Background
Introduction - The Merkley Drive localized Area Traffic Management Study was initiated by the City in February 2016 to address community concerns related to traffic as reported by local residents.
Concerns - Residents identified a number of concerns along Merkley Drive including:
- Speeding and inappropriate driver behaviour
- Pedestrian safety concerns
- Difficulty crossing Merkley Drive
- Cyclist safety concerns, particularly related to conflict with parked vehicles
- Poor compliance at all-way stop control located at Merkley Drive/ Mathieu Way Lack of police enforcement
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 (April 7th, 2015 and June 9th, 2016) at Convent Fallingbrook Elementary School and the Ray Friel Recreation Complex respectively to present and gather input regarding the study. Advertising for both Public Open House meetings was done via a notice posted in the Orleans star and the LeDroit Newspaper (on April 21st ,2015 for the first meeting and on June 9th, 2016 for the second meeting), 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: http://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/public-consultations/merkley-drive-localized-area-traffic-management-study
Results of consultation
- 20 individuals attended Public Open House 1 - 22 individuals submitted email/written comments.
- 14 individuals attended Public Open House 2 - 18 individuals submitted email/written comments.
- Final Recommended Plan formed based on input from Public and City Staff.
Summary of recommended plan measures
Pedestrian Crossover – Type B
- Type B Pedestrian Crossover with pedestrian activated flashing lights at the Apollo Crater Park pathway crossing.
Raised Pedestrian Crossing
- Raised pedestrian crossing on the west leg of the Merkley Drive/ Mathieu / Merkley intersection (in front of the Pioneers Elementary School).
Curb Radius Reductions
- Curb radius reductions at southeast and southwest corners of the Merkley Drive and Wilkie Drive (adjacent to pioneers school).
Parking Regulations
- Prohibition of parking on south side of Merkley Drive.
Roadway Cross-section
- Modification of roadway cross-section such that it provides a dedicated 1.5 m cycling lane and 3.5 m travel lane on the south side of the street; and a 3.75 m sharrow and 2.25 m parking lane on the north side of the street. This can be accommodated within the existing 11.0 m roadway width.
Modification outcome and benefits
- Pedestrians
Pedestrians should benefit from reduced motorist speeds, the introduction of a Type B pedestrian crossover at the Apollo Crater Park pathway crossing, a raised crosswalk at the Merkley Drive/ Mathieu Way intersection, and curb radius reductions at the Merkley Drive/ Wilkie Drive East intersection. - Cyclists
Cyclists should benefit from the anticipated reduction in speeds and the new recommended cross-section which provides a dedicated cycling lane on the south side of Merkley Drive and a designated sharrow on the north side of Merkley Drive. - Vehicles
Improved motorist behaviour will be encouraged through the implementation of traffic management measures. - 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.