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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWD-011-23Clarftwn Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: December4, 2023 Report Number: PWD-011-23 Submitted By: Stephen Brake, Director of Public Works Reviewed By: File Number: Mary -Anne Dempster, CAO Resolution#: GG-208-23 By-law Number: 2023-072 Report Subject: Proposed Amendments to Traffic By-law 2014-059 Recommendations: 1. That Report PWD-011-23, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; 2. That the amending By-law provided with Report PWD-011-23, as attachment 1, be approved; and 3. That all interested parties listed in Report PWD-011-23, and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Municipality of Clarington Report PWD-011-23 Report Overview Page 2 The purpose of this report is to amend the Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-051. The recommended amendments will allow for the installation of All Way STOP traffic controls at seven additional locations to help improve intersection operation and to adapt to evolving traffic conditions. The recommendations also include an amendment to reverse the right of way control at one location along Lake Road due to its' recent extension and the changes in traffic operation on local area roads. The report further proposes improvement changes to the seasonal weight restrictions program. 1. Background 1.1 The Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-051 serves to compliment the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and provides a set of rules to help control traffic and parking in Clarington. As a legislative requirement, STOP and other select signs must be included in the by-law to be enforceable. During the ongoing review process, staff have identified seven locations where All Way STOP controls are recommended due to the various reasons explained below. Additional recommendations also include a reversal of right of way due to the extension of a new road, and improvement changes to the seasonal weight restrictions. 2. Recommended New All Way STOP Intersections 2.1 Aspen Springs Drive and West Side Drive Aspen Spring Drive is a major road that connects Green Road to Bowmanville Avenue. West Side Drive is a collector type road that connects Baseline Road to Aspen Springs Drive. There is a school crossing at this intersection, which serves the south and west legs of the intersection. The steady growth in medium density residential properties in the area has resulted in higher volumes and a busier movement operation both for pedestrians and drivers, including entering from West Side Drive and from the condominium driveway on the north side. Adding to the configuration is the curvature along Aspen Springs Drive, directly at the intersection. The future GO Transit hub will also contribute further to the challenges at this location. The most recent traffic analysis from April 2023 has significantly surpassed both the requirements of combined traffic volume and the volume entering from the minor street. The split of traffic is only one point below the required minimum, however, the implementation of an All Way STOP will most likely adjust the traffic patterns in the correct direction. The proposed traffic control will also provide a crossing point along the corridor, which will carry additional benefits to the community. 2.2 Bons Avenue and Gimblett Street Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report PWD-011-23 Bons Avenue is a collector type roadway with free -flow operation from Scugog Steet to Liberty Street. There is a school crossing at Wyse Gate, directly in front of Charles Bowman Public School. As a result of the expanding development and road infrastructure to the north, Gimblett Street now connects directly to Northglen Boulevard at Concession Road 3. This has altered traffic patterns which results in increased flow onto Bons Avenue via Gimblett Street. All Way STOP justification warrants are typically based on the combined intersection volume and on the minor street entering volumes including pedestrians. Although the latest traffic analysis from September 2021 shows volumes of 86% and 71 % respectively, since then, the additional residential developments in the area and increases in school enrollment have increased the overall traffic and pedestrian volumes to justify the installation of an All Way STOP. The addition of this traffic control device will also provide a crossing opportunity for the local and school community, as well as an interruption to the free flowing traffic on Bons Avenue. 2.3 Mearns Avenue and Longworth Avenue This intersection is at an area, which is not yet fully developed. However, the required All Way STOP justification warrant thresholds have already been exceeded. Due to the location being close to the limits of the Bowmanville urban boundaries, traffic tends not to have fully transitioned from rural to urban conditions. As a result, some of the elevated speeds may be affecting the operation of turning vehicles and pedestrians crossing from the east. With the proposed traffic control device, right of way distribution should be improved, including a crosswalk opportunity for pedestrians and reduced speeds along the corridor. 2.4 Rhonda Boulevard and Lawrence Gate This location is the site of a former school crossing, which served the now relocated separate elementary school. Since the closure of the school, many local residents continue to regularly use this crossing point. In addition, the new pathway through Rhonda Park provides a new pedestrian connection to Bowmanville Avenue. The many summer activities at Rhonda Park also results in parking being a significant issue impacting the safe operation of this intersection. An additional concern which staff attempted to resolve is the Elexicon switchgear box on the west side of the road, that is obstructing pedestrian visibility and has been a source of many complaints. Unfortunately, after many discussions it was determined that the relocation of the switchgear box is financially not feasible. The latest traffic analysis shows that while the overall traffic volume is at 65%, the side street entering volume is at 115%. For the above reasons, staff recommend an All Way STOP at this intersection. 2.5 Sandringham Drive and Strathallan Drive Municipality of Clarington Report PWD-011-23 Page 4 The recent and ongoing expansion of the retail centre at Trulls Road and Highway 2 has contributed to changes in traffic patterns in the immediate and surrounding area of the subject intersection. As a result, the latest traffic analysis from May 2023 placed the intersection of Sandringham Drive and Strathallan Drive at 91 % and 94% of the required traffic volume thresholds, with the traffic split at an acceptable range. Staff support the installation of an All Way STOP at this intersection. 2.6 Sandringham Drive and Glenabbey Drive This intersection of two collector roads functions by providing connectivity for all types of area traffic, including school transportation and Durham Transit. Staff have been monitoring this intersection and have observed that the traffic entering from Glenabbey Drive is reaching the required threshold for the minor road, which is at 98%. Since this intersection connects two collector roadways of very similar function and other design characteristics, and with the existing condition of a curvature on the north side of Sandringham Drive at this intersection, staff recommend the installation of an All Way STOP. 2.7 Trulls Road and George Reynolds Drive This intersection was the subject of several studies, with the most recent one conducted in May 2023. The data confirmed that the required levels are at 173% and 126% of the justification threshold. With the newly built daycare centre on the south-west corner of Trulls Road and George Reynolds Drive and with the local population using this location as one of the crossing points along the Trulls Road corridor, staff recommend the installation of an All -Way STOP. 3. STOP Right of Way Reversal 3.1 Lake Road at Lambs Road/South Service Road The most recent extension of Lake Road has resulted in a direct connection between Liberty Street and Bennet Road. As intended, the road carries mostly commercial traffic, with a fractional proportion of residential traffic from Lambs Road. Given that Lake Road was built in several stages, the existing STOP condition is assigned to Lake Road, giving Lambs Road and the now obsolete South Service Road the right of way. Since the former South Service Road was terminated at the east limit due to the extension of Lake Road to Bennet Road, it now carries no traffic and is planned to be fully decommissioned in the future. In conjunction with the very low traffic from Lambs Road, the intersection does not warrant an All -Way STOP. The proposed amendment will allow for the proper reversal of right of way control, as per the Ontario Traffic Manual procedures, which will remove the STOP condition from Lake Road and assign it to Lambs Road and South Service Road respectively. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report PWD-011-23 4. Changes to the Seasonal Weight Restrictions 4.1 The seasonal weight restrictions are regulated by the Highway Traffic Act, and local By- laws. The purpose is for the road authority to have control over the road network during the Spring thaw. The process involves the posting of regulatory signs reducing the axle loads on trucks to 5 tonnes. This takes place along roads that are not built to withstand fully loaded heavy trucks during the Spring thaw conditions. The regulation helps minimize road damage from heavy vehicles, extend road and culvert life and improve safety due to reduced shoulder deterioration, to name a few. It is worth noting that this is not a heavy truck prohibition but rather a seasonal prevention method. 4.2 Due to the changing climate and localized conditions, an amendment to The Highway Traffic Act passed several years ago, removed the set dates of March 1 to April 30 from the seasonal weight restrictions regulation. The former effective dates are still part of Clarington's Traffic and Parking By-law, which pose a challenge when coordinating with the Region of Durham and our neighbouring municipalities, who already have such flexibility. Staff strongly advise that the reference to the set dates is removed from the By-law and that the amendment will allow the Municipality to post the seasonal weight restrictions as needed. The change will have several benefits, such as targeting areas or roads that may exhibit prolonged Spring thaw conditions, coordinating dates with the Region of Durham and our neighbouring municipalities, and adapting to development growth and changes in heavy traffic patterns areas. 4.3 Ontario Street and Queen Street are currently exempt from the above seasonal weight restrictions. This was a historical decision, that stemmed solely from the former Goodyear plant requiring very infrequent, but legally compliant year-round access for their material shipments. Since the plant closure, the roadside environment has changed thanks to the construction of the senior living complex, and the new Viola Leger Public School. The senior residence is already significant in size, with expansion plans for phase 2, that will provide even more space for independent and assisted senior living. It has been observed that many heavy trucks avoid other major routes in favor of this corridor. This means that fully loaded trucks are permitted to travel along these roads year-round. With the substandard lane width on Queen Street, and the older road base and changes in the surrounding roadside environment, the current status of allowing trucks along this corridor is no longer acceptable. Staff recommend removing Ontario Street and Queen Street from the list of roads that are exempted from the seasonal weight restrictions. Municipality of Clarington Page 6 Report PWD-011-23 5. Financial Considerations All costs associated with the above recommendations will be covered by the annual operating budget for sign and pavement marking maintenance programs. 6. Concurrence Not Applicable. 7. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that the above traffic control modifications be approved so that the Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-051 can be amended and the changes can be implemented as soon as weather and site conditions allow. Staff Contact: Slav Potrykus, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, 905-623-3379 extension 2315 or spotrykus@clarington.net. Attachments: Attachment 1 — By-law Amendment Interested Parties: The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision: There are no interested parties to be notified. Attachment 1 to Report PWD-011-23 If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington By-law 2023-XXX Being a by-law to amend By-law 2014-059 entitled "a By-law to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways, Private Property and Municipal Property". Whereas the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington deems it advisable to amend by-law 2014-059; Now therefore the Council of the Municipality of Clarington enacts as follows: 1. Schedule 9 of Clarington By-law 2014-059 is amended by adding the following lines: Aspen Springs Drive, East limit of Green Road, West limit of West Side Drive Aspen Springs Drive, East limit of West Side Drive, West limit of Durham Region Road 57 Bons Avenue, East limit of Scugog Street, West limit of Gimblett Street Bons Avenue, East limit of Gimblett Street, West limit of Durham Region Road 14 Lake Road, West limit of Bennett Road, East limit of Durham Region Road 14 Mearns Avenue, North limit of King Street East, South limit of Concession Street East Mearns Avenue, North limit of Concession Street East, South limit of Apple Blossom Boulevard Mearns Avenue, North limit of Apple Blossom Boulevard, South limit of Longworth Avenue Mearns Avenue, North limit of Longworth Avenue, South limit of Concession Road 3 Rhonda Boulevard and Kings Hill Lane (in combination), North limit of Lawrence Gate, East limit of Chapel Street Rhonda Boulevard, South limit of Lawrence Gate, West limit of Waverley Road Sandringham Drive, South limit of Durham Region Highway 2, North limit of Attachment 1 to Report PWD-011-23 Strathallan Drive Sandringham Drive, South limit of Strathallan Drive, North limit of Claret Road Sandringham Drive, South limit of Claret Road, West limit of Glenabbey Drive Sandringham Drive, East limit of Glenabbey Drive, West limit of Trulls Road Trulls Road, North limit of Durham Region Highway 2, South limit of George Reynolds Drive Trulls Road, North limit of George Reynolds Drive, South limit of Pebblestone Road 2. Schedule 9 of Clarington By-law 2014-059 is amended by removing the following lines: South Service Road, North limit of South Service Road, South limit of South Service Road Aspen Springs Drive, East limit of Green Road, West limit of Durham Region Road 57 Bons Avenue, East limit of Scugog Street, West limit of Durham Region Road 14 Lake Road, East limit of Durham Region Road 14, West limit of Lambs Road Lake Road, West limit of Bennett Road, East limit of Lambs Road Mearns Avenue, North limit of King Street East, South limit of Concession Road 3 Rhonda Boulevard and Kings Hill Lane (in combination), West limit of Waverley Road, East limit of Chapel Street Sandringham Drive, South limit of Durham Region Highway 2, North limit of Claret Road Sandringham Drive, South limit of Claret Road, West limit of Trulls Road Trulls Road, North limit of Durham Region Highway 2, South limit of Pebblestone Road Attachment 1 to Report PWD-011-23 3. Schedule 10 of Clarington By-law 2014-059 is amended by adding the following lines: Aspen Springs Drive and West Side Drive (all -way stop), Northbound on West Side Drive, Westbound and Eastbound on Aspen Springs Drive Bons Avenue and Gimblett St/ Honeyman Drive (all -way stop), Eastbound and Westbound on Bons Avenue, Northbound on Honeyman Drive, Southbound on Gimblett Street Mearns Avenue and Longworth Avenue (all -way stop), Eastbound and Westbound on Longworth Avenue, Northbound and Southbound on Mearns Avenue Rhonda Boulevard and Lawrence Gate (all -way stop), Northbound and Southbound on Rhonda Boulevard, Westbound on Lawrence Gate Sandringham Drive and Strathallan Drive (all -way stop), Northbound and Southbound on Sandringham Drive, Westbound on Strathallan Drive Sandringham Drive and Glenabbey Drive (all -way stop), Westbound and Eastbound on Sandringham Drive, Northbound on Glenabbey Drive Trulls Road and George Reynolds Drive (all -way stop), Northbound and Southbound on Trulls Road, Westbound and Eastbound on George Reynolds Drive 4. Section 43 of Clarington By-law 2014-059 is amended by removing the following: For the purposes of subsections 122(1), (2) and (3) of the HTA, the reduced load period shall commence on March 1 st of each year and end on April 30th of each year And replaced with the following: For the purposes of subsection 122(7) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, The Director may designate temporary effective dates, and may erect official signs to that effect. 5. Schedule 14 of Clarington By-law 2014-059 is amended by removing the following lines: Ontario Street, West limit of Regional Road 14, South limit of King Street East Queen Street and Scugog Street in combination, East limit of Ontario Street, South limit of King Street West. 6. That this By-law come into effect on the date it is enacted. Passed in Open Council this XX day of MMMM, 2023. Attachment 1 to Report PWD-011-23 Adrian Foster, Mayor June Gallagher, Municipal Clerk