Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Between Regional Road 27 (River Road) and Regional Road 63 (Canborough Road) in the Township of Wainfleet Municipal Class EA Study Public Information Centre No. 1 December 13, 2016 4:00 pm 7:00 pm Please sign in so we can keep you updated on this study
Purpose of the Public Information Centre (PIC) Niagara Region is hosting this PIC to: Introduce the study and provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment. Obtain public input on the: Study planning process being undertaken Study Problem and Opportunity Statement Local issues & constraints affecting the project Alternative & recommended solutions Please submit a comment sheet following your review of the display materials and feel free to speak with staff regarding any questions you may have. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 2
Study Area and Background Information Two-lane east-west arterial road: 50 km/h to 80 km/h speed limit with some reduced zones 15 m right of way (20.1 m in the Official Plan) On-road signed route (Regional Bikeways Master Plan) Average Annual Daily Traffic = 1450 vehicles 20% of the total traffic on Wellandport Road is commercial truck traffic. Roadway drainage via ditches. Oswego Creek Bridge & Creek Road Bridge crossings. Predominantly rural area with access to residential and commercial properties, agricultural lands, and industrial and institutional properties. 3
Study Problem/Opportunity Statement The study is being undertaken to address: Roadway and pavement deterioration; Intersection and corridor safety issues (roadway geometrics, poor sightlines, narrow lanes and shoulders); Technical requirements (right-of-way standards, drainage & stormwater management); Structural deficiencies at the Oswego Bridge. These improvements are required to maintain a safe and functional road that is suitable for all road users. Opportunities also exist to: Improve pedestrian and cycling experience; Incorporate other recommendations from the Transportation and Water and Wastewater Master Plans currently being completed by the Region. Deteriorating Pavement Surface Poor sight lines and skewed intersection angles Lack of pedestrian & cyclist facilities Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 4
Schedule C Municipal Class EA The Study is being completed in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment - a formal planning process that must be undertaken prior to road, water and wastewater construction projects. The process ensures that all reasonable alternatives are considered and that a selected alternative would have minimal impact on the surrounding environment. 5
Schedule C Municipal Class EA (continued) A project being completed under Schedule C must follow this five phase process as set out by the Municipal Class EA: Phase 1: Develop the Problem or Opportunity Phase 2: Develop and Evaluate Alternative Solutions Phase 3: Develop and Evaluate Alternative Design Concepts for Preferred Solution Phase 4: Prepare Environmental Study Report Phase 5: Implementation We are here Public Information Centre No. 1 Public Information Centre No. 2 Notice of Study Completion/ESR Review Currently in Phase 2: Developing feasible ways of addressing the identified problems or opportunities, evaluating alternatives, and identifying a recommended solution. 3 mandatory points of contact with the public. We are currently hosting PIC No. 1 and there will be another opportunity to comment at PIC No. 2. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 6
Existing Conditions: Transportation and Technical Creek Road is a two-lane arterial roadway with a rural cross-section and an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volume of 1450. A review of data indicates no discernable trends in collisions, but significant reports of near misses from local stakeholders, particularly at the east end of the study area and at the bridge approach. There are alignment and sightline concerns at the following intersections within the study area: Wellandport Road & River Road; Creek Road & River Road; Creek Road and Canborough Road; Creek Road and Diltz Road. The two creek crossings are single lane only with poor visibility approaching both locations. Sub-standard intersection approach; poor sight lines at stop Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 7
Existing Conditions: Transportation and Technical (Cont d) Lane widths and shoulder widths are substandard. Safety concerns due to sub-standard sight distances for stopping and/or passing. Safety related obstacles and hazardous areas within the clear zone outside of the paved area. Pavement conditions are in a deteriorated state throughout the corridor and indicate poor road drainage. Creek Road is identified in the Region s Bikeways Master Plan as an On-road route. Lack of shoulders along roadway; substandard right-of-way width Safety clear zone issues, may require a guide rail in some locations Pavement distress may be indicative of poor drainage Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 8
Existing Conditions: Oswego Creek Bridge The Oswego Creek Bridge is in poor condition and has a posted Load Limit. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 9
Existing Conditions: Natural Heritage Environment Welland River, Oswego Creek and the Chippawa Creek Conservation Area are key natural heritage features in the study area. One species of conservation concern, Walter s Barnyard-grass, was identified along Oswego Creek. Three Species-at-Risk (SAR) were identified in the study area: Barn Swallow Eastern Wood-pewee Monarch Butterfly Other SAR may exist in the study area. Additional surveys for these species will be conducted as the study progresses. When developing road alignment alternatives, natural heritage features will be considered so that impacts can be minimized and mitigation measures implemented. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 10
Existing Conditions: Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Majority of the Creek Road study area has archaeological potential and will be subject to further archaeological assessments. 16 cultural heritage landscapes were identified within and adjacent to the study area, which includes the conservation area, the cemetery and several farms The Oswego Creek Bridge could be significant in terms of its cultural heritage value: Rare bridge pony truss design ; Contributes to the natural and agricultural scenic character of Creek Road, Oswego Creek, and the Welland River; Associated with historic settlement in the region. Consideration will be given to these resources and impacts will be minimized where possible in developing a preferred solution and design. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 11
Existing Conditions: Socio-Economic Environment The study area is composed of primarily agricultural and farmland properties with some residential and institutional uses. The Wellandport Area Hamlet is located at the east end of the study area and generally includes institutional, commercial and village residential uses. The Township of Wainfleet s Official Plan designates the surrounding land as agricultural area and as environmental conservation/protection areas adjacent to the Welland River and the Chippawa Conservation Area. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 12
Alternative Solutions ~ Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) The following alternative solutions were developed to address the issues identified for the Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) corridor: 1 2 Do Nothing The existing transportation system is not changed (this alternative will form a baseline for comparison of alternative solutions) Road Reconstruction and Resurfacing The road surface is improved through reconstruction or resurfacing 4 5 Intersection Improvements Only Unsafe intersections will be improved to meet safety standards Improvements to Alternative Corridors (Canborough Road) Other corridors will be improved to offer an alternative route 3 Road Realignment and Geometric Improvements Locations that do not meet geometric design standards will be realigned or improved 6 Improved Pedestrian and Cyclist Connectivity Improving roadway to accommodate and enhance walking and cycling experience 13
Alternative Solutions ~ Oswego Creek Bridge The following alternative solutions were developed to address the issues identified for the Oswego Creek Bridge: 1 2 3 Do Nothing The existing structure is not changed (this alternative will form a baseline for comparison of alternative solutions) Replace the Existing Bridge with a New Bridge The existing structure is replaced with a new bridge structure on the existing or a new alignment Rehabilitate the Existing Bridge Sections of the bridge will be restored to improve the existing condition of the bridge 14
Evaluation Criteria To evaluate the alternative solutions, a number of criteria were used (that represent the broad definition of the environment as described in the Environmental Assessment Act) Transportation & Technical Cultural Environment Natural Environment Socio-Economic Environment Costs Safety Road Condition Active Transportation Drainage and Stormwater Utility Impacts Archaeological Resources Built Heritage/ Cultural Landscape Terrestrial Wildlife and Habitat Aquatic Wildlife and Habitat Ground/Surface Water Quality and Supply Construction Impacts Compatibility with adjacent land use Property Impacts Capital (Construction) Operation and Maintenance The alternative solutions were evaluated by determining each alternative s impacts (i.e. positive, neutral, negative) to these criteria. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 15
Evaluation of Alternatives ~ Creek Road Corridor Alternatives 1 2 3 4 5 6 Criteria Transportation & Technical Cultural Environment Natural Environment Socio-Economic Environment Costs Recommendation Do Nothing Does not address identified safety issues, road condition and active transportation requirements Roadway condition will severely deteriorate Bridge could be closed affecting the movement of people and goods - Roadway drainage improvements not included No impacts to utilities Poor road condition will deteriorate access to Wellandport area, impacting overall attractiveness of the hamlet No impacts to the natural environment No property required No construction impacts Key stakeholders, such as Wainfleet residents and businesses, will be affected by poor road condition in the future No construction costs Significant future operation and maintenance costs to maintain roadway Not recommended This alternative does not adequately address the study problem statement. Issues identified along the corridor (i.e. user safety, road surface conditions) would continue to deteriorate. Road reconstruction and resurfacing Addresses existing road surface conditions Road user safety not addressed Active transportation requirements not addressed No impacts to utilities Roadway drainage improvements included Minimal impacts to cultural environment, if any Minimal impacts to the natural environment during construction - Some impacts during construction, mitigation measures will be required No property required - Low construction cost Potentially lower maintenance costs due to improved road surface Recommended in conjunction with other alternatives This alternative only partially addresses the study problem statement (i.e. improves existing road surface conditions). Road realignment and geometric improvements Improves safety in specific problem areas Meets roadway design standards Roadway drainage improvements included Safety concerns at intersections not addressed Active transportation requirements not addressed - Potential impacts to utilities - Potential impacts to adjacent archaeological resources - Potential impacts to the natural environment depending on realignment location Potential for property to be required depending on realignment location - Some impacts during construction, mitigation measures will be required - Moderate construction cost No significant change to maintenance costs Recommended in conjunction with other alternatives This alternative only partially addresses the study problem statement (i.e. improves roadway safety and brings the roadway to current design standards). Intersection improvements only Improves intersection safety and meets intersection design standards Roadway drainage improvements included Active transportation requirements not addressed Does not address road condition and safety issues along the rest of the corridor - Potential impacts to utilities - Potential impacts to adjacent archaeological resources - Potential impacts to the natural environment depending on proposed improvements Potential for property to be required Improvements will support adjacent land uses - Some impacts during construction, mitigation measures will be required - Low construction cost No significant change to maintenance costs Recommended in conjunction with other alternatives This alternative only partially addresses the study problem statement (i.e. improves intersection safety and brings the intersection to current design standards). Improvements to alternative corridors (Canborough Road) Partially addresses road user safety by diverting traffic onto another corridor road Roadway drainage improvements included Identified safety issues, road condition and active transportation requirements along Creek Road not addressed - Potential impacts to utilities - Potential impacts to adjacent archaeological resources on Canborough Road - Potential impacts to the natural environment adjacent to Canborough Road Potential for property to be required to implement along Canborough Road No construction costs Significant future operation and maintenance costs maintain roadway Not recommended Improvements to Canborough Road (R.R. 63) are being undertaken as part of the R.R. improvement program. Improvements to Canborough Road does not avoid the need to rehabilitate Creek Road. Improved pedestrian and cyclist connectivity Accommodates active transportation throughout the corridor Does not address safety concerns at intersections and road condition - Potential impacts to utilities - Roadway drainage improvements not included - Potential impacts to adjacent archaeological resources - Potential impacts to the natural environment depending on proposed improvements Potential for property to be required Improvements will support adjacent land uses, particularly local businesses and residents - Low construction cost - Slight increase in roadway maintenance costs Recommended in conjunction with other alternatives This alternative only partially addresses the study problem statement (i.e. improves pedestrian and cyclist connectivity). The recommended alternative solution for the Creek Road corridor is a combination of Alternatives 2, 3, 4 and 6. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 16
Evaluation of Alternatives ~ Oswego Creek Bridge Alternatives 1 2 3 Criteria Transportation & Technical Cultural Environment Natural Environment Socio-Economic Environment Do Nothing Bridge structure remains in poor condition Road geometrics (vertical curve) and poor sight lines of west approach not addressed Bridge roadway width does not meet road safety standards No impacts to the cultural environment No impacts to the natural environment No property is required No construction impacts Replace the Existing Bridge with a New Bridge (same location) Addresses structural and safety requirement Addresses road geometrics (vertical curve) and poor sight lines of west approach Supports recommendation of 2011 & 2013 Bridge Appraisals to replace the bridge Supports Region s requirements to widen the road (Official Plan) - Potential impacts to adjacent archaeological resources Least preferred from a cultural heritage perspective (comprises heritage value of the bridge). Mitigation required - Potential impacts to Oswego Creek and surrounding natural heritage features, mitigation measures will be required Significant construction impacts (e.g. road closure & traffic detours), work can be done in phases - Potential property impacts if alignment is shifted Rehabilitate the Existing Bridge - Partially addresses structural and safety requirements Road geometrics (vertical curve) and poor sight lines of west approach not addressed Load Limit posting would still be required Does not support recommendation of 2011 & 2013 Bridge Appraisals Does not support Region s requirements to widen the road (bridge would remain single lane only) No impacts to the cultural environment Preferred from a cultural heritage perspective (minor impacts to heritage value of the bridge) - Potential impacts to Oswego Creek and surrounding natural heritage features, mitigation measures will be required Significant construction impacts (e.g. road closure & traffic detours) due to need for replacement of abutments and structural components, work can be done in phases Costs No construction costs Significant future operation and maintenance costs to maintain bridge Significant construction costs Low maintenance costs - Moderate construction costs Ongoing maintenance costs Recommendation Not recommended This alternative does not adequately address the study problem statement (i.e. bridge structural deficiencies, horizontal & vertical road geometric and sight line issues). Recommended This alternative fully addresses the bridge s structural and safety requirements, allows for improvements to the west approach and widening of the roadway cross section to Regional standards. Impacts to the bridge s heritage significance could be offset through applicable mitigation. Not recommended This alternative only partially addresses the bridge s structural requirements and does not allow for improvements to the vertical curve and poor sight lines of the west approach or widening of the roadway cross section to Regional standards. Would require increased future operation and maintenance costs. The recommended solution for the Oswego Creek Bridge is Alternative 2 ~ Replace the existing bridge with a new bridge. Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 17
Next Steps Following this PIC, the project team will: Review the comments submitted at the PIC Meet with the public, stakeholders and technical agencies as needed Confirm the recommended solution Complete the detailed inventory of the study area Develop alternative design concepts to implement the recommended solution Hold a second PIC to present the alternative and recommended design concepts Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 18
Thank You for Attending! Please provide your comments on the study by completing a comment sheet and depositing it in the provided comment dropbox. Alternatively, please email, mail or fax your comments by January 20, 2017 to the one of the contacts below. For further information on the study, please contact: Kumar Ranjan, P.Eng., PMP Manager Transportation Systems and Planning Niagara Region 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, PO Box 1042 Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 P: 905-980-6000 x3467 E: kumar.ranjan@niagararegion.ca Noris Bot, P.Eng. Senior Project Manager Parsons Inc. 4342 Queen Street, Suite 407 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7J7 P: 289-294-6410 E: noris.bot@parsons.com Reconstruction of Regional Road 45 (Creek Road) Class EA 19