Bostwick Road. Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. October 13, City of London. Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

Transcription

1 Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment October 13, 2016

2 Welcome! Welcome to the first Public Information Centre for the Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. Representatives from the and the consulting team are here to answer questions as you browse the panels. We encourage you to complete a comment sheet before leaving! 2

3 Study Overview and Purpose This EA will investigate the existing conditions of Bostwick Road and identify, evaluate, and determine improvements required to address the anticipated growth projected for the southwest limits of the. Also included in this EA is the recommendation for the Bradley Avenue Extension as previously evaluated in the Bradley Avenue Extension EA (Stantec, 2005). We are here Phase 1 - Identify the Problem and Opportunity Statement Phase 2 - Identify and Evaluate Road Improvement Solutions Phase 3 - Identify Alternative Design Concepts for Preferred Solution Phase 4 - Prepare Design Plans & Environmental Study Report Phase 5 - Implement Recommended Solution 3

4 Class EA Process (Municipal Engineers Association) We are here! 4

5 Study Area & Background This study follows the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process for a Schedule C project. The study area includes the Bostwick Road corridor from just north of Pack Road to Wharncliffe Road in the south. The South West Area Plan (SWAP) has identified the need for a realignment to Bostwick Road in the south where the road meets the Exeter Rd / Wharncliffe Rd South intersection. Considerations for additional potential improvements along the Bostwick Road corridor. s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) has identified the need for transportation improvements with a focus on active transportation (walking / cycling). 5

6 Problem / Opportunity Statement As a result of the planned residential and commercial growth forecasted in the s Smart Moves - the London 2030 Transportation Master Plan, South West Area Plan (2014) and Official Plan, lands adjacent to Bostwick Road are projected to experience a significant amount of residential, commercial and institutional development in the near future. To maintain the City s acceptable level of transportation service and to accommodate future developable lands in the south west area of the, it is critical to assess and improve the Bostwick Road corridor for future traffic demands, accessibility through the corridor, and roadway geometrics. In developing a functional, safe and visually attractive corridor that is suitable for all road users, the following have been identified as needing to be addressed: Roadway and intersection capacity and geometric modifications Extension of Bradley Avenue to connect with Bostwick Road/Pack Road Potential realignment of the south end of Bostwick Road Accommodation for pedestrians and cyclists by way of improving active transportation facilities Roadway drainage and stormwater management 6

7 Need and Justification Planning and Policy Context The following policies and programs in the below planning documents have helped guide this EA and determine the need and justification for conducting this study. Southwest Area Plan (SWAP 2014) Area specific planning study that guides urban growth in the Southwest London Study Area. The London Plan (Official Plan) Overall framework for the that guides the growth and development in the city Transportation Master Plan SmartMoves Identifies the need for capacity / transit improvements in order to address projected growth in the transportation network. Cycling Master Plan (London ON Bikes) Draft Overall framework for the that provides a blueprint for the growth and development of the city-wide cycling network. 7

8 Need and Justification Cycling Master Plan (London ON Bikes) - Draft Proposed cycling networks along Bostwick corridor as identified in the Cycling Master Plan Update (Draft) Transportation Corridors Official Plan Amendment from SWAP Schedule C to the City of London Official Plan Proposed Future Road Corridor Landuse Official Plan Amendment from SWAP Schedule A to the City of London Official Plan Future planned land use 8

9 Existing Traffic Conditions Bostwick Road is a north / south arterial road with a 2-lane rural cross-section. Between Southdale Road and Pack Road the posted speed limit is 60 km/h while south of Pack Road to Wharncliffe Road the posted speed is 70 km/h. A traffic analysis identified existing capacity deficiencies within the corridor. Two intersections within the study area experience higher than average collision frequency: Exeter Road & Wonderland Road Wharncliffe Road & Wonderland Road. The roadway is not illuminated and lacks adequate facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. There is a horizontal curve in the road that does not meet current design standards. 9

10 Future Traffic Conditions Do Nothing (Without Improvements) There are several proposed roadways planned within the study area to accommodate future travel demands and facilitate access including: Bradley Avenue Extension Kilbourne Road Extension Future proposed Road. An analysis of future do nothing traffic conditions indicated capacity deficiencies throughout the corridor. Need for roadway / intersection improvements including additional lanes to improve traffic flows and safety within the study corridor. 10

11 Existing Conditions Technical The study area is located within Dingman Creek Subwatershed Area D and Subwatershed Area E. Thornicroft Drain is the main watercourse in the study area. There are 7 existing culvert crossings along Bostwick Road within the EA Study Boundaries. 6 of these culverts convey local drainage across Bostwick Road to Thornicroft Drain. 1 Concrete Box Culvert located on southern end of Bostwick near the Wharncliffe Road South intersection. Existing hydrological conditions consist mainly of agricultural drainage, local road ditches and tributaries of Thornicroft Drain. The Dingman Creek Subwatershed Study Update identified a floodplain associated with the Thornicroft Drain. 11

12 Existing Conditions Cultural A Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment has determined that the study area has potential for archaeological resources; precontact Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian archaeological sites. A Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment will be conducted in Phase 3 (early 2017) to help guide the preferred alignment Pack Road has been identified in the City s Inventory of Heritage Resources as having historical value. Socio-Economic The study area is composed of primarily agricultural properties with some residential and commercial. Although most of the Bostwick Road corridor is not yet developed, the s Southwest Area Plan (SWAP) has identified this area for significant growth in the near future. The s Official Plan designates the land adjacent to Bostwick Road as Residential (Low / Medium Density), Open Space, and Community Facility. A noise assessment will be completed in Phase 3 once a preferred alignment is determined. 12

13 Existing Conditions Ecological Vegetation Patch #10064 and the associated vegetation along Thornicroft Drain are considered significant woodlands. There are three species at risk (SAR) present within the study area: Butternut (Endangered) Eastern Wood-pewee (Special Concern) Monarch Butterfly (Special Concern) There is one provincially rare vegetation community (Lowland Black Walnut Forest) within the study area. Maintaining habitat connectivity across Bradley Avenue extension is a priority. There is an opportunity to enhance habitat connectivity at south end of Bostwick Road. A tree inventory and assessment will be conducted along the study corridor in early

14 Evaluation Criteria In evaluating the options to improve the Bostwick Road corridor and to extend Bradley Avenue, consideration is being given to the technical requirements of the City, as well as impacts on the area s natural, cultural, social and economic environments. Environmental Factor Groups Transportation / Technical Cultural Socio-Economic Natural Cost Planning Policies and Objectives Compatibility with Proposed Development Projects Traffic Operations / Performance Active Transportation Transit Services Stormwater Archaeological Resources Cultural and Built Heritage Aboriginal / First Nations Communities Property Construction Disruption Noise Compatibility with adjacent residents and businesses (exisiting) Connectivity to community facilities / neighborhoods (planned) Aquatic Species / Watercourses Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Species at Risk (SAR) Locally Designated Areas Vegetation Air Quality Surface Water Ground Water Capital cost Property Cost Utilities Operation and Maintenance Cost Commercial and Residential Access Have we missed anything? Tell us what s important to you in the comment sheet provided! 14

15 Alternative Solutions Bostwick Road The following alternative planning solutions were selected to address the identified issues for the Bostwick Road corridor. Each solution was comparatively evaluated against identified screening criteria and according to how well they satisfy the problem / opportunity statement. 1 Do Nothing Maintain existing roadway network and provide no major changes to Bostwick Road (This alternative will form a baseline for comparison of alternative solutions). 4 Roadway Intersection / Operational Improvements Undertake roadway intersection / operational improvements and geometrics for future roadway connections (traffic signals, turn lanes, etc.). 2 Limit Development Restrict development in the surrounding area to projects already underway in order to limit growth. 5 Provide Additional Lanes Widen Bostwick Road through additional lanes to increase traffic capacity and accommodate future growth in the southwest. 3 Improve Alternative Routes Expand or maximize capacity on adjacent roads where justified (e.g. Southdale Road, Wonderland Road, Wharncliffe Road). 6 Accommodate Other Travel Modes Improve existing facilities to encourage active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.) and improve Bostwick Road to accommodate future transit services. 15

16 Evaluation of Alternative Solutions Bostwick Road ALTERNATIVE EVALUATION SUMMARY RECOMMEND? 1 Do Nothing Does not address the Problem / Opportunity Statement or planning objectives and policies. 2 Limit Development Growth Does not address the Problem / Opportunity Statement and is inconsistent with the planning objectives and policies. Does not satisfy the direction of regional and local growth objectives. 3 Improve Alternative Routes Does not address the Problem / Opportunity Statement and is not feasible due to cost, significant environmental impacts, and primary alternative routes being at capacity. 4 Roadway Intersection / Operational Improvements Partially satisfies the Problem / Opportunity Statement; could be combined with other alternatives as this option carried forward as the sole solution does not meet the technical requirements for future development and traffic demands. No No No Yes, combine 5 Provide Additional Lanes Partially satisfies the Problem / Opportunity; could be combined with other alternatives as this option carried forward as the sole solution does not meet the technical requirements for future development and traffic demands. Yes, combine 6 Accommodate Other Travel Modes Partially satisfies the Problem / Opportunity Statement; could be combined with other alternatives as this option carried forward as the sole solution does not meet the technical requirements for future development and traffic demands. Yes, combine 16

17 Alternative Solutions Bradley Avenue The following alternative solutions were selected to address the identified issues for the Bradley Avenue Extension, as previously assessed in the Bradley Avenue Extension EA. Each solution was comparatively evaluated against identified screening criteria and according to how well they satisfy the problem / opportunity statement Do Nothing Do not extend Bradley Avenue from Wonderland Road to Bostwick Road. Bradley EA Option X Extend Bradley Avenue through a wooded area located northeast of the proposed Bradley Avenue and Bostwick Road intersection (Bradley EA Option X). This option would connect with Pack Road and Bostwick Road at its current location. Bradley EA Option Y Extend Bradley Avenue through the medium density residential area as identified in SWAP (Bradley EA Option Y). This option would require shifting the current alignment of Pack Road to the south to connect with Bostwick Road. (Bradley Ave Extension EA; Stantec, 2005) 17

18 Evaluation of Alternative Solutions Bradley Avenue ALTERNATIVE EVALUATION SUMMARY RECOMMEND? 1 Do Nothing Does not address the Problem / Opportunity Statement or planning objectives and policies. No 2 Bradley EA Extension Option X 3 Bradley EA Extension Option Y Addresses the Problem / Opportunity Statement and is consistent with the planning objectives and policies. Partially satisfies the direction of regional and local growth objectives. This route does not avoid the identified significant woodland and would have major impacts on the natural environment. Addresses the Problem / Opportunity Statement and is consistent with the planning objectives and policies. Partially satisfies the direction of regional and local growth objectives. This route avoids the identified significant woodland but would reduce the amount of developable lands. Yes Yes It is recommended that Options X & Y be carried forward for further evaluation following additional site investigations and consultation with other stakeholders. A recommended alignment for Bradley Avenue will be determined in Phase 3 of this study and presented at PIC #2. 18

19 Recommended Solution The recommended solution(s) identified for the Bostwick Road EA consists of a combination of alternatives that were determined to best meet the technical requirements and s planning objectives and policies for the area. Bostwick Road Bradley Avenue Roadway Intersection / Operational Improvements Undertake roadway intersection / operational improvements and geometrics for future roadway connections (traffic signals, turn lanes, etc.). Provide Additional Lanes Widen Bostwick Road through additional lanes to increase traffic capacity and accommodate future growth in the southwest. Accommodate Other Travel Modes Improve existing facilities to encourage active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.) and improve Bostwick Road to accommodate future transit services. 2 3 Bradley EA Option X Extend Bradley Avenue through a wooded area located northeast of the proposed Bradley Avenue and Bostwick Road intersection (Bradley EA Option X). This option would connect with Pack Road and Bostwick Road at its current location. OR Bradley EA Option Y Extend Bradley Avenue through the medium density residential area as identified in SWAP (Bradley EA Option Y). This option would require shifting the current alignment of Pack Road to the south to connect with Bostwick Road. 19

20 Next Steps Review comments received at the PIC. Meet with key stakeholders and technically agencies as required. Complete the existing conditions inventory for the study area. Finalize the Evaluation Criteria. Develop and Evaluate Alternative Design Concepts to implement the Preferred Solution(s). Hold a 2 nd PIC in We encourage you to complete a comment sheet before leaving or submit your comments via / mail to one of the following project team members: Henry Huotari, P.Eng. Project Manager Parsons Inc Wellington Road South, Suite 214 London, ON N6E 2H6 Tel: Henry.Huotari@parsons.com Ardian Spahiu, P.Eng. Transportation Design Engineer 300 Dufferin Avenue, 8th Floor, P.O Box 5035 London, Ontario, N6A 4L9 Tel: ext aspahiu@london.ca Information collected for the study will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Except for personal information, including your name, address and property location, all comments received throughout the study will become part of the public record and included in project documentation. 20