As with parking, traffic flow is not an issue that the Concert development team has taken lightly. In conjunction with our consultants, we were able to formulate a comprehensive transportation demand management plan within the rezoning application we recently submitted to the City of North Vancouver.
Before we get into the specifics of Concert’s strategies, let’s summarize the current traffic flow conditions at Harbourside:
- Existing traffic flow is overwhelmingly commuter-focused with 70% of the total traffic flowing in during the morning (8 – 9:00 AM) and the reverse occurring in the evening (4:30 – 5:30 PM).
- Traffic can become congested at peak times along Fell Avenue.
- 80% of the traffic flow is on Fell, and only 20% goes via the secondary Bewicke Avenue route.
- Current bike and pedestrian pathways are underutilized due to poor connections to the Spirit Trail.
As part of Concert’s rezoning application the following strategies have been recommended:
Highlights of changes to existing street networks (click here to see diagram)
- Install new traffic lights at both Fell & Automall Drive and at Fell & Harbourside Drive.
- Adjust lane configuration at Fell & Marine and Fell & 1st Street to improve north bound traffic flow.
- Concert would fund further studies on the Keith Road & Marine Drive intersection.
Improve alternate route access
- Provide opportunities to better utilize the Bewicke Avenue secondary route to reduce existing congestion on Fell Avenue.
- Repaving and beautification of a portion of Bewicke Avenue.
- Encourage alternative transportation methods with the addition of cyclist and pedestrian lanes on Bewicke bridge, and improve safe access overall along Bewicke Avenue.
- Installation of safety arms on the at-grade rail crossing.
- Erecting digital signage to notify traffic of an impending train to allow re-routing to avoid train-related delays.
Additional measures to alter the balance of traffic into and out of Harbourside:
- Subsidize transit to increase service from Harbourside and the Lonsdale Quay transportation hub to increase ridership by providing an appealing alternative to driving.
- Implement a community bike share program.
- Make car share vehicles available.
- Increase and enhance greenway and bikeway connections via the Spirit Trail and new road networks to better connect Harbourside with the broader North Shore.
- Foster a ride share program to encourage carpooling.
- Provide a dedicated transit management coordinator to educate new and existing workers and residents regarding car sharing, cycling, transit and other alternative transportation methods.
It should be noted that these strategies would coincide with the initial phases of development at Harbourside. As the development moves into later phases, traffic management strategies will be evaluated and adjusted to address emerging concerns.
What a joke, the traffic will be so bad for people on the North Shore all the way to Seymore area. Presently when theirs a problem with the bridge, people are lined up on Fell to get on the highway, That raises the issue that the rent or cost to purchase will be so high all the employes that will be working there will have to drive over the bridge to get to somewhere they can afford to live
ReplyDeleteThank you for comment. The team has long since recognized that traffic and transportation solutions are a critical component of the project’s success. Through the extensive studies conducted by our transportation consultants, Bunt & Associates, we are confident that our plan comprehensively tackles the inherent challenges associated with additional density in the area. Over the four phases of the development, it is Concert’s intention to continually monitor traffic flow with an eye towards making further improvements as required.
ReplyDeleteThrough the development of 700 condominium and 100 rental homes, it will be Concert’s intention to bring forward a range of housing options. As part of our mixed use vision, we expect a portion of the 1,500 additional employees that will ultimately work in Harbourside’s high quality office and retail spaces will choose to live in the area.