted at the entry and exit points of the Deer
Ridge neighbourhood, eliminating the need to add new signage to each roadway within the
designated area. Gateway signs will be installed on Deer Ridge Drive at King Street East and on
Pioneer Ridge Drive and Fall Harvest Drive.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports People -friendly Transportation.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget — The total estimated cost for implementing each traffic calming plan is
approximately $71,000. This includes an estimate of $25,000 for Holborn Drive, $24,000 for Robert
Ferrie Drive and $22,000 for Deer Ridge Drive. The funds will be taken from the Transportation
Services Traffic Calming capital budget account.
Operating Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — Directly affected residents of the three (3) traffic calming reviews have received
information regarding this review since April 2019. Notification of both Public Information Centres
was provided through mail out and temporary road 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 made available on the City of
Kitchener's website after the conclusion of each PIC.
CONSULT — The three (3) traffic calming reviews began with initiation surveys in April 2019. Two
(2) Public Information Centres were held for each review to gain input at key stages of the traffic
calming review process, including feedback on the proposed preferred solution. Transportation
Services staff mailed final surveys to all affected residents along the reviewed streets and the
surrounding neighbourhood to measure support for the preferred plan.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
DSD -19-044 — Traffic Calming Priority Roadways — 2019
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Department
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Holborn Drive — Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
Attachment B — Robert Ferrie Drive — Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
Attachment C — Deer Ridge Drive — Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
Attachment D — Proposed Rates of Speed By-law Amendments
APPROVED BY: Must be the CAO or a General Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Attachment A: Holborn Drive - Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
2. Attachment B: Robert Ferrie Drive - Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
3. Attachment C: Deer Ridge Drive - Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
4. Attachment D: Proposed Rates of Speed By-law Amendments
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Attachment A: Holborn Drive — Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
Holborn Drive — River Road East to Shaftsbury Drive
� ..tom M ', �,' \ j/' �fyr •
rl��i1.A4' �.n ,3�r � ter' ��� •a�r,�,Y-" _.
��. Speed
Hump c,-
I 1 o n
hI
Speed
Cushion
Mid -block
Narrowing
4 _
Pedestrian
Jr _
Improvements -
Existing All
Q way Stop
1 rr,
L ° }i Off
1. Segment of sidewalk at Holborn Court to improve the pedestrian connection
between the court and the bus stop
2. Narrowing between Holborn Court and Old Chicopee Drive
3. Speed hump on the northern leg at the intersection with Carnaby Crescent
adjacent Eby Park
4. Speed cushion between the northernmost intersection with Carnaby Crescent and
Coventry Drive
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Attachment B: Robert Ferrie Drive — Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
Robert Ferrie Drive — South Creek Drive / Evens Pond Crescent to Doon South Drive
1. Raised crosswalk at the Tilt Drive trail
2. Intersection narrowing at the intersection with Bridleridge Street
3. Speed cushion between Bridleridge Street and Doon South Drive
*Note: The proposed all -way stop at Robert Ferrie Drive and Forest Creek Drive was
studied by Transportation Staff and is warranted. A separate staff report (DSD -20-058) for
this all -way -stop control was presented to the Community Services and Infrastructure
Committee and Council in April 2020 and was approved. Installation was completed shortly
after approval.
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Attachment C: Deer Ridge Drive — Proposed Traffic Calming Plan
Deer Ridge Drive — King Street East to terminus at Deer Ridge Drive
Pedestrian
Improvements
Speed Cushion ❑
I EE D", oR
1 P
Q on cREs
fv
pl4 Efts iQNC �Ai I.. 0 r
_IMA
S�Cushion
Midblock
Narrowing
III
N
PIONEER TOWER Ra
1. Speed cushion between Winifred Street and Master Court
2. Midblock roadway narrowing between Lantern Street and Fall Harvest Drive
3. Speed cushion between Deer Ridge Drive and Terrace Wood Drive
4. Pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Deer Ridge Drive and Fall Harvest
Drive
Attachment D: Proposed Rates of Speed By-law Amendments
Schedule 19: Rates of Speed
HIGHWAY
FROM
TO
MAXIMUM SPEED
Baden Court
Wagon Street
End
40 km/h
Black Maple
Crescent
Pioneer Tower Road
Black Maple Court
40 km/h
Black Maple Court
Pioneer Tower Road
End
40 km/h
Candle Crescent
Deer Ridge Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
40 km/h
Deer Ridge Crescent
Deer Ridge Drive
Pioneer Tower
Crescent
40 km/h
Deer Ridge Court
Deer Ridge Crescent
End
40 km/h
Fall Harvest Court
Fall Harvest Place
End
40 km/h
Fall Harvest Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
Pioneer Ridge Drive/
Fall Harvest Place
40 km/h
Fall Harvest Place
Pioneer Ridge Drive/
Fall Harvest Place
End
40 km/h
Grand Hill Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
Grand Hill Drive
40 km/h
Jacob Gingrich Drive
Joseph Schoerg
Crescent
Joseph Schoerg
Crescent
40 km/h
Joseph Schoerg
Crescent
Deer Ridge Drive
Longview Crescent
40 km/h
87
Joseph Schoerg
Place
Joseph Schoerg
Crescent
End
40 km/h
Langton Drive
Jacob Gingrich Drive
Joseph Schoerg
Crescent
40 km/h
Lantern Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
Winifred Street
40 km/h
Longview Crescent
Deer Ridge Drive
Joseph Schoerg
Crescent
40 km/h
Master Court
Deer Ridge Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
40 km/h
Pennsylvania
Crescent
Deer Ridge Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
40 km/h
Pioneer Tower
Crescent
Deer Ridge Drive
Pioneer Tower Road
40 km/h
Pioneer Tower Road
Deer Ridge Drive
End
40 km/h
Riverstone Court
Deer Ridge Drive
End
40 km/h
Spring Mist Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
Fall Harvest Drive
40 km/h
Terrace Wood
Crescent
Deer Ridge Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
40 km/h
Terrace Wood Drive
Deer Ridge Drive
Terrace Wood
Crescent
40 km/h
The Crestway
Grand Hill Drive
End
40 km/h
The Kirksway
Grand Hill Drive
End
40 km/h
Wagon Street
Deer Ridge Drive
Grand Hill Drive
40 km/h
Winifred Street Deer Ridge Drive Lantern Drive 40 km/h