South Downtown Approaches - Strategic Planning Review Update
South Downtown Approaches- Strategic Planning Review Update
Recommendation:That the March 6, 2009, Transportation Department report 2009TD4147 be received for information.
Report Summary
This report summarizes the work completed for the South Downtown Approaches – Strategic Planning Study, including three feasible options for the 105Street river crossing corridor, key stakeholder consultation and traffic analysis.
Report
At the February 5, 2008, Transportation and Public Works Committee meeting, the South Downtown Approaches – Strategic Planning Review Update report was received for information.
In previous reports to Transportation and Public Works Committee, it was indicated that a strategic review of the South Downtown Approaches wouldbe undertaken, and that the WalterdaleBridgewould require replacement within the next six to eight years.
The Strategic Planning Study for the South Downtown Approaches was completed in three sections:
- Engineering and technical feasibility.
- Transportation modeling and traffic simulation.
- Key stakeholder engagement.
Engineering and Technical Feasibility
Transportation Department retained a Consultant Team to complete the engineering feasibility. Several options for the south approaches were initially considered, ranging from mid level options to low level options, with consideration of several locations across the river valley. After review and evaluation, the following three options were recommended for further consideration.
Option 1: Replacement of the existing WalterdaleBridge. This option includes demolishing the existing bridge and replacing the bridge with a modern structure, connecting to the existing roadways. There would be no changes to the Kinsmen Sports and Fitness Centre (Kinsmen) access. An additional traffic lane northbound to access Kinsmen from the northside of the river can be considered as part of this option. Strategic level cost estimates are $65 million (2008 dollars).
Option 2: This is a LowLevelBridge option that would connect from the southside to River Valley Road. It considers a total of four traffic lanes across the bridge, including one southbound traffic lane to provide access to Kinsmen. Kinsmen access from the south would continue to be at an intersection at the bottom of Walterdale Hill. It considers a depressed Gateway Boulevard (two traffic lanes) which will travel under Saskatchewan Drive, in order to improve the road geometry and grades for Queen Elizabeth Park Road. Strategic level cost estimates are $170million(2008 dollars).
Option 3: This is an extended or mid level bridge option that would span from the southside, over River Valley Road, avoiding the Rossdale historical site and connecting at 96 Avenue. It considers a total of four traffic lanes across the bridge, including one southbound traffic lane to provide access to Kinsmen. Kinsmen access from the south would be either from Walterdale Hill Road or from Queen Elizabeth Park Road under the new bridge. It considers a depressed Gateway Boulevard (two traffic lanes) which would travel under Saskatchewan Drive, in order to improve the road geometry and grades for Queen Elizabeth Park Road. Strategic level cost estimates are $190 million(2008 dollars).
All of the proposed river crossing options include additional and expanded multi-use trails and pedestrian facilities, as part of the bridge and connect to the bridge. Each of the proposed bridge options has varying alignment possibilities as well as construction staging challenges that will need to be addressed at the concept planning stage. Regardless of the option selected for replacement, it is unlikely that the existing WalterdaleBridge can remain open during construction as a result of constraints on the north side of the river. The landing area for the north edge of the bridge must remain consistent with the existing bridge due to historical and environmental constraints.
Options 2 and 3 eliminate the 180degree curved intersection from Saskatchewan Drive onto Queen Elizabeth Park Road, via a grade separated structure carrying Saskatchewan Drive over Gateway Boulevard. The existing Queen Elizabeth Park Roadwill be removed,and the alignment results in construction of retaining walls to accommodate a 10metre elevation change across Saskatchewan Drive. In addition to the grade separation on Saskatchewan Drive, a pedestrian/bike crossing over Gateway Boulevard is required north of Saskatchewan Drive. These improvements provide a direct, higher standard alignment for a Gateway Boulevard connection to the WalterdaleBridge from Whyte Avenue.
The roadway improvements between Whyte Avenue and the WalterdaleBridge can be constructed independent of the bridge replacement, if required. This may necessitate closures of the Queen Elizabeth Park Road and Saskatchewan Drive during construction. The roadway improvements identified in Options 2 and 3 are approximately $90 million of the total costs identified for each option.
In addition to the previous locations, several other locations were identified to improve traffic to and from the Downtown and the Southside. Operational improvements, including traffic signal timing changes, parking bans and minor intersection improvements, can be implemented as part of this project, or considered independently.
Transportation Modeling and Traffic Simulation
Existing traffic was modeled and simulated for the South Downtown approaches network, for both the morning and evening peak hours. As a result of the additional bridge capacity, and the depressed Gateway Boulevard, there are improvements to existing travel times from Whyte Avenue to Jasper Avenue, during the morning peak. The existing transportation network can maintain a reasonable level of service, both upstream and downstream of the proposed improvements.
Public Consultation
A series of one-on-one interviews were completed as part of this study with key stakeholders, such as EPCOR, Old Strathcona Business Association, and Strathcona Community League. A workshop presenting the feasibility report and the options was hosted by Transportation Department and consultants, to document the issues and possible concerns that will need to be addressed in the concept planning stage.
The majority of the concerns raised by the key stakeholders were related to, the depressed Gateway Boulevard under Saskatchewan Drive.The common concerns raised were as follows:
- Dividing the communities.
- Increasing traffic volumes in the area north of Whyte Avenue.
- Is the project required?
- Removes the current walkability within the community creating safety concerns.
- Funds would be better spent on improved transit services.
Attachments
- Option 1: Walterdale Bridge Replacement
Option 2: Low Level Walterdale Bridge Replacement with Depressed Gateway Boulevard
Option 3: Higher Level Walterdale Bridge Replacement with Depressed Gateway Boulevard
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