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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-4-87 TOWN OF NEWCASTLE a REPORT File # 3 r , Res. # ` r r� >, By-Law # MEETING: THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE DATE: FEBRUARY 2, 1987. REPORT #: WD-4-87 FILE #: SUB.JECT: EXPANSION OF THE COMPUTER BASED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended: 1 . That Report WD-4-87 be received; and, 2. That the Region of Durham be advised that the Town of Newcastle does not wish to have the traffic control signals in Bowmanville added to the Region's computer based traffic signal system at this time. . . .2 V to (�t) Page 2 Report No. WD-4-87 Resolution C-1039-86 referred the attached correspondence from D. McMullen, Traffic Operations Manager, Regional Municipality of Durham, to the Public Works for review and report to the General Purpose & Administration Committee. The question of whether or not there would be a significant benefit ( i .e. improved traffic flow) realized by the residents of the Town of Newcastle by having the traffic signals in Bowmanville added to the Region' s computer signal system is a very subjective one. December 2 1986 from the The third paragraph of the cover letter of , Region, would suggest that the benefit of expanding the computer control system into Bowmanville is estimated to be in the order of $13,100 per year in the form of reduced fuel costs (see also Table 3 on Page 15 of the attachment) . The report of March 4, 1986 on Pages 9 through 11 explains how the cost benefit figures were arrived at. The numbers would suggest that there would be a definite benefit to the motorists travelling Highway #2 through Bowmanville, however, the benefits are impossible to measure and are for the most part intangible. The desirability of computerized controls is felt to be more appropriate for the more extensively urbanized settings. If Council wishes to computerize its traffic signals through Bowmanville, provisions will have to be made in the 1987 Budget for the installation costs and approximately six months of maintenance costs ($34,100.00) . In recent conversations with representatives of M.T.C. , it was indicated that it would be unlikely that any subsidy would be approved for the $31 ,000 installation costs. . . . .3 Page 3 Report No. WD-4-87 It is recommended that the Region of Durham be notified that the Town of Newcastle does not wish to have the traffic control signals in Bowmanville aadded to the Region' s computer based traffic signal system at this time. Respectfully submitted, Recommend for presentation to the Committee, Gordo J. Ou,gh, P. Eng. , Lawrence Kotseff, Director of Public Works. Chief Ad i strative Officer . GJO:jco January 26, 1987. Attachmement I I I I I I I I i Sn. Jh CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE (, 40 TEMPERANCE STREET BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO _OWN _" ll L1C3A6 T December 22, 1986. Mr. D. H. McMullen, Traffic Operations Manager, Regional Municipality of Durham, Works Department, Box 623, 105 Consumers Drive, WHITBY, Ontario. LIN 6A3. Dear Sir: Re: Expansion of the Computer Based Traffic Control System Our File: 35.23.12 At. a regular meeting of Council held Monday, December 15, 1986, the following resolution was passed: "That the communication dated December 2, 1986, from D. H. McMullen, Traffic Operations Manager, Regional Municipality of Durham, Works Department, Box 623, Whitby, L1N 6A3, Re: Correspondence from M.T.C. and Report on the Region's proposal to expand the computer based traffic control system into Ajax, Pickering and Newcastle (Bowmanville) be received, and referred to the Director of Public Works for review and subsequent report to the General Purpose and Administration Committee." Yours truly, Rosemary Rutledge, A.M.C.T. , Deputy Clerk. RR/os. Copy to: Public Works ,i D.,a fir,c-J COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTION D-5 DURHAM December 2, 1986 The Regional Municipality of Durham Works Department Mr. D.W. Oakes, Clerk Town of Newcastle DEC 1 �� 1986 40 Temperance Street tarp 105 Consumers Dr. � 1°x623 BOWMANVILLE Ontario TG.7t. Whitby, Ontario L1C 3A6 LIJ\,'� Canada.L1 N 6A3 (416)668-7721 Dear Sir: WA.TWELVETREES,P.Eng. Enclosed is a copy of our correspondence with the Ministry of Commissioner of Works Transportation and Communications and accompanying report �ase quote our ref: which explains the Region' s proposal to expand the computer based traffic control system into Ajax, Pickering and Newcastle (Bowmanville) . As you will note, in the case of Newcastle there are some cost considerations. The cost to impliment system control in Bowmanville is estimated to be $31,100 of which the Town's share, assuming 90% subsidy, would be $2,600. The annual operating and maintenance costs for Newcastle would be in the order of $6,000 per year of which the Town's share, after subsidy, would be approximately $500. The benefit of expanding the computer control system into Bowmanville is estimated to be in the order of $13,100 per year in reduced full costs due to improved signal operations. i Could you please advise me if the Town of Newcastle wishes to have the traffic signals in Bowmanville added to the Region's traffic signal system so that we can finalize our plans for 1987. I would be pleased to meet with your Council or your staff to answer any questions you may have regarding thi pi°e esai . --� r Yours truly, i f J. D.H. McMullen �5�, ���dU--- -• Traffic Operations Manager ? — }--�-- ) cc: C. Lundy P. Ginn, P. Eng. — M. Del sey, P. Eng. � V1 C � DURHAM December 2, 1986 The Regional Municipality of Durham Mr. P.C. Ginn, P. Eng. Works Department District Municipal Engineer District #6 Box 623 Ministry of Transportation and Communications 105 Consumers Dr. 5000 YOn e Street Whitby, Ontario g Canada.L1N6A3 WILLOWDALE, Ontario (416)668-7721 M2P 6E9 W.A TWELVETREES,P.Eng. Dear Mr. Ginn: Commissioner of Works Re: Expansion of the Region' s Computer Based Traffic adse.gElotE:OUf(e(. Control System into Ajax, Pickering and Newcastle (Bowmanville) The Works Committee of Regional Council considered the above matter and at a meeting held on November 19, 1986, Council adopted the following recommendations of the Committee: "a) THAT the Ministry of Transportation and Communications be requested to participate in the expansion of the Region's computer based traffic signal control system into Ajax and Pickering; b) THAT subject to the approval of the Finance Committee, surplus funds in the amount of $41,700.00 from the original computer based traffic signal system installation be carried over into 1987 to offset a portion of the $89,700.00 Regional share of this project; c) THAT additional funds be considered in the 1987 budget to provide for the expansion of the Region' s traffic control signals in Bowmanville added to the Region's computer based traffic signal system; and d) THAT the Town of Newcastle be requested to advise the Region if they wish to have the traffic control signals in Bowmanville added to the Region' s computer based traffic signal system; and 2 Regional Municipality of Durham Li o-A) Works Department Commissioner's Report to Works Committee Report 177-86(A) Date October 14, 1986 Subject EXPANSION OF THE REGION'S COMPUTER BASED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM INTO AJAX, PICKERING AND NEWCASTLE (BOWMANVILLE) Recommendation A. THAT the Ministry of Transportation and Communications be requested to participate in the expansion of the Region's computer based traffic signal control system into Ajax and Pickering. B. THAT subject to the approval of the Finance Committee, surplus funds in the amount of $41,700.00 from the original computer based traffic signal system installation be carried over into 1987 to offset a portion of the $89,700.00 Regional share of this project. C. THAT additional funds be considered in the 1987 budget to provide for the expansion of the Region's traffic control system. D. THAT the Town of Newcastle be requested to advise the Region if they Wish to have the traffic control signals in Bowmanville added to the Region's computer based traffic signal system. E. THAT a copy of this report be forwarded to Ajax, Pickering, Newcastle and to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. i Report Attachments: 1. Commissioner's Report-*47-86, March 4, 1986 2. Ajax Signal System Design 3. Pickering Signal System Design 4. Newcastle (Bowmanville) Signal System Design 5. Capital , Operating and Maintenance Cost Estimates The benefits achieved through the computer based control of the traffic signals in the Oshawa/Whitby area have been significant (Attachment No. 1). Similar benefits can be realized in the Ajax, Pickering and Newcastle (Bowmanville) areas of the Region as well ,and we have completed a study to determine the feasibility and the costs to expand the system to these municipalities. Tl - 5 (60 Page 2 Report 177-86 (A) Date October 14, 1986 Report - continued Ajax In Ajax, the expanded system would include 16 traffic signals located along Harwood Avenue, Bayly Street and Highway 2 (see Attachment No. 2) . The two signals on Highway 2 and the two signals on Harwood Avenue at the Highway 401 ramps are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of. Transportation and Communications and any costs associated with these signals, if included in the system, would be assumed by the Ministry. The twelve remaining signals are 'under Regional jurisdiction and the associated costs would be eligible for subsidy from M.T.C. at the normal rate. i The estimated cost to extend the system into Ajax is $127,600.00 (see Tables 1 and 2). Of this amount, $43,300.00 would be a direct Ministry expense for the signals under their jurisdiction. The remaining $84,300.00 is the cost associated with the Regional signals and is eligible for subsidy at the normal rate. In addition, we anticipate a further contribution of $4,500.00 from a developer who is presently responsible for the cost of new signals to be installed at Harwood Avenue and Mandrake Street in Ajax. 1 The annual operating and maintenance cost for the Ajax system is estimated 'to be $21,200.00 (see Tables 4 and 5) , of which $5,200.00 would be charged directly to the Ministry for their four signals. The remaining amount of $16,000.00 applies to the Region's signals and would be eligible for normal subsidy. The benefits of expanding the computer control system into Ajax, are estimated to be at least $164,300.00 per year in reduced accidents and increased fuel savings (see Table 3). Pickering The system in Pickering would consist of 19 signals located along Brock Road, Bayly Street, Liverpool Road, Whites Road and Highway 2 (see Attachment 3). The seven signals located along Highway 2 plus the three Highway 401 ramp signals are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and all costs associated with these signals, if included in the system, would be the responsibility of the Ministry. The nine remaining signals are under Regional jurisdiction and the associated costs would be eligible for subsidy from M.T.C. at the normal rate. The cost of system expansion into Pickering is $199,200.00 (see Tables 1 and 2) . Of this amount, $106,000.00 would be a direct Ministry expense for costs associated with their signals. The remaining $93,200.00 would be the Region 's cost and would be eligible for subsidy from the Ministry at the normal rate. - 6 i _ sJ I Page 3 Report 177-86 (A) Date October 14, 1986 Report - continued The annual operating and maintenance cost for the Pickering system is estimated to be $24,200.00 of which $12,400.00 would be a direct M.T.C. .cost for the ten signals under their jurisdiction. The remaining $10,200.00 would be the responsibility of the Region and would be eligible for M.T.C. subsidy at the normal rate. The benefits of expanding computer control to traffic signals in Pickering are estimated to be $167,300.00 in reduced accidents and increased fuel savings (see Table 3). Bowmanville There are five signals located along Highway 2 (King Street) in Bowmanville which would provide benefits through computer system expansion (see Attachment 4). Four of these signals are under the jurisdiction of the Town of Newcastle with only the signals located on King Street at Regional Road 14 (Liberty Street) coming under the Region's jurisdiction. Highway 2 through Bowmanville is under a connecting link agreement and subsidy is provided at the rate of 90% for signal work undertaken by the Town. Subsidy at the normal rate would be provided for the Region's signal installation. The total cost to bring the- signals in Bowmanville under computer control is estimated to be $31,100.00 (see Tables 1 and 2). The cost to the Town of Newcastle, assuming 90% subsidy, would be $2,600.00. The Region's share, assuming normal subsidy would be $2,500.00. The annual operating and maintenance cost for the Bowmanville signals would be approximately $6,000.00. Assuming the 90% subsidy for the Newcastle signals and normal subsidy for the one Regional signal , the net cost to the Town would be approximately $500.00 per year and $600.00 per year for the Region. The benefit of expanding the computer control system into Bowmanville is estimated to be in the order of $13,100.00 per year in reduced fuel costs. Data was not available to assess the effect on accidents. At the conclusion of the original system purchase for Oshawa and Whitby, a total of $41,700.00 was left: in the Region's fund for this project. This was due to the receipt of an additional 7% in subsidy from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for overhead costs, which had not been included in the original budget. It is recommended that this money be carried over into 1987 to offset a portion of the Regional share of this project. This would leave a balance of approximately $48,000.00 net Regional dollars to be included in the 1987 budget for system expansion. Because a portion of the cost for system expansion into Bowmanville would be at the expense of the Town of Newcastle, it is recommended that the Town be asked to advise if they wish the Region to pursue system expansion into Bowmanville. 7 U U (a) Page 4 Report 177-86 (A) Date October 14, 1986 Report - continued Extending the computer traffic control system to include an additional 40 intersections will have an impact on staffing requirements. We are currently undertaking a review of both our field and office requirements. Should it be shown that additional staff are required, it is intended to make provision in the 1987 budget. Any change in staffing would not affect the system costs noted in this report. The expansion of thg system will require budget provision in 1987 by the Region, the Town of Newcastle and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. This report is presented at this time in order to determine whether the Town and the M.T.C. will make a financial commitment. The Works Committee would then decide as part of the 1987 budget process whether to proceed with the project. Recommended for Presentation to Committee �if � � D.R. Evans, P.Eng. , C.A.O. N I (ACHMENT 1 ATTAC4MENT O No. i �/� Regional Municipaiity of Durham `'„ T Works Department Commissioner's Report to Works Committee REPORT No. 1-1-1 ° $�� Report 47-86 Date March 4, 1986 Subject REPORT ON THE REGION'S COMPUTER BASED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM Recommendation THAT this report be received for information. 1 Report Since completion of the installation of the Region's computerized traffic signal control system in Oshawa and Whitby, we have been collecting traffic data and developing the programs required to optimize the system operation. All of the initial programs have now been developed and are operating. We have reached a point in the development of the system where the job is now one of maintenance and updating. As traffic volumes continue to grow, roads are widened, signals are added and traffic flow patterns change; traffic conditions must be monitored and the programs altered to compensate for these changing conditions. This is a labour intensive, continuous task. In order to determine the cost effectiveness of efforts to improve traffic operations before and after studies were conducted in 1982 and again in 1985, . the years prior to and following system implementation. Using a test vehicle, 14 routes were surveyed encompassing all traffic signals in the Oshawa/Whitby network. The average trip length was 2.93 km. The objective of the study was to determine a measure of vehicle flow during both peak and off-peak periods. Following are the results: PARAMETER 1982 1985 % CHANGE Trip Time (seconds) 326.99 222.45 -31 .97 Running Time (seconds) 264.96 199.74 -24.62 Stopped Time (seconds) 62.03 22.71 -63.39 Trip Speed (km/h) 32.64 48.89 +49.79 Running speed (km/h) 39.22 53.53 +36.49 T1 D/ - Page 2 � Report 47-86 Date March 4, 1986 Report continued The following is an explanation of what these numbers mean to the community. TRIP TIME The average trip through %the streets contained in the traffic signal system was 2.93 km in length. This trip took 326.99 seconds in 1982 and 222.45 seconds in 1985, a reduction of 104.54 seconds.' Assuming an average vehicle occupancy of 1.35 persons per vehicle there is a savings of 4.1 million man hours per year or 465 man years. To the motorist who only uses these streets to drive to and from work each day, this represents a savings of 15.1 man hours per year. I RUNNING TIME/STOPPED TIME These two parameters combined with the total trip time information can be used to determine fuel consumption. Based on the energy evaluation equation (MTC - Transportation Energy Analysis Manual ) the total savings per year in fuel consumption is 6.8 million litres of gasoline worth $3.5 million dollars. To the motorist driving to and from work each day, this represents a saving in fuel costs alone, of $17;42 per year. TRAVEL SPEED/RUNNING SPEED Vehicles operating within the controlled area are travelling 14 km/h faster than they were prior to the implimentation of the system. An increase in speed is sometimes equated with a decrease in safety. For this reason a review of the accident history was undertaken. Following are the results: COLLISION RATE 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 Intersection 0.85 0.94 0.87 0.91 1.01 Mid Block 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.11 0.11 The above shows there has been a steady decline in the collision rate (on Regional Road$) within the system area. This represents a reduction of 141 accidents at signalized intersections and 148 mid block accidents. Based on data received from Transport Canada for 1965, this represents a savings of $1 .2 million dollars per year in direct costs . NOTE: * Intersection - Accidents per million entering vehicles Mid Block - Accidents per million vehicle kilometres - 1 Page 3 V1, (p , (6t) Report 47-86 Date March-4, 1986 Report continued MISCELLANEOUS Although it is difficult to measure or put a dollar value on,. 1t is a safe assumption that fewer stops and delays and a higher operating speed result in reduced driver frustration and reduced air pollution. The traffic control system has the ability to detect malfunctions in signal operations, often before they become noticeable in the field. This has resulted in an improved response time to signal maintenance and a reduction in the number of emergency maintenance call outs from 3.8 calls per signal prior to system implementation to 2.2 call outs per signal at present. This represents 202 fewer call outs in 1985 with a resulting saving of about 312,000 per year. Indications are that the capacity of the major roads in the system has increased by 10%. To provide an additional 10% in roadway capacity throughout the control area would require the construction of an equivalent of 5.6 km of 4 lane arterial roads at a cost of about $6.4 million dollars, exclusive of land costs. SUMMARY The savings resulting from the operation of -the new computer traffic control system are summarized in the following table. (We are presently reviewing the feasibility of extending system operation to Ajax, Pickering and Newcastle (Bowmanville) and will be reporting to the Works Committee in the near future). ITEM SAVINGS VALUE Time Savings 4,100,000 Manhours/year Fuel Savings 6,800,000 Litres/year $3,500,000 Accident Reduction 289 Accidents/year 51,200,000 Reduced Signal Call Outs 202 Call Outs/year $ 12,000 Increased Road Capacity 10% $6,400,000 The first four items are ongoing annual savings. KINGSTON RD arc r� NDRA i RAMP n RAM ,.... .o, ,— :RAMP — 1 �_ t RAMP FAIRALL ST ` t ( t KINGS CR S y i v 1 I o • HUNT ST � � G � � 7 1 = W { H GAYLY ST Y W \ W = �� _ W Y z ` _ < O CR FALBY . o cc L_.J t CLEMENTS RD I I GREYER DRIVE ✓ V1� r TOWN OF AJAX— o Existing Signal Date: 26-08-86 %;:i Future Signal 2 TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM DESIGN O Master Signal Site DwG. No. I — Communication Line N z j 0 0 © � © OIXIE RD r(t7 ttVERWOI RD �- 1� _ M N 'f• ALE j ° rVAtIEY FARM T' 1 \Ip ' r jl ffiROCK RD• �� �� TOWN OF PI C K E F�I N G 1.3 ° Existing signal Date'26-08-86 t r Future Signal TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM DESIGN O Master Signal site DWG. No.2 — Communication Une (D !! .9 z j:7) -i < (D o 0 U) c1b 0 > (D N - N E LL w o LLA 0 LL < cf) CID o :o m �- >- Cf) 3AV NOSdWIS �� � a a IS A183911 W b>M U O • i / �o F,-1 is oon:)s 1 4 TABLE 1 SYSTEM EXPANSION COSTS REGIONAL BELL ENG LABOUR MATERIAL SERVICES CONT. TOTAL AJAX 17,300 84,600 14,100 11,600 127,600 PICKERING 27,600 135,800 17,700 18,100 199,200 BOWMANVILLE 5,400 18,500 4,400 2,800 31,100 CENTRAL OFFICE 1,800 3,600 - 600 6,000 TOTAL 52,100 242,500 36,200 33,100 363,900 TABLE 2 ALLOCATION OF CAPITAL COSTS PROVINCE NET GROSS CAPITAL SUBSIDY OTHER REGION AJAX 127,600 43,300 42,200 4,500(1) 37,600 PICKERING 199,200 106,000 46,600 - 46,600 BOWMANVILLE 31,100 - 26,000 2,600x) 2,500 . CENTRAL OFFICE 6,000 3,000 - 3,000 TOTAL 363,900 149,300 117,800 7,100 89,700 TABLE 3 ANNUAL SYSTEM BENEFITS AJAX PICKERING BOWMANVILLE TIME SAVINGS (person hours) 118,500 85,500 12,200 FUEL SAVINGS $ 85,800 $115,500 $13,100 ACCIDENT REDUCTION $ 78,500 $ 51,500 N.A. 164,300 167,000 13,100 ATTACHMENT No. (1) Developer Costs _ 1 5 REPORT No. X-1 (2) Newcastle Costs TABLE 4 ANNUAL OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS AJAX PICKERING BOVIANVILLE LEASED BELL LINES $ 6,000 S 8,500 S 2,500 INSURANCE 300 300 100 SALARIES 12,000 12,000 2,700 MILEAGE 1,800 1,800 400 CONTRACTED MAINT. 1,100 1,600 300 $ 21,200 $24,200 S 6,000 TABLE 5 ALLOCATION OF OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS GROSS PROVINCE NET (1) NET COST DIRECT SUBSIDY BOWMANVILLE REGION AJAX 21,200 5,200 8,000 8,000 PICKERING 24,200 12,400 5,100 5,100 BOWMANVILLE 6,000 - 4,900 500 600 TOTAL 51,400 17,600 18,000 500 13,700 (1) Assumes 90% subsidy (2) Assumes 50/ subsidy 16