23
Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London Public Information Centre #2 – June 14, 2017

Bostwick Road - London, Ontario Road... · Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment . City of London. Study Overview and Purpose of the PIC • This EA study is being

  • Upload
    dobao

  • View
    238

  • Download
    2

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

City of LondonPublic Information Centre #2 – June 14, 2017

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 2

Welcome!• Welcome to the 2nd Public Information Centre for the

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment.

• Representatives from the City of London and the consulting team are here to answer questions as you browse the panels.

• We encourage you to complete a comment sheet before leaving!

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Study Overview and Purpose of the PIC• This EA study is being undertaken to identify improvements required along

Bostwick Road to address the anticipated growth projected for the southwest limits of the City of London.

Roadway and intersection capacity and geometric modifications

Extension of Bradley Avenue to connect with Bostwick Road/Pack Road

Accommodation for pedestrians and cyclists by way of improving active transportation facilities

Roadway drainage and stormwater management

• The requirements being addressed in this EA study are based on the policies and programs established in previous planning studies:

Southwest Area Plan (SWAP 2014)

The London Plan (Official Plan)

2030 Transportation Master Plan – SmartMoves

City of London Cycling Master Plan (London ON Bikes)

• The purpose of the PIC is to present and obtain comments on the corridor recommendations developed through this study.

• This study follows the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process for a Schedule ‘C’ project.

3

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Study Area

4

• The study area includes the Bostwick Road corridor from just north of Pack Road to Wharncliffe Road in the south

• Existing landscape is primarily agricultural with some residential and commercial uses and open space/environmental review (London OP)

• Several proposed developments in the lands adjacent to the corridor (mix of low and medium density residential)

• Bostwick Road is identified as a bike route in City of London Cycling Master Plan

• The City of London South West Area Plan (SWAP) has identified the need for a realignment of Bostwick Road in the south

• Project includes extension of Bradley Avenue to connect with Bostwick Road/Pack Road

• Plans for future intersection with Kilbourne Road extension

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 5

Need and JustificationTransportation 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

City of London Cycling Master Plan (London ON

Bikes) - DraftProposed cycling networks along Bostwick corridor as

identified in the Cycling Master Plan Update (Draft)

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Problem / Opportunity (Phase 1 of the Class EA)

6

• Lands adjacent to Bostwick Road are projected to experience a significant amount of development in the near and long term future as a result of planned residential and commercial growth.

• To maintain the City’s acceptable level of transportation service and to accommodate future developable lands in the south west area of the City of London, improvements to the Bostwick Road corridor are required to meet future travel demands.

• The study also includes the identification of a preferred alignment for the Bradley Avenue Extension from Bostwick Road to Wonderland Road South.

Preferred Solution (Phase 2 of the Class EA)

Bostwick Road• Roadway intersection / operational improvements and geometrics

for future roadway connections (traffic signals, turn lanes, roundabouts, etc.)

• Additional lanes to increase traffic capacity and accommodate future growth in the southwest

• Improvements to existing facilities to encourage active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.) and improvements to accommodate future transit services

Bradley Avenue Extension• It was recommended that Options X & Y be carried forward for

further evaluation following additional site investigations and consultation with other stakeholders.

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

• 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 City of London’s Southwest Area Plan (SWAP) has identified this area for significant growth in the near and long term future.

• The City of London’s Official Plan designates the lands 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 recommended alignment is developed.

7

Socio-Economic

Existing Conditions

• A Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment has determined that the study area has significant potential for the discovery of archaeological resources; pre-contact Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian archaeological sites.

• 6092 Pack Road has been identified in the City’s Inventory of Heritage Resources as having historical value.

• A Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment is required to determine impacts on archaeological resources

Cultural

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

• 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 the south end of Bostwick Road.

• A tree inventory and assessment will be conducted along the study corridor in 2017.

8

Ecological

Existing Conditions

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 9

Future Traffic Conditions

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Summary of Comments Received at PIC #1

10

• Drainage improvements are needed to prevent road deterioration, flooding, and impacts to the natural environment

• Road safety concerns due to steep/narrow shoulders and poor sightlines

• Traffic signal changes to improve traffic flow

• Consideration to the natural environment: Avoid significant woodlot at Bradley Avenue/Pack Road Maintaining continuity and connectivity of the wooded corridors Wildlife crossings across Bostwick Road Compensatory mitigation measures

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Design Alternatives – Evaluation Criteria

11

Environmental Factor Groups

Transportation Cultural Socio-Economic Natural Cost

• Planning Policies and Objectives

• Compatibility with Proposed Development Projects

• Traffic Operations / Performance

• Active Transportation

• Transit Services

• Roadway Drainage & Stormwater Management

• Commercial and Residential Access

• 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)

• Buffers

• Species at Risk and rare species

• Loss of vegetation

• Wildlife habitat

• Disruption of wildlife movement

• Aquatic species/watercourses

• Water quality

• Locally designated areas

• Air Quality

• Capital cost

• Property Cost

• Utilities

• Operation and Maintenance Cost

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.

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

12

Alternative Alignments – Bostwick Road

• Generally maintains the current road alignment to Kilbourne (future connection with Bostwick), where it shifts significantly to the SW through planned residential development area

• Maintains connection with Wharncliffe in the south

• Corridor is realigned to the west to avoid natural heritage features• Connects to existing alignment north of Kilbourne (future connection with Bostwick) down to

Wharncliffe in the South

• Corridor is realigned to the west at Pack Road to minimize encroachment into natural heritage features

• Alignment jogs slightly to the south through planned residential development area • Connects to existing alignment between the southern woodlot and north of Kilbourne (future

connection with Bostwick)• Maintains connection with Wharncliffe in the South

• Corridor is realigned to the west at Pack Road to minimize encroachment into natural heritage features

• Connects to existing alignment between the southern woodlot and north of Kilbourne (future connection with Bostwick)

• South portion of the corridor is realigned through planned residential development area to connect with Savoy Street

• Requires new signalized intersection at Wharncliffe Rd / Savoy St intersection• West leg of Wharncliffe is closed (cul–de-sac) where it currently connects with Bostwick Road

Option A Option B

Option DOption C

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Design Alternatives – Bradley Avenue

• Bradley Avenue is extended through a planned residential area south of the wooded area.

• Requires shifting the current Pack Road alignment to the south to connect with Bostwick Road.

13

• Bradley Avenue is extended through a wooded area northeast of the proposed Bradley Avenue and Bostwick Road intersection.

• This option would connect with Pack Road at Bostwick Road at its current location.

Option X

Option Y

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Design Alternatives – Kilbourne Road

14

• Kilbourne Road is a proposed secondary collector with a 21.5m Road Allowance;

• The recommended alternative is to align Kilbourne Road to the north along the existing property line to avoid impacts to the wooded area to the south.

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Evaluation of Design Alternatives – Bostwick Road

15

EVALUATION CRITERIA Do Nothing Option A Option B Option C Option D

TRANSPORTATION ○Does not address current and future transportation needs and is not consistent with the objectives of the TMP. ◕

Addresses operational requirements by providing improved alignment geometery, additional capacity and improved intersection operations. ◑

Partially addresses operational requirements by adding traffic capacity and improved intersection operations. Reduced sightlines from two curves at the south end. ●

Addresses operational requirements with optimal alignment geometery, additional capacity and improved intersection operations. ◑

Somewhat addresses operational requirements but creates additional movements at Wharncliffe / Bostwick intersection. Introduces a dicontinuity at Wharncliffe/Exeter intersection.

PLANNING POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES ○

Is not consistent with the objectives of the London Plan and South West Area Plan (SWAP)

◔Somewhat meets the objectives of the London Plan and South West Area Plan (SWAP). Lands at south end are fragmented limiting access options and development potential. However, impacts on adjacent natural areas and adjacent lands does not support local planning policies and objectives.

◑Does not fully meet the objectives of the London Plan and South West Area Plan (SWAP) due to transportation and technical limitations. Land requirements are not optimally balanced. Minor-moderate impact on proposed development projects.

●Meets the objectives of the London Plan and South West Area Plan (SWAP). Minimizes fragmentation of lands at the south end. Development potential would be generally maintained for parcels at the south end. Balances land requirement overall. ○

Is not consistent with the objectives of the London Plan and South West Area Plan (SWAP) in specifying how future corridors are to be determined. Contradicts land use plan in SWAP. Significant impact on proposed development projects and new fire hall on Savoy.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ○Does not meet current geometric design standards; does not address drainage deficiencies

◕Addresses technical requirements. A single curve at south end provides better sightlines over two curves. ◑

Partially addresses technical requirements. Reduced sightlines at south end. Limits flexibility with location of proposed SWMF's. ●

Addresses technical requirements with minimal impact on proposed development projects. Development potential would be generally maintained for parcels at the south end. Provides greater flexibility with locations of SWMF's.

○Somewhat addresses technical requirements. The classification of Savoy as a Collector is not compatible with the needs of the corridor. Delays to traffic along Wharncliffe due to additional signalized intersection at Wharncliffe/Savoy.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ◑

Doing nothing would have no direct impact on the socio-economic environment. However, this option does not support the requirements of proposed community developments. Existing businesses will face access challenges as traffic volumes increase.

◑This alternative provides the maximum allowable setback from residential properties . Widening the roadway closer to the residence would still result in moderate impacts. ◑

This alternative would have significant impacts on residential properties in the short term.

●Similar to option A, this alternative provides the maximum available setback from residential properties while limiting encroachment into the adjacent natural area. Ranks as the least impactful alternative overall. ○

Provides the maximum allowable setback from 3645 Bostwick Rd while limiting encroachment into the adjacent natural area. This option would alleviate the need to acquire commercial property at the south but would result in significant encroachment on residential property at the south end. Development lotting patterns already established on Savoy.

CULTURAL HERITAGE ●No impacts to cultural heritage resources and/or land claims from Aboriginal or First Nations communities. No impacts to archaeological resources. ◑

No anticipated impacts to cultural heritage resources and/or land claims from Aboriginal or First Nations communities. Archaeological impacts to be further assessed following a stage 2 assessment.

◑No anticipated impacts to cultural heritage resources and/or land claims from Aboriginal or First Nations communities. Archaeological impacts to be further assessed following a stage 2 assessment.

◑No anticipated impacts to cultural heritage resources and/or land claims from Aboriginal or First Nations communities. Archaeological impacts to be further assessed following a stage 2 assessment.

◑No anticipated impacts to cultural heritage resources and/or land claims from Aboriginal or First Nations communities. Archaeological impacts to be further assessed following a stage 2 assessment.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ◑

This alternative would have minimal impacts to the natural environment beyond existing impacts. However, there are no opportunities to restore / enhance habitat or improve connectivity.

This alternative would have the most significant impact to the adjacent natural environment, particularly at the northern woodlot (Patch 10064), where a number of rare species are present.

This alternative was ranked as having the least overall impact to the adjacent natural environment. The open space at the south portion of the study area and both woodlots at the northeast portion of the study area would be largely avoided. ◕

This alternative largely avoids encroachment into the significant woodlot at the northeast portion of the study area but would extend into the less significant central woodlot and open space at the southwest end. ●

This alternative largely avoids encroachment into the significant woodlot at the northeast portion of the study area but would extend into the less significant central woodlot and open space at the southwest end. This alternative would eliminate potential impacts on aquatic species and watercourses at the Thornicroft Drain, as a culvert crossing would no longer be required. There is also the potential for enhancement along the southern reaches of the drain.

COST ○Although there will be no initial capital cost, the cost of maintaining the existing roadway over the long term can be expected to increase. ●

Moderate construction and property costs

●Moderate construction and property costs

◕Higher overall construction cost of alternatives. Additional costs would be incurred for property impacts along at Wharncliffe/Bostwick/Exeter. Avoids impacts along Savoy and Fire Hall.

●Moderate construction costs. Additional costs would be incurred for property impacts along Savoy and Fire Hall; Avoids property at Wharncliffe/Bostwick/Exeter.

EVALUATION SUMMARY NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London

Evaluation of Design Alternatives – Bradley Avenue

16

EVALUATION CRITERIA Do Nothing Option X Option Y

TRANSPORTATION / TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ○

Does not address the transportation objectives in the TMP, SWAP, or the London Plan. Does not support the transportation needs of future developments. ◑

Addresses operational and technical requirements while maintaining development potential in the area. However, impacts on adjacent natural areas does not support the recommendations of local planning policies and objectives. ◑

Addresses operational and technical requirements and supports the recommendations of local planning policies and objectives. However, this alternative reduces the amount of developable land east and west of Bostwick Rd and fragments land parcels to the west, limiting development potential.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ◑While doing nothing would avoid direct impacts on the surrounding socio-economic environment, it would not support the transportation needs of future developments and community facilities. ○

This alternative would have significant impacts on 6092 Pack Rd.

●Realigning the roadway further to the south from 6092 Pack Rd would reduce the overall impact to this residence.

CULTURAL HERITAGE ●This alternative supports the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act by not encroaching onto 6092 Pack Road, which has been identified in the City’s Inventory of Heritage Resources as having historical value. ○

This alternative encroaches onto 6092 Pack Road, which has been identified in the City’s Inventory of Heritage Resources as having historical value. Encroachment onto properties of heritage significance should be avoided. ●

This alternative supports the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act by not encroaching onto 6092 Pack Road, which has been identified in the City’s Inventory of Heritage Resources as having historical value.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ●Doing nothing will have no impacts on the existing natural environment.

○This alternative would have significant impact to the adjacent natural environment (e.g. Patch 10064), where a number of rare species are present. ●

While construction of a new road will have unavoidable ecological impacts, this alternative avoids the most significant natural heritage features and provides opportunities to enhance natural habitat and facilitate wildlife movement.

COST ●No cost to construct new road.

◑Similarities in overall cost of alternatives X & Y prevents this criteria from being a significant factor in determining the recommended alternative. ◑

Similarities in overall cost of alternatives X & Y prevents this criteria from being a significant factor in determining the recommended alternative.

EVALUATION SUMMARY NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 18

Preliminary Recommended DesignThe recommended solution(s) identified for the Bostwick Road EA were determined to best meet the technical requirements and City of London’s planning objectives and policies for the area.

Bostwick Road (Option C) Bradley Avenue (Option X)

• Roadway corridor to be realigned as per Option “C” • Provides the maximum available setback from residential properties while limiting encroachment

into the adjacent natural area • Connects to existing alignment to the north of Kilbourne (future connection with Bostwick)• South portion of the alignment jogs slightly to the south through planned residential development

area and connects with Wharncliffe

• Bostwick Road to be widened to 4 lanes by 2035 with intersection improvements

• Future (2035) intersection operational improvements at Southdale and Wharncliffe intersections via additional through lanes. Signal timing improvements in the interim

• Future (2035) 4-lane roundabout configurations at Pack Road & Kilbourne Road. 2-lane roundabouts in the interim

• Active transportation improvements via continuous sidewalks and on-road bike lanes (buffered)

• Roadway drainage via catchbasins, curbs, gutters and stormsewers

• Commercial property requirements at Bostwick/Wharncliffe intersection

• Recommendations to be implemented in phases

• Corridor is to be extended to the south of Patch 10064, a significant woodlot containing rare species

• Connects with Bostwick Road to the south of existing Pack Road intersection (requires shifting the current Pack Road alignment to the south)

• 2 through lanes to accommodate vehicular traffic (interim). 4 lanes in the future (ultimate)

• Active transportation improvements via continuous sidewalks and on-road bike lanes (buffered)

• Roadway drainage improvements via catchbasins, curbs, gutters and stormsewers

• Recommend rezoning of lands to mitigate loss of adjacent medium density developable area

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 19

Implementation Plan

Bradley Avenue•The City’s Development Charges Study and Capital

Plan include the extension of Bradley Avenue between Wonderland Road and Bostwick Road with two lanes by 2032.

Bostwick Road

• The realignment and widening of Bostwick Road is not currently scheduled.

• Following completion of the study, the City can commence with property acquisitions.

• Realignment and reconstruction of two lanes is anticipated by 2025 in conjunction with proposed developments.

• Widening to four lanes is anticipated beyond 2025 or by 2035.

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 20

Phasing Plan Options – Bostwick Road

Initial Reconstruction and Realignment of Two Lanes on East Side Of Centerline

•Allows for installation of sidewalks, street lighting and storm sewers in ultimate location

•Allows for phasing of future trunk sanitary sewer with minimal disruption.

•Future widening would take place on west side of centerline•Allow for maintenance of traffic during construction

Initial Reconstruction and Realignment of Two Lanes with Median (Recommended between Wharncliffe and Kilbourne)

•Allows for installation of sidewalks, street lighting and storm sewers in ultimate location

•Allows for maintenance of traffic during construction•Median provides a safety buffer between opposing lanes•Allows for construction of buffered on-road bicycle lanes•Allows for flexibility in timing and construction of

roundabouts.

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 21

Recommended Cross Section Bostwick Road (Ultimate)

The cross sections developed for the Bostwick Road and Bradley

Avenue corridors were developed to meet both

technical requirements of the study and planning objectives established in the Southwest Area Plan (SWAP 2014), The London Plan (Official Plan),

2030 Transportation Master Plan – SmartMoves and City of

London Cycling Master Plan (London ON Bikes).

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 22

Recommended Cross Section Bradley Avenue (Ultimate)

The cross sections developed for the Bostwick Road and Bradley

Avenue corridors were developed to meet both

technical requirements of the study and planning objectives established in the Southwest Area Plan (SWAP 2014), The London Plan (Official Plan),

2030 Transportation Master Plan – SmartMoves and City of

London Cycling Master Plan (London ON Bikes).

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 23

Roundabouts at Pack Road & Kilbourne Road (Future)

• Though no traffic signals are warranted, significant delay is anticipated at these locations in the future

• Roundabouts at these locations will serve to reduce unnecessary delay

• Pedestrian safety would be improved via new “PXO” treatments requiring vehicles to stop for crossing pedestrians (OTM Book 15)

• Additional benefits:• Proven reduction in severity of accidents• Reduction in vehicle emissions & noise

• Lower costs to maintain• Provides ability to make a U-turn on a divided road

Bostwick Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment City of London 24

Next Steps Confirm the study recommendations (i.e. Preferred Design) in context of the comments received

Meet with additional stakeholders and technically agencies as required

Complete factor-specific studies Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment

Tree inventory & Assessment

Noise Assessment

Submit an Environmental Study Report, documenting the planning process, for 30 Day public review

Proceed to Phase 5: Detailed Design & Construction

Henry Huotari, P.Eng. Project ManagerParsons Inc. 1069 Wellington Road South, Suite 214London, ON N6E 2H6Tel: 519-286-5517Email: [email protected]

•Maged Elmadhoon, M.Eng., P.Eng.•Traffic & Transportation Engineer •City of London•300 Dufferin Avenue, 8th Floor, P.O Box 5035•London, Ontario, N6A 4L9•Tel: 519-661-CITY (2489) ext. 4934•Email: [email protected]

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.

We encourage you to complete a comment sheet before leaving or submit your comments via email / mail to one of the following project team members: