Low Level Road Project Consultation Discussion Guide. September 2012

Transcription

1 Low Level Road Project Consultation Discussion Guide September 2012

2 Your Feedback is Important to Us Your input is important, as it will help finalize the design for the Low Level Road Project. Consultation materials are available at PortTalk.ca, including an online feedback form. All input received as part of this consultation will be compiled in a Consultation Summary Report, which will be available online. Port Metro Vancouver will also prepare an Input Consideration Memorandum, demonstrating how feedback was considered in finalizing project designs. Please submit your feedback by October 5,

3 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION A Staged Approach to Project Development Following extensive consultation and information sharing since January 2011, the City of North Vancouver, Port Metro Vancouver and Project funding partners approved the Project to proceed in June A phased approach to consultation has provided the Project team the opportunity to consider and incorporate community priorities, business considerations and Port operation requirements, as well as financial and technical information, at each stage of design, leading to the final design. All past consultation materials including consultation summary reports detailing the results of previous consultation, can be viewed online at PortTalk.ca. January August 2011 June 2012 Conceptual Design Consultation Preliminary Design Consultation Consultation on Information Sharing Process COMPLETE City of North Vancouver decision Port Metro Vancouver Board decision COMPLETE September 2011 February 2012 August 2012 Review consultation results to date Redefine Project to address consultation input Develop Modified Design and options COMPLETE Traffic management information gathering Meetings with local businesses and residents Development of draft traffic management objectives for broader consultation COMPLETE February 2012 & March 2012 Information Sharing Consultation on Modified Design and Options COMPLETE September 2012 Consultation on specific features such as Spirit Trail, landscaping, public art and traffic management WE ARE HERE April May 2012 October December 2012 Review consultation results Develop Preferred Design and additional consultation measures where appropriate COMPLETE Finalize Project Design Contractor selection process FUTURE May 2012 Early Presentation of the Preferred Design City of North Vancouver Public Meeting COMPLETE Anticipated construction period Ongoing Community Relations Project and Consultation Updates FUTURE 2

4 About the Low Level Road Project The Low Level Road Project is designed to improve the international competitiveness of the North Shore Trade Area by improving Port operations and efficiency, while also addressing long-standing community needs within the existing Low Level Road corridor. Port Metro Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver are working together to deliver these improvements in a way that accommodates anticipated growth in trade, minimizes impacts on residents and businesses and maximizes community benefits. The Project will: Realign and Elevate the Low Level Road: The existing Low Level Road will to be realigned and elevated between St. Andrews Avenue and Cotton Drive/East 3rd Street 11 with improvements at St. Georges Avenue 1. Three signalized intersections ( 3, 7, 9 ) and upgraded drainage are also planned to improve road safety for all modes of transportation. 1 ST. GEORGES AVENUE 2 3 ST. ANDREWS AVENUE ESPLANADE AVENUE AND ST. GEORGES AVENUE ST. PATRICKS AVENUE ST. DAVIDS AVENUE Significantly Reduce Train Noise: The project would close three existing at-grade rail crossings ( 2, 4, 10 ), significantly reducing train whistle noise. Provision for two new rail tracks 5 will help increase cargo handling, resulting in greater efficiency and reduced need for rail car switching, which causes the loud banging noise that is a significant concern for North Shore residents. 4 Reduce Landslide Risk: Retaining walls will greatly improve the stability of the slope along the Moodyville bluff 6. Improve Community Connections: The Project will provide upgraded, dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, and new Spirit Trail elements including a grade-separated overpass for the Spirit Trail crossing at East 3rd Street just west of Heywood Street 8. 3 LOW LEVEL ROAD AND ST. PATRICKS AVENUE

5 EAST 3RD STREET, HEYWOOD STREET AND LOW LEVEL ROAD RIDGEWAY AVENUE MOODY AVENUE QUEENSBURY AVENUE HEYWOOD STREET EAST 3RD STREET KENNARD AVENUE NEW LOW LEVEL ROAD SPIRIT TRAIL (FUTURE) SPIRIT TRAIL (EXISTING) As a critical east-west route for the North Shore, the Low Level Road is valued by residents, businesses, Port operators and the many travelers who use this route, including cyclists and pedestrians. LOW LEVEL ROAD, SPIRIT TRAIL AND NEPTUNE/CARGILL OVERPASS 4

6 Scope of Current Consultation This Discussion Guide provides information about detailed design features as noted on the following pages. The following icons are provided to assist you in locating these key features along the project alignment: Spirit Trail Viewpoints Lighting Public Art Landscaping Retaining Walls Noise Wall Traffic Management Please review the consultation topics and provide your input using the feedback form (also available online at PortTalk.ca) Feedback The Spirit Trail The Project will complete the Spirit Trail between St. Georges Avenue and Heywood Street, and widen the sidewalk between Heywood Street and Kennard Avenue, in keeping with the City of North Vancouver s long-term vision. This consultation seeks input on key elements of the Spirit Trail design, including trail surface types, and viewpoints. Viewpoints The Project Team has identified areas for proposed viewpoints. Viewpoints will include interpretive signage and some will include benches. Please look out for this icon throughout the guide to see where viewpoints are proposed. This consultation seeks input on proposed viewpoint locations. Lighting Based on previous consultation feedback, in locations adjacent to residential areas, roadway lighting has been moved to the north side of the Low Level Road to minimize potential lighting effects. Lighting along the road will follow City of North Vancouver best practices with directional and full cut-off lighting being used in areas directly adjacent to residences, which will reduce glare and minimize light. The City of North Vancouver has indicated that they plan to light the Spirit Trail in certain locations, consistent with lighting in other completed sections of the Spirit Trail. Please look for the lighting icon on the following pages of this Discussion Guide. Public Art In previous consultations, there was general support for the inclusion of public art in the Project design. Consultation participants suggested retaining local artists and provided suggestions on various themes for the artwork including local history and culture, Moodyville history and First Nations history. A final design will be selected through the City of North Vancouver s established public art program. Port Metro Vancouver is working with the City s art advisor to select an art panel and to develop a Call for Artists to select an artist to work with the Project team. This consultation provides an opportunity to seek additional comments about the proposed public art which will form part of the selection process. 5

7 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION Landscaping The Project includes landscaping with native trees and shrubs that are consistent with the City of North Vancouver s Spirit Trail Master Plan. Following this consultation and in consideration of community feedback, City staff will determine the most appropriate type and amount of plantings from the shortlist of suitable species (see below). The landscaping plan also takes into account the invasive species that are present in the area including Japanese Knotweed. This plant is resistant to herbicides and it also grows and spreads rapidly. The Project team has been working with the City of North Vancouver to develop a noxious weed management plan that is complementary to the City s treatment program currently in progress. This consultation seeks input on draft landscaping plans. DEER FERN WESTERN SWORDFERN SPINY WOODFERN SALAL BALDHIP ROSE NOOTKA ROSE WOOD S ROSE SNOWBERRY EVERGREEN HUCKLEBERRY RED HUCKLEBERRY SASKATOON SERVICEBERRY REDSTEM CEANOTHUS SNOWBRUSH OREGON GRAPE OR BARBERRY MOCK ORANGE REDFLOWER CURRANT SALMONBERRY BIG LEAF MAPLE VINE MAPLE SHORE PINE Ground Cover Shrubs - Small Shrubs - Medium DOUGLAS FIR WESTERN RED CEDAR EDDIE S WHITE WONDER Trees 6

8 Retaining Walls Retaining walls are a key feature of the elevated road, which provide a permanent solution to the longstanding problem of unstable slopes above the existing road. The Project has incorporated angled retaining walls where feasible to help reduce the effects of reflected noise. In addition, finishes have also been selected to further scatter noises or sounds and reduce the magnitude of any reflected noise. There are four types of retaining walls being used on the project, with different facing details, including: A wire basket with stone/rock facing - The majority of the wire basket walls with stone/ rock facing are installed at a 70 degree angle, helping noise to be reflected away from residents. Where space does not allow for the walls to be constructed at 70 degrees, an angle of 80 degrees has been used, also helping to reflect noise away from residents. In three locations, space does not permit for the walls to be angled and vertical walls will be constructed. The texture of the wall will help to scatter noise and absorb some of the sound energy more than a solid smooth concrete facing. A wire basket with green facing - The bottom 4 metres of this type of retaining wall will include greenery. The City of North Vancouver has requested that the area of the green walls be limited due to concerns with invasive species and maintenance. Above the green area, the wall will have wire faced baskets with rock/stone facing. Green walls help scatter noise more than smooth concrete walls. Concrete panel facing - Where space is limited around the Spirit Trail Overpass on East 3rd Street, vertical walls are required, which will have textured, concrete facing panels. Shotcrete wall with public art - This wall has soil nails driven into the ground, over which a sprayed concrete and wire mesh wall is constructed. Part of this facing will also incorporate Public Art. The remaining portion of the wall will be textured to assist with scattering noise. This wall is also angled to help reflect noise away from residents. This consultation seeks comments on the public art for the project. Noise Walls In addition to reducing noise from rail operations, the Project will address potential increases in noise from road traffic. Noise walls are the most widely recognized form of noise mitigation. The noise assessment conducted for the Low Level Road Project confirmed the appropriate location for noise walls and their effectiveness in reducing road-related noise, as well as noise from other sources. As part of consultation in 2011, the Project team sought feedback on the type of noise wall finish and material and there was general support for the use of transparent noise walls. As such, transparent noise walls will be used to help maintain views. Outside of these areas, solid, concrete noise walls will be used. Both finishes provide the same noise reduction benefit. Noise walls will be 3 metres in height. Transparent noise walls will include a 1 metre concrete base, with 2 metre transparent panels. The use of transparent noise walls poses a potential risk to some birds and animals, as they may not be aware of the transparent section and could injure themselves. Mitigation measures will be included to reduce impacts to birds and other animals. This consultation seeks feedback on updated noise wall finishes, which are presented in context of the other aesthetic features of the final Project design. Traffic Management A key objective for traffic management during construction will be to minimize disruption and maximize predictability for commuters, goods movers, residents, businesses, the general public and emergency services during construction. This consultation seeks community input on draft traffic management objectives and communication methods. 7

9 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION For the purposes of this consultation, the Project has been divided into five geographic sections, each with unique attributes: St. Georges Avenue to St. Patricks Avenue... 9 East of St. Patricks Avenue to St. Davids Avenue...13 St. Davids Avenue to Moody Avenue (laneway behind East 1st Street)...17 Moodyville Park...21 Heywood Street Area

10 St. Georges Avenue to St. Patricks Avenue The Low Level Road Project begins at St. Georges Avenue, an area that combines residential, commercial and industrial uses. The St. Georges Avenue access to the Port will become the main access point for western port facilities, requiring minor modifications to the existing intersection 1. As Esplanade will now join Low Level Road at St. Andrews Avenue, upgrades and modifications will be required at the St. Andrews Avenue intersection. Based on discussions with local businesses in July 2012, the St. Andrews intersection has been modified to provide improved access, including west bound access from Low Level Road onto the frontage road 2. Cross section at St. Georges Avenue Existing St. Georges 2m landscaping each side of Spirit Trail Lighting along Spirit Trail Existing sidewalk widened onto Port lands to create Spirit Trail Port lands Wire basket retaining wall with stone/ rock face This section of the Project also includes a new portion of the Spirit Trail with landscaping and viewpoints. A noise wall (near St. Patricks Avenue) will be constructed to address the potential increase in road-related noise for nearby residents 3. Two types of retaining walls will be constructed in this section: Along the south side of the Low Level Road 4 a wire basket wall with stone facade will be constructed at a 70 degree angle. On the north side of the road, beginning at St. Andrews Avenue, a green wall will be constructed 5. ST. GEORGES AVE. ST. ANDREWS AVE

11 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION New street lighting and Spirit Trail lighting Existing Esplanade Street Port lands New 4m wide Spirit Trail Existing concrete retaining wall Cross section west of St. Andrews Avenue New Spirit Trail and travel lane by widening onto Port lands New street lighting and Spirit Trail lighting Existing Esplanade Street Landscaped area Noise wall Port lands New green retaining wall New 4m wide Spirit Trail New Low Level Road Future rail tracks Cross Section east of St. Patricks Avenue ESPLANADE 2 ST. PATRICKS AVE. 5 3 LOW LEVEL ROAD 4 Trees Small to medium sized shrubs Area will be devegetated to construct project 4 Noise wall locations (transparent) Noise wall locations (solid) Indicates cross section location 10

12 St. Georges Avenue to St. Patricks Avenue This section includes the completion of the Spirit Trail between St. Georges Avenue and St. Patricks Avenue for cyclists, pedestrians and other users. The design of the Spirit Trail will be consistent with the City s Spirit Trail Master Plan. Noise walls will be constructed from St. Patricks Avenue eastward. A transparent noise wall is proposed in this area based on previous consultation input. However, because this may result in vehicles being visible to adjacent residents the Project team is consulting with property owners in this area to confirm if they would prefer a solid concrete noise wall. Artists rendering of the Spirit Trail, showing landscaping and transparent noise wall Viewpoints are proposed along the Spirit Trail at St. Georges Avenue and mid-block between St. Andrews Avenue and St. Patricks Avenue. These viewpoint locations have been selected based on their views of the water and port, and will provide Spirit Trail users with amenities such as interpretive signs and benches. The City of North Vancouver has indicated that they plan to light this section of the Spirit Trail, consistent with other completed sections of the Spirit Trail. Existing view at St. Georges Avenue Existing view at mid-block between St. Patricks Avenue and St. Andrews Avenue 11

13 ST. GEORGES AVENUE LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION ESPLANADE ESPLANADE LOW LEVEL ROAD Landscaping plan at St. Georges Avenue Landscaping plan in the vicitinity of St. Andrews Avenue The proposed landscape design includes plantings of trees between St. Georges Avenue and the Spirit Trail, providing a screen between the trail and the Pinnacle development and the port. Small shrubs will be planted in the area overlooking port lands to screen the safety barrier along the retaining wall while also maintaining the views. Between St. Andrews Avenue (shown above) as the Spirit Trail transitions to the south side of Esplanade, the proposed landscaping design includes low level plantings of small shrubs and ground cover, providing an open feel, and also allowing connection to the on street parking and maintaining visibility for existing businesses. In the vicinity of St. Patricks Avenue (shown below), medium sized shrubs and occasional trees will be planted to screen the concrete barrier portion of the noise wall and shield views of the Low Level Road from nearby residents. ESPLANADE ST. PATRICKS AVE. LOW LEVEL ROAD Landscaping plan in the vicitinity of of St. Patricks Avenue 12

14 Storyline #4.2 East of St. Patricks Avenue to St. Davids Avenue As the Low Level Road continues east, it passes adjacent to a residential area 1 to the north and industrial Port land to the south. To construct the Low Level Road Project in this section, the existing Spirit Trail behind Alder Street will be closed and reconstructed. This section of the Project also includes noise walls, landscaping along the reconstructed Spirit Trail, and a viewpoint. The City of North Vancouver has indicated that they plan to light this section of the Spirit Trail. The city-owned house 2 located at 475 Park Street will be relocated to a nearby lot. ST. PATRICKS AVENUE 1 A wire basket retaining wall with stone face will be constructed at a 70 degree angle along the south side of the road 3, which then transitions to a 80 degree angled wall LOW LEVEL ROAD The retaining wall on the north side will be a wire basket type with green facing 5. 6 The alignment for the pedestrian connection to the new shared Spirit Trail/laneway will be determined in a consultation with the City of North Vancouver. Trees Noise wall locations (transparent) Small to medium sized shrubs Noise wall locations (solid) Area will be devegetated to construct project Indicates cross section location Existing tree area New Spirit Trail lighting Transparent noise wall Wire basket retaining wall with stone/ rock face 4m wide Spirit Trail Landscaped area (2 options) 4m high green retaining wall 13 Cross section New Low Level Road

15 Storyline #4.2 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION ALDER STREET ST. DAVIDS AVENUE Spirit Trail behind Alder Street 14

16 East of St. Patricks Avenue to St. Davids Avenue Two landscaping options have been developed for this section. Option A includes small shrubs and ground cover planted to screen the base of the noise wall and concrete barrier. This options provides low level shrubs to maintain an open feel and preserves existing views of the port, the water and the south shore of Vancouver. Option B includes plantings of larger trees along the trail, with shrubs and ground cover within the 2 metre green buffer adjacent to the noise wall. Over time as the the vegetation matures, it will partially restrict views of the port, water and city skyline. Option A - Shrubs/Hedge Noise walls will be constructed in this area to mitigate the effects of road noise. Transparent noise walls are proposed in this section in keeping with previous consultation input, to preserve views for adjacent residents and Spirit Trail users. Transparent noise walls will include a 1 metre concrete base, with 2 metre tall transparent panels. Option B - Trees planted with shrubs and ground cover The Project includes reconstruction of the Spirit Trail in this area once the project is built. A viewpoint will be re-established in this area providing a rest area with views of the water and interpretive signage. The existing bench will be reinstalled after construction. Existing view from proposed viewpoint location Existing bench will be reinstalled 15

17 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION ALDER STREET LOW LEVEL ROAD Landscape Plan A ALDER STREET LOW LEVEL ROAD Landscape Plan B The City of North Vancouver has indicated that they plan to light the Spirit Trail in this area consistent with other sections of the Spirit Trail. Example of lighting on the completed section of the Spirit Trail at Harbourside Park. 16

18 St. Davids Avenue to Moody Avenue LANEWAY BEHIND EAST 1st STREET Based on community feedback from previous consultation, this section of the Project includes extending the Spirit Trail (pedestrian only) from St. Davids Avenue through shared use of the laneway, with a 2-metre wide 1 landscaped area along the south side of the trail. The Project also includes transparent noise walls throughout the entire section to address the potential increase in road-related noise for nearby residents, while maintaining viewscapes. In this section, the Low Level Road will be elevated and built into the existing bluff using shotcrete retaining walls that will also stabilize the slope 2, and provide space for public art. To construct the Low Level Road Project, the laneway behind homes in the 500 and 600 blocks of East 1st Avenue will be closed for up to 2 to 4 months. Efforts will be made to minimize the length of time for this closure. Cross section ST. DAVIDS AVENUE Existing residences 5.5m shared lane and trail (Paving options on Trail) Landscaped area options Transparent noise wall Shotcrete retaining wall with art New Low Level Road Along the south side of the Low Level Road, vertical 3 retaining walls (wire basket with rock face) will be constructed; following which 4 it will be slightly angled at 80 degrees. 1 17

19 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION Spirit Trail connection at St. Davids Avenue EAST 1ST STREET 2 LOW LEVEL ROAD 3 4 Trees Small to medium sized shrubs Area will be devegetated to construct project Noise wall locations (transparent) Noise wall locations (solid) Indicates cross section location 18

20 St. Davids Avenue to Moody Avenue LANEWAY BEHIND EAST 1st STREET Two landscaping options have been developed for this section. Option A includes small shrubs and ground cover planted to screen the base of the noise wall and concrete barrier. This options provides an open feel and preserves existing views of the port, the water and the south shore of Vancouver. Option B includes plantings of larger trees along the trail, with shrubs and ground cover within the 2 metre green buffer adjacent to the noise wall. Over time as the vegetation matures, it may partially restrict views of the port, the water and city skyline. Option A - shrubs/hedges plantings Noise walls will be constructed in this area to mitigate the effects of road noise. Transparent noise walls are proposed in this section in keeping with previous consultation input, to preserve views for adjacent residents and Spirit Trail users. Option B - Trees planted with shrubs and ground cover The Project includes construction of a combined 5.5-metre wide Spirit Trail for pedestrians and laneway between St. Davids Avenue to Moodyville Park. The surfacing of the lane has not yet been determined and two options exist, either a paved surface (Option A) or gravel surface (Option B). The paved surface option would allow for clear designation of the shared use of the trail and would include traffic calming measures such as speed bumps. The gravel option does not allow for the same type of demarcation of the shared use and more ground level signage would be required. The gravel surface would provide a traffic calming feature by the nature of the surfacing itself. Option A - paved Option B - gravel 19

21 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION LOW LEVEL ROAD Landscape Plan - Option A LOW LEVEL ROAD Landscape Plan - Option B A shotcrete retaining wall will be constructed in this area to stabilize the slope. The surface of the retaining wall provides an area for public art. Port Metro Vancouver is working with the City s art advisor to develop appropriate criteria for an art panel review and artist selection, using input from previous consultations as a base. Public art example Proposed location for public art 20

22 Moodyville Park The Spirit Trail through this section has been designed to minimize impacts on the environment and as such the trail will be a 2-metre wide gravel path, instead of the standard 4-metre wide path. Timber stairs will be constructed to traverse the steep slopes and provide connections to the two bridges a timber bridge 1 and a suspension bridge 2. Where possible, the trail will be routed between and through existing trees. The bridges have been designed high above the creeks to minimize any impact on the sunlight that creeks are currently exposed to. In this area, the eagle habitat, including the cluster of trees around the tree which holds the nest, will be protected. The new trail will join the existing gravel trail which connects to the paved trail in Moodyville Park. Cross section Existing treed area 2m wide gravel pathway Spirit Trail Landscaped area Solid noise wall Earth berm/embankment Rock faced wire basket retaining wall 4m high green retaining wall New Low Level Road Wire basket retaining walls 3 continue at a 80 degree angle in this section along the south side of the Low Level Road. Adjacent to Moodyville Park, the wall becomes vertical 4. On the north side of the road, a 70 degree green retaining wall will be constructed 5. 21

23 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION Existing Spirit Trail through Moodyville Park EAST 1ST STREET LOW LEVEL ROAD 5 4 Trees Small to medium sized shrubs Area will be devegetated to construct project Noise wall locations (transparent) Noise wall locations (solid) Indicates cross section location 22

24 Moodyville Park Spirit Trail bridges have been designed to minimize the environmental footprint of the trail through this section of Moodyville Park. Timber stairs will be constructed to traverse the steep slopes and provide connections to the two bridges a timber bridge 1 and a suspension bridge 2. 1 Example of a timber bridge 2 Artist rendering of the pedestrian suspension bridge across the creek bed 23

25 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION In this section, a solid concrete noise wall will be used to mitigate potential increase in road-related noise and port noise. Noise walls will be 3-5 metres in height. 24

26 Heywood Street Area As the Low Level Road continues east through Moodyville Park, it ties into East 3rd Street and the Project terminates at Gladstone Avenue. In this section, the Project includes reconfiguring the Kennard Avenue intersection. A new Spirit Trail overpass will be constructed across East 3rd Street 1, extending the Spirit Trail 2 to Heywood Street and providing a direct connection to the Neptune/Cargill overpass 3. The trail will be landscaped. The City of North Vancouver has indicated that they plan to light the Spirit Trail from East 2nd Street through Moodyville Park through to Heywood Street. A visual screen 4 will be installed between East 3rd Street and Low Level Road, also providing some noise reduction from road traffic. Retaining walls in this section include: wire basket with rock/stone surface at a 80 degree angle 5, with the exception of the area under the Neptune/Cargill 6 Overpass where it transitions to a vertical wall. Towards the eastern end of the project, 7 the wall will be angled at 70 degrees. Existing treed area New street lighting and Spirit Trail lighting East 3rd Street New 4m wide Spirit Trail Cross Section Neptune/Cargill Overpass at Low Level Road Landscaped area Pedestrian ramp New concrete faced retaining wall New Low Level Road Wire basket retaining wall New rail tracks LOW LEVEL ROAD 5 Trees Visual screen location Small to medium sized shrubs Area will be devegetated to construct project Indicates cross section location 25

27 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION Existing trees Existing Park Lands Lighting along Spirit Trail Landscaped area Lane parallel to East 3rd Street Earth embankment New 4m wide pathway on east side of Heywood New Spirit Trail cut into existing treed area Existing Heywood Street Cross Section Heywood Street at East 3rd Street EAST 3RD STREET HEYWOOD STREET

28 Heywood Street Area As Spirit Trail users exit Moodyille Park, they will be able to connect to the south side of the Low Level Road to access port terminals, 1 or cross East 3rd Street to connect to Heywood Street and Kennard Avenue 2. 1 Access to Port Terminals 2 Spirit Trail Overpass access The City of North Vancouver has indicated that they plan to light the Spirit Trail in this area consistent with other sections of the Spirit Trail. Example of lighting on the completed section of the Spirit Trail at Harbourside Park. 27

29 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION A visual screen will be installed to maximize safety for vehicles traveling along the Low Level Road and East 3rd Street. The visual screen has an absorbent surface to reduce reflected noise from Low Level Road traffic and port activities. Finish Options Option A Stone facade Option B Black Granite colour Option C Caramel colour Landscaping in this area is focused on revegetating areas where trees were removed to construct the road. The landscaping plan includes large and medium sized trees planted around the overpass area and on the north side of East 3rd Street. The area will also be hydroseeded, a planting process utilizing a mixture that promotes quick growth of grass to minimize soil erosion. 28

30 Traffic Management During Construction A key objective for traffic management during construction will be to minimize disruption and provide predictability for commuters, goods movers, residents, businesses the general public, as well as emergency services during construction. Based on best practices and community feedback, Port Metro Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver have identified the following traffic management objectives for the Low Level Road Project: Communicate early and often, while avoiding over communicating. Maintain access to port during construction. The following communications and notification methods are being considered to provide timely, accurate and easily accessible information during construction: Minimize Low Level Road and East 3rd Street closures, in consideration of peak travel periods and user types on each road. Maintain emergency services access during construction. Maintain cycling access on Low Level Road throughout construction, as much as possible. Maintain driveway access (or alternate) at all times for commercial deliveries. Keep lane closures/temporary detours as short as possible. Minimize duration of closure of lane behind Block of East 1st Street. Keep the construction site, access points and construction vehicles clean to minimize dust effects. Dedicated website for notification of overall construction activities, with up-to-date information and optimized for mobile use. Information provided in newspapers, household/business delivery, , and Twitter. On-road information signs (and Spirit Trail) indicating notice of closure and detours. Include businesses open during construction signs near eastern and western business areas. Use of on-road electronic message boards at major access points to advise of significant lane closures as well as full closures. Traffic reporter advisories. 29

31 LOW LEVEL ROAD PROJECT I SEPTEMBER 2012 CONSULTATION Building the Low Level Road Project construction is currently planned for early 2013 and is expected to take approximately 18 months. Port Metro Vancouver is also working with Transport Canada to extend the required completion date beyond March This would help ensure that in the event of unforeseen delays related to such things as weather, the Project can still be completed within available funding sources. Some advance work may begin as early as Fall 2012, and will include the following activities: 1. The internal port access road will be improved neat St. Georges Avenue to the east. 2. Rail relocation on Port land will start between St. Davids Avenue and St. Georges Avenue. Rail expansion will take place by others after the Project is complete. 3. Selective tree clearing along the Low Level Road from St. Georges Avenue to Gladstone Avenue. Port Metro Vancouver will be responsible for overseeing the contract, working closely with City of North Vancouver to ensure that relevant City bylaws are appropriately considered. All work on City streets will be conducted in accordance with City bylaws. Once a contractor is selected, a final construction plan will be developed; however, it is currently anticipated that construction will take place in six stages, as noted below. Phase 1 (2-3 months) Phase 4 (2-5 months) Widen Esplanade/Low Level Road to the south (on existing Port land) in the western section; widen East 3rd Street/Low Level Road to the north and south (within existing right of way) in the east; begin construction along the bluff. Shift traffic onto temporary detour areas and complete roadway at eastern and western end; extend main construction area at both ends in areas where traffic has been moved from existing roadways onto the detour road; access at St. Andrews Avenue temporarily restricted. Phase 2 (2-4 months) Phase 5 (1-2 months) Shift traffic to widened roadway areas and construct temporary detour to the south at both ends of the Project; continue construction along the bluff. Shift traffic onto completed road; construct final portion of Low Level Road connection to East 3rd Street between Heywood Avenue and Kennard Avenue. Phase 3 (5-7 months) Phase 6 Begin constructing new Spirit Trail from Moodyville Park east; continue construction along the bluff. Implement final traffic shift onto newly completed east section; project complete. 30

32 Please Stay Involved As planning for Project construction continues, Port Metro Vancouver is committed to ensuring local residents, businesses, and the travelling public are informed of important Project information, including construction timing. If you would like to receive Project Updates, we encourage you to register on PortTalk (PortTalk.ca) or send us an at with LLR Project Updates in the subject line. For more information, you can: Visit PortTalk.ca or portmetrovancouver.com/lowlevelroad Call: Fax: