SPC on Transportation Decisions in Brief
December 7, 2015 Meeting
7.1.1 Update on Railway Delays
*The report updates ongoing operational issues with Canadian National Railway in the southwest part of the city and provides an overview of the Rail Working Group.
*Administration will:
-provide a report with the traffic projections for Marquis Drive and 51st Street between Wanuskewin and Millar Avenue after opening of the new commuter parkway bridge
-provide a report with the criteria and assessment used in deciding which crossings to evaluate for the possibility of grade separation, including traffic counts, traffic projections, frequency of delays, length of delays, or whatever other criteria were used and to include a fact-based rationale for which crossings were selected, which were not, and why.
-review the possible relocation of the CN freight yards
-be instructed to review the relocation of the CP Yards in Sutherland and that they entertain the joint use/co-sharing of the CN mainline south of the city.
Background
*In January, 2015 City Council resolved a committee be established between the City, CN, and CP to develop solutions to reduce delays resulting from at-grade railway crossings.
*In September, a letter was sent to the Regional Director of Transport Canada requesting clarification of jurisdiction and enforcement of regulations on the spur line at 11th Street West. To date, there has not been a response.
7.1.3 Varsity View Neighbourhood Traffic Review – Main Street and Wiggins Avenue
*The committee received the report outlining results of the additional public consultation with Varsity View residents and the Community Association on the proposed temporary traffic restriction at Main Street and Wiggins Avenue.
Background
*Administration will proceed with three relatively minor changes to signage along Main Street to mitigate shortcutting traffic. The majority of residents did not support the first restriction which included installing a raised curb to restrict east-west vehicular movement.
7.2.2 Neighbourhood Traffic Review – Revised Process
*The report outlines proposed changes to the Traffic Calming Guidelines and Tools document.
*The proposed changes include that major roadway modifications are made on a temporary basis for at least one year, at which time the Administration will evaluate impacts to traffic and collect community feedback to determine the level of support for maintaining the changes.
*The committee recommends to City Council that the Administration:
-be directed to update the “Traffic Calming Guidelines and Tools” procedure.
-be directed to proceed with current and 2016 Neighbourhood Traffic Reviews as outlined, until the Traffic Calming Guidelines and Tools document has been updated and approved by Council.
Background
*In November, the committee asked Administration to report back with recommendations on a clear policy regarding the endorsement of a final Neighbourhood Traffic Review, including a process outlining alternatives where some elements of a Neighbourhood Traffic Review may not be acceptable to Council.