Background
Introduction - The Blossom Park west localized Area Traffic Management Study was initiated by the City in May 2015 to address community concerns related to traffic as reported by local residents.
Concerns - Residents identified a number of concerns along Blossom Park west community including:
- High vehicular volumes
- Motorists parking in pedestrian lanes
- Inappropriate motorist behaviour and speeding
- Motorists using community streets as a through route between Bank and Albion
- Motorist speeding
Study Process – A study was undertaken using the process outlined in the City’s Area Traffic Management Guidelines (2004). This involved numerous activities including data collection, public consultation, development and evaluation of alternative solutions, and the selection of a preferred solution.
Methodology – The intent of following the process in the Area Traffic Management Guidelines was to ensure solutions to address or mitigate concerns were developed through fostering community consensus and technical input. This included examining solution alternatives in an incremental manner. Ultimately, a set of feasible solutions were presented to the public for comment with the intent of selecting a draft preferred solution. Refinements were made to the draft preferred solution to address follow-up commentary – the refined plan forms the Recommended Plan.
Consultation
Two Public Open House meetings were hosted (June 7, 2015 and October 29, 2015) at Convent Sawmill Creek Elementary School and the Greenboro Community Center to present and gather input regarding the study. Advertising for both Public Open House meetings was done via a notice posted respectively in the Ottawa South EMC Community Newspaper and the LeDroit Newspaper, a Notification Letter (door-to-door deliveries), and on the City’s website. A separate email invitation was sent to the Fallingbrook Community Association.
A project web page was hosted on the City of Ottawa website providing background on the project and contact information.
Results of consultation
- 16 individuals attended Public Open House 1 - 12 individuals submitted email/written comments.
- 13 individuals attended Public Open House 2 - 13 individuals submitted email/written comments.
- Final Recommended Plan formed based on input from Public and City.
Summary of recommended plan measures
Speed Humps
- Install 6 speed humps on Rosebella (3) and Kingsdale (3) Avenues. Install WA-50 Signs in each direction at each speed hump.
Speed Tables
- Install 3 speed tables on Queensdale Avenue. Install WA-50 Signs in each direction at each speed table.
Side Island Narrowings
- Install 4m long side island narrowings on each side of each speed hump on Rosebella (6) and Kingsdale Avenue (6). Install 7m long side island narrowings on the north side of the easternmost speed table and on each side of the other speed tables on Queensdale Avenue (5).
Signage Improvements
- Install Pathway “Stop” signs on Sawmill Creek Path at road crossings (Rosebella, Kingsdale and Queensdale Avenues).
- Install “Trail Crossing” signs at the Sawmill Creak path on Rosebella and Kingsdale Avenues in both directions.
Parking Modifications
- Install no parking signs on north side of Rosebella and Kingsdale Avenues to restrict parking of the north side for the entire length of the road, between Albion Road and Bank Street.
- Install “No Parking” signs on the south side of Rosebella and Kingsdale at the Sawmill Creek path crossings to restrict parking for 7m on each side of the path.
- Install “No Parking” signs on the north side of Queensdale Avenue west of civic address 1633.
- Install Parking signs on the south side of Queensdale between Bannon and the Sawmill Creek to allow parking on the South side.
Improved Pedestrian Walking Space
- Pedestrian walking area along the north sides of Rosebella, Queensdale, and Kingsdale Avenues will be implemented through pavement marking modifications as shown in the recommended plan. This will include a 1.8 to 2.0m wide walking area marked with double edge lines.
Modification outcome and benefits
-
Pedestrians
Pedestrians should benefit from reduced motorist speeds, lower incidences of illegal parking inside the pedestrian walking areas, increased differentiation of pedestrian walkways, added protection provided to pedestrian by the side narrowing islands, warning of trail crossings for motorists -
Cyclists
Cyclists should benefit from the anticipated reduction in speeds. - Vehicles
Improved motorist behaviour will be encouraged through the combination of side island narrowings, speed humps, improved pavement markings for pedestrians, and improved parking restriction signage.
- Adjacent Land Use
Adjacent properties should benefit from reduced vehicle speeds.
Projected start and completion date
All area traffic management measures, once approved, are prioritized for potential implementation utilizing a process described in the City’s Area Traffic Management Guidelines. Recommended measures from the study will be implemented either at the time of future roadway rehabilitation or when funding for implementation becomes available and these measures rank as an overall priority within the Area Traffic Management program.