Overpass Solution
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The document addresses the need for a rail overpass at the 64th Avenue and Mufford Crescent intersection in Langley to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion caused by frequent train blockages. A community survey indicated that 69% of residents are willing to contribute financially to avoid delays at rail crossings. The proposed overpass is viewed as a strategic solution to enhance network connectivity and manage growing traffic demands resulting from local port expansions.
Overpass Solution
- 1. 64 th Avenue / Mufford Crescent Rail Overpass F ebruary 9, 2009
- 2. Today’s Situation Safety is an issue every time a train travels through the Langley municipalities Long delays at rail crossings result in increased costs and environmental impacts For every minute a train blocks a crossing there is a five minute multiplier effect on traffic resulting in gridlock during peak hours
- 3. CTA Warrants ALREADY exceeded for Grade Separation
- 5. 2006 Community Survey 69% are prepared to pay $60 per year/ $5 per month to construct options that will avoid congestion at Rail Crossings.
- 6. The Need Port Metro Vancouver –essential for Canada, BC, Metro Vancouver, Langleys Growth in Road & Rail Traffic Continuing & increasing GRIDLOCK without overpasses Port Expansion in progress 3rd Berth completion in 2009 Phase 2 to add 3 more berths (total 6 berths)
- 8. First Choice Use Alternative Rail Route(s) for Heavy Rail Traffic to/from port This has been explored vigorously and exhaustively and we are advised this is not a realistic option.
- 9. Facing Reality Seek an overpass solution which : Improves Safety Functions Effectively Is sustainable Environmentally: CEAA, ALC Socially Economically Is ‘doable’ Is ‘fundable’
- 10. TOL Master Transportation Plan Willowbrook Street Plan 6.3B
- 11. Finding an Optimum Solution Wide support for an overpass Rail O/P is a distinct benefit in all scenarios (including passenger train) Mobility is enhanced by roads in a grid network Effective, efficient, provides alternatives Proposed overpass adds a strategic network link Primarily for Langley traffic As an alternative for other traffic during a rail event.
- 12. Map 64/ Mufford Network Link
- 13. Open House (OH) 390 attendees Provided the project valuable input and suggestions to improve or enhance the design Identified information gaps that exist and we will address tonight
- 14. Regional Network Recent upgrades to Pacific Highway and Highway#10 west of Cloverdale and imminent construction of South Fraser Perimeter Road will help avoid congestion in Langley.
- 16. Langley Network Until recently traffic from northwest to southeast and return relies on Langley By-Pass. Network enhanced by addition of 2 links – both rail overpasses 204 St (City network N-S), and 64/Mufford (E-W) Result: balanced use of network with traffic distribution that avoids pinch points and entanglement.
- 17. 64/Mufford Overpass Open Houses revealed several specific concerns regarding community issues and further impacts. What we heard. Traffic at capacity at Glover/72/Crush especially during a rail event with queues onto 216. Resolve to consider improvements at this intersection. Residents along 64 are concerned with increased traffic. Resolve to direct traffic to Glover by installing directional signage at 216/64 to Highway 1.
- 19. Other alignment options Community is seeking answers to other alignments; First principles: Improve safety (separate vehicles from trains); Network connectivity (improve mobility, decrease congestion, improve emergency response times); Network redundancy (alternative route in event of accident or emergency)
- 21. Option ‘J’ PROS Separates trains / vehicles Smaller initial impact to ALR lands CONS Fails to improve network connectivity
- 22. Option ‘J’ CONS (cont’d) Focuses traffic into a congested area. Requires widening of By-Pass Requires longer structure S/bound connection from Glover difficult and costly High environmental impact in difficult soils Increases ALR impact in med./long term Not supported by other partners.
- 23. Public Consultation Since 2004 Langley Township has consulted with the public on design concepts and alignments Oct. 25, 2004, Presentation of design concepts to Mayor and Council April 30, 2005, Willowbrook Mall, Public display. May 3, 2005, Christian Life Assembly, Joint Township & City Council Meeting. Public display. March 16, 2006, Community Survey reveals traffic remains top concern and 69% are prepared to pay $60 per year / $5 per month to construct options that will avoid congestion at Rail Crossings. February 5, 2007 Council Report 07-15 “Master Transportation Plan” March 22, 2007, Civic Facility, Public Open House Master Transportation Plan
- 24. Other Issues Project does not include closing of farm accesses that cross railway Port expansion increases rail traffic – Transport Canada initiated study to determine strategy to resolve transportation/community impacts. Project funding is $51M of which Langley Township share is $9.3M There are no plans to double track CP Rail or widen Hwy #10 (Glover Road) in this area. The Province and ALC have no plans to exclude land from the ALR in this area.