STAFF REPORT: Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project Funding
A report regarding funding for safety improvements at the Island Highway Admirals Road intersection as part of the bridge replacement project.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Council FROM: John Rosenberg, Director of Engineering; Jeannie Beauchamp, Director of Finance DATE: March 11, 2014 MEETING DATE: March 18, 2014 FILE NO.: 5300-09
Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project Funding
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Committee considers the ICBC Island Highway Admirals Road Safety Improvements as part of the Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project as originally intended.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER'S COMMENTS:
I concur with the recommendation.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE'S COMMENTS:
I concur with the recommendation.
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
To provide funding information for the project to allow discussion on the Island Highway Admirals Road Safety Improvements to discuss and recommend safety mitigation measures to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, as well as reduce the risk of vehicular collisions. Currently the project is recommended to be undertaken in 2017.
TIME CRITICAL:
With the Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project construction taking place this year, consideration should be given to recommended safety improvements in conjunction with the bridge construction contract.
As Council and staff are currently going through 2014 budget deliberations, the timely approval by Council is critical if the work is to take place within the bridge construction timeframe.
BACKGROUND:
A transportation consultant performed a detailed safety analysis of the intersection. ICBC funded a significant portion of this cost and was involved in its review with staff.
It is important to note that the annual collision rate at this intersection is significantly higher than provincial average collision rates. Collision rates are based on the Highway Accident System collision data, which is based on police reports. Types of collisions at this particular intersection include rear-end collisions, side swipes and left turn opposing collisions.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
The consultant retained to conduct the safety analysis of the intersection, Opus International, was asked to develop safety mitigation measures to improve both the pedestrian environment of the intersection and surrounding approaches, as well as reduce the risk of collisions.
The main areas of concern in the intersection are:
- Queuing of vehicles across the Island Highway crosswalk on the west side of the intersection, thereby conflicting with pedestrian movement and causing an extremely unsafe environment, as well as blocking westbound through traffic from Craigflower Road;
- Short pedestrian clearance intervals at the crosswalks;
- Inconsistent speed limits and unclear School Zones;
- Right turn rear-end collisions for the right turn from Island Highway eastbound to Admirals Road southbound;
- Driver and pedestrian risk taking behavior;
- Driver confusion related to lane allocation;
- Significant left turn opposing collisions involving left turning traffic from Craigflower Road westbound.
Summary of cost estimates:
| Ref No. | Improvement Opportunity | Expected Result | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revise traffic signal phasing and optimize timing, including lengthening pedestrian walk times (will require intersection design drawing changes and timing sheet revisions) | Improve operation and safety for pedestrians and drivers by reducing vehicles queued in intersection and blocking crosswalk | $51,000 |
| 2 | Improve road markings and signage on all approaches at, and in, the intersection, including 'How to Cross Safely' signs on all pedestrian buttons | Improve operation and safety for pedestrians and drivers by providing better guidance and education | $11,000 |
| TOTAL | $62,000 | ||
| 2a | Paving of Intersection | The intersection requires reconstruction in several areas, in addition road markings would have a longer lifespan on a stable road surface. | $65,000 |
| TOTAL | $127,000 | ||
| 3 | On north side of Island Highway, just west of the intersection, install traffic pole to provide timer controlled School Zone amber flashing sign, backlit overhead lane use signs and new street light | Improve operation and safety for pedestrians by highlighting presence of School Zone; provide better guidance for drivers | $35,000 |
| 4 | On the south side of Island Highway, just west of the intersection, install traffic pole to provide backlit overhead lane use signs, amber flashers and new street light; add emergency microphone | Improve operation and safety for drivers by providing better guidance and improved signage and lighting and improve access for emergency vehicles | $25,000 |
| TOTAL | $187,000 |
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:
The current project has a contingency amount remaining of approximately $210,000. An additional $175,000 in funding has been requested in the 2014 capital budget.
Estimated 2014 year end balances for potential funding sources are as follows:
Gas Tax - $87,872 Casino - $312,502 Capital Works Reserve - $90,078
Funding, and funding source allocation, for this project are as follows:
| 2013 Actual | 2013 Budget | 2013 Variance | 2014 Budget* | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant | 5,150,538 | 5,512,500 | 361,962 | 125,000 | Variance is due to $271,962 grant being recognized for 2011 and 2012 work; received $35K ICBC grant with a $125K budget. Remaining grant from ICBC of $125k will be received in 2014. |
| Gas Tax | 450,227 | 538,098 | 87,872 | 285,635 | Projected to use full amount of Gas Tax in 2013. Actual came in under projected spending. $285,635 is the amount of additional Gas Tax to be received in 2014. |
| Casino | 759,044 | 759,044 | 847,288 | Additional Casino funds are available and allocated to fund the project in lieu of other funding option including surplus. | |
| Capital Works Reserve | 532,646 | 532,646 | 541,475 | Not used in 2013. Prior Year's balance plus interest available in 2014. | |
| Surplus | 119,609 | 119,609 | Other funding sources are available for 2014 and allocated in lieu of surplus. | ||
| Total Cost | 5,600,765 | 7,461,897 | 1,861,132 | 1,799,398 |
*Including $175,000 additional funding
SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS:
Optimization of signal timing and phasing may improve traffic flow and reduce idling, thereby reducing vehicle emissions, which ties into the Town's Energy and Emissions Plan, as well as the Town's carbon neutral requirements under the BC Climate Action Charter.
Improvement to pedestrian and cyclist safety strengthens the Town's commitment to environmental stewardship by promoting and encouraging green transportation.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Committee leaves the funding as currently presented in the 2014 budget deliberations as a 2017 Capital project;
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Committee considers the ICBC Island Highway Admirals Road Safety Improvements as part of the Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project as originally intended.
SUBMITTED BY:
John Rosenberg A.Sc.T Director of Engineering
Jeannie Beauchamp, CPA, CGA Director of Finance
REVIEWED BY:
Kim Anema Chief Administrative Officer
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