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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-06-092 - Alternatives to Facilitate Pedestrian Movements, Joseph & Gaukel St1 KaR ,REPORT Development & Technical Services Report To: Chair Weylie and Members of Development and Technical Services Committee Date of Meeting: June 12, 2006 Submitted By: Robert Shamess Prepared By: Robert Shamess Ward(s) Involved: Ward 6 West — Victoria Park Date of Report: June 1, 2006 Report No.: DTS -06 -092 Subject: Alternatives to Facilitate Pedestrian Movements Joseph and Gaukel Street RECOMMENDATIONS: "That no changes to the proposed intersection design for Joseph and Gaukel Streets be undertaken at this time; and further, That Staff monitor the intersection regularly and install an All Way Stop when vehicular and pedestrian volumes warrant ". BACKGROUND: As part of the reconstruction of Joseph and Gaukel Streets, Council has asked staff to review alternatives to facilitate pedestrian movements at the intersection of Joseph Street and Gaukel Street. REPORT: At the request of Council, staff have reviewed alternative means of facilitating pedestrian movements at the intersection of Gaukel and Joseph Streets into and out of the new Victoria Park Entrance Feature. A number of residents in the area have expressed concern that the current crossing is unsafe from a pedestrian standpoint and have asked that this be reviewed as part of the reconstruction. Based on the current and projected traffic and pedestrian volumes, all -way stop signs or signalization are not warranted. Therefore it may be beneficial to review other means of providing an enhancement. Caution must be exercised in that the implementation of a number of the alternatives may actually make the situation worse. Alternatives 1) "Do Nothing" — this is to proceed with the intersection as designed and tendered. This includes the narrowing of the crossing distance from approximately 15m to approximately 8m. In addition the realignment of the roadway through this area will provide for improvements to sightlines. This will be the base point for all other alternatives. No additional cost to construct beyond what has already been tendered. 2) All Way Stop — This alternative would require the installation of stop signs on the two remaining legs of this three - legged intersection. The advantage of implementing this is that the majority of vehicles will slow down, most however will not stop. While it may be true that slowing vehicles may improve the ability of pedestrians to cross it may also provide a false sense of security in which pedestrians expect that the vehicle will stop when it doesn't. Minimal additional cost. 3) Provide a centre median /pedestrian refuge on Joseph - In this scenario a centre median would be constructed on both legs of Joseph Street. It would serve to slow traffic as they are required to weave through the area, and if properly constructed could provide a centre refuge for pedestrians crossing Joseph. Issues include bus turning movements; redesign of roadway to accommodate, additional construction cost, and dependent on nature of plantings sightlines could be reduced. In addition this will impact the design of the Victoria Park Entrance Feature. Cost approximately $20,000 including design and construction. 4) Provide some form of crossing area delineation — In this scenario the actual area of the crossing would be delineated by either means of a raised area or by the placement of thermoplastic in the asphalt. This would identify the preferred location for the crossing and dependent upon the treatment either slow traffic as it negotiates a raised crossing /intersection or provide visual clues that pedestrian traffic should be expected. Cost would be dependent upon the nature of the treatment selected. Council should be advised that this type of treatment however, could result in the pedestrians having a false sense of security and believe that they have the "right of way ". This could result in the intersection becoming more unsafe. In addition the raising of all or a portion of the intersection would require adjustment to the storm drainage design. Estimated cost to be approximately $15,000 to $20,000 5) Provision of an Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS) — In this scenario the installation of pedestrian controlled signalization would be implemented. A pedestrian wishing to cross would press a button activating a red - signal for traffic on Joseph St similar to a signalized intersection. This would require the installation of additional underground duct work, pole bases and poles along with the provision of hydro. As the installation is not warranted it would be at City cost. While not as costly as full signalization it is still estimated that the cost could be $40,000. In addition there are ongoing operating and maintenance cost similar to full signalization. 6) Full Signalization — In this scenario the intersection would be fully signalized. This would require significant redesign along with the installation of underground duct work, provision of poles and pole bases along with power. As signals are not warranted the installation and all ongoing maintenance would be at the City's expense. It is estimated that the initial capital cost could be on the order of $80,000 to $90,000. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Each option beyond the "Do Nothing" or all -way stop signs would increase the cost of the project as indicated. COMMUNICATIONS: N/A CONCLUSION: As an all -way stop or signals are not warranted at this location it is concluded that from a technical standpoint they should not be installed. The narrowing of the current paved area from 15 m to 8 m will improve the situation. Robert Shamess P. Eng. Director of Engineering All-Way Stop Intersection Analysis — June 9, 2005 Arterial /Major Collector /Connector Results All -Way Stop Warrant (Min. Requirements) Avg. Hourly Volume(All Approaches) 500 408 AND Avg. Hourly Volume (Minor 200 188 Approach) AND Avg. Hourly % Split on Minor 30% 25% Roadway OR 4 1yr. 2.33/yr. vg. Yearly Collision History All -Way Stop Warranted? NO