DATE: April 23, 2025
TO: Council Infrastructure & Airport Committee
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT
Title
Evaluation and Long-Term Project Recommendations for the Orchard Avenue Traffic Calming Quick-Build Pilot Project
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council Infrastructure & Airport Committee (CIAC) reviews the evaluation of the Orchard Avenue Traffic Calming Quick-Build Pilot Project (Project) and provides direction on the development of a permanent project.
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SUMMARY
This Project constructed traffic calming improvements by striping and delineation changes to improve the operation of the roundabout and removes a traffic lane in each direction on Orchard Avenue between Joyce Street and Mission Boulevard. The Project included changes to the lane configurations at Mission Boulevard and additional no truck signage.
Construction started on December 2, 2024 and was substantially completed on January 14, 2025. The pilot evaluation period includes data from January to April. Due to observations and feedback received, staff made signal timing changes to the Mission Boulevard/Carlos Bee Boulevard/Orchard Avenue intersection which resulted in 30% reduction in queue length for the Carlos Bee Boulevard approach. Traffic count and speed data collection comparing January 2023 to January 2025 showed no changes in volume and 8% and 5% average speed reduction for the eastbound and westbound directions between Oneil Avenue and Joyce Street, respectively.
Based on the findings of the evaluation and the feedback received, staff recommends moving forward with a plan for long-term infrastructure for the lane reduction along Orchard Avenue and Carlos Bee Boulevard, and at the roundabout at Joyce Street. Staff also recommends installing safety lighting, bulbouts, crosswalks and curb ramps, and buffered or protected bike lanes on Orchard Avenue. Finally, staff proposes to investigate options to create a multi-...
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