Stephen Brook, Senior Transportation Engineer of BT Engineering presented the Boiler Beach Traffic Study to Committee of the Whole.
BTE was retained by the Township of Huron-Kinloss to complete a traffic study examining the feasibility of converting Boiler Beach Road to one-way operation from Concession 10 to Huronville Street.
The four top issues identified were; safety of pedestrians, safety of cyclists, traffic speed and protecting the Shoreline.
Brook provided potential options for consideration with respect to one way traffic on the roadway, and incorporation of multi-use trails, bicycle lanes, or parking options. Implementation would be subject to the Environmental Assessment Process.
Interim improvement suggestions were provided as part of the report, which included designated no parking zones, placement of share the road signage and the addition of a centre-line marking as a traffic calming measure.
Council inquired about concerns regarding snow removal and safety to pedestrians with parked cars. Brook spoke about the placement of bike lane placement and how it re-incorporates with two way traffic. Brook clarified that in the proposal bicyclists would be able to move both north bound and south bound. Southbound travel would be with motor traffic. Snow removal would be at the discretion of the Township.
Council clarified the amount of time that was presented regarding the difference in time to go northbound to Kincardine as being a one minute difference.
Council inquired about whether the road would need to be narrowed in any place with the preferred alternative. Brook clarified that in the narrower areas, the parking lane would be reduced or removed. It would not necessarily be the same cross section through the full length of the road.
Council inquired as to whether a parking traffic count had been done and whether the one way multi-use trail could go the entire way of the path. Brook reported that in some cases there is not 10 meters of the existing right of way.
Council inquired about the feedback from residents on the one-way street approach. Brook reported that the greatest number of residents selected one way approach as the preferred option during community engagement, however it was not a majority of residents. Brook estimated that a quarter of respondents supported each of the four offered solutions.
Council inquired if flush curbs were necessary or if pavement markings could be used. Brook suggested a rumble strip be used in this case to make motorists aware of the pedestrian travel.