The Honourable Bob larelli Minister of Transp ation/minister of Infrastructure 3 rd Floor, Ferg n Block 77 Wellesle treet West Toronto N M7A 1Z8

Transcription

1 June 8, 2012 The Honourable Bob larelli Minister of Transp ation/minister of Infrastructure 3 rd Floor, Ferg n Block 77 Wellesle treet West Toronto N M7A 1Z8 The Regional Municipality of Durham Clerk's.Department RE: PROVINCIAL HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS IN DURHAM REGION (2012-J-20) (OUR FILE NO.: E03-76) 605 ROSSLAND RD. E. PO BOX 623 WHITBY ON L 1 N 6A3 CANADA :1102 Fax: clerks@durham.ca Pat M. Madill, A.M.C.T., CMM III Regional Clerk Honourable Minister, please be advised the Joint Planning &Economic Development and Works Committees of Regional Council considered the above matter and at a meeting held on June 6,2012 Council adopted the following recommendations of the Joint Committee: "a) THAT Joint Report No J-20 of the Commissioners of Planning &Economic Development and Works be received for information; and b) THAT a copy of Joint Report No J-20 be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation, Infrastructure Ontario, Area Municipalities and Conservation Authorities." As directed, please find attached a copy of Joint Report #2012-J-20.. P.M. Madill, AMCT, CMM III Regional Clerk PMM/ct Enc!. c: A. DeSantigo, Infrastructure Ontario CTC Source Protection Authority South Georgian Bay - Lake Simcoe Source Protection Authority Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Authority R. Powell, CAO, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority R. Messervey, CAO, Kawartha Conservation Authority B. Denney, CAO, The Toronto & Region Conservation Authority L. Laliberte, General Manager, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority D.G. Wood, CAO, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority M. de Rond, Clerk, Town of 100% Post Consumer

2 Page 2 of 2 June 8, 2012 Provincial Highway Improvements in Durham Region Report No.2012-J-20 c. cont: T. Gettinby, CAO/Clerk, Township of Brock P"k. Barrie, Clerk, Municipality of Clarington...,s. Kranc, City of Oshawa. D. Shields, Clerk, City of Pickering K. Coates, Clerk, Township of Scugog D. Leroux, Clerk, Township of Uxbridge D. W ilcox, Clerk, Town of Whitby C. Curtis, Commissioner of Works A.L. Georgieff, Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development

3 The Regional Municipality of Durham To: The Planning & Economic Development and Works Committee From: A.L. Georgieff, Commissioner of Planning and Economic... 0,. ~" ",._ _. Development C. Curtis, Commissioner of Works Report No.: 2012-J-20 Date: May 24,2012 SUBJECT: Provincial Highway Improvements in Durham Region RECOMMENDATIONS: a) THAT Joint Report No J-20 be received for information; and b) THAT a copy of Joint Report No J-20 be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation, Infrastructure Ontario, area municipalities and Conservation Authorities. REPORT: 1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 1.1 The Regional Official Plan (ROP) and Transportation Master Plan (TMP) both recognize the importance of Provincial freeways and highways as essential to. fostering economic development and an integrated transportation network. 1.2 The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and status update of Environmental Assessment (EA) studies recently initiated by the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario (MTO) for projects in Durham. These studies are proceeding under the MTO Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities. A few of these projects are planned to be constructed over the next four years, as indicated in the MTO. Southern Ontario Highways Program (published in August 2011), while others are longer-term initiatives. 1

4 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No This Report also provides a brief update on implementation of the Highway 407 East extension, and ongoing highway-related construction projects. Attachment 1 shows the location of the Highway 407 extension and these EA studies. 2. HIGHWAY 401 PROJECTS Strategic Rehabilitation of Highway 401 from Warden Avenue to Brock Road EA 2.1 In January 2010, an EA and preliminary design study was initiated to determine a long-term strategy to address the rehabilitation needs of Highway 401 between Warden Avenue and Brock Road. This project includes recommendations on pavement and structural rehabilitation, safety and operational improvements, construction timing and staging, and consideration of transit friendly initiatives (e.g., bus pass-through lanes at interchanges, allowing buses to pass on shoulders, new carpool lots). 2.2 URS Canada Inc. was retained by MTO to conduct the study. The first Public Information Centre (PIC) was held in October 2010 and the second in June Within DurhamRegion, proposed operational improvements are recommended at the Whites Road interchange to include a dual right turn movement on the eastbound off-ramp at Whites Road. The additional right tum lane will significantly impact the operation of the southbound left tum movement at the Whites Road/Bayly Street intersection as the majority of the off ramp traffic turns eastbound onto Bayly Street. Consequently, MTO has also identified the need for dual southbound left turn lanes at the Whites Road/Bayly Street intersection. Regional staff are working with MTO on the required operational improvements at this intersection for existing conditions and for the implementation of the dual right tum movement at the eastbound off-ramp at Whites Road. 2.4 Two carpool lot locations were originally considered as part of the study, at Port Union Road (which is just to the west of Pickering) and Whites Road. 2

5 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No. 3 The Port Union Road location has been removed from this EA but will be considered through a subsequentstlfdy. The-Wtiites Road locafiorihas been removed from this EA as well, but may be reconsidered as part of a separate MTO initiative to assess and implement carpool lots within the GTA. 2_5 The EA report 1 and preliminary design report are targeted to be complete and filed in the next couple of months. Construction is not currently scheduled in the Southern Ontario Highways Program, which extends to Salem Road to Brock Street EA 2.6 In April 201 0, MTO re-initiated this EA and preliminary design study to address capacity, operational and safety requirements for this section of Highway 401. The recommended design approved as part of the Highway 407 East EA study for the West Durham Link and Lake Ridge Road interchanges on Highway 401, and realignment of Highway 401 to the north to accommodate them, has been carried forward as part of this EA study. Further, the need and justification for widening Highway 401 east of Salem Road is included in this study as it was beyond scope of work for the Highway 407 East EA. 2.7 AECOM was retained by MTO to conduct the study. The first PIC was held in May 2011., and a second PIC is targeted in late spring or early summer. 2.8 Several key recommendations have been made to date, as follows:. Highway 401 widening will ultimately be to a 12 lane Collector/Express configuration between Salem Road and the West Durham Link (assuming that the existing Collector/Express lanes will be extended east of Brock. Road to Salem Road as a separate initiative), and to 10 lanes from the West Durham Link to east of Brock Street; High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes will be accommodated as part of the recommended 10 lane cross-section east of the West Durham Link; 1 Under the MTO Class EA process, the final EA report is technicaliy referred to as the Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR). 3

6 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No.4 After a thorough review of design options, three design alternatives are beiiigcoiisibefe'd for improving the Brock Road- inferchange; The Brock Street and Henry Street bridges over Highway 401 will be replaced on the existing centreline of these roads; and The realignment of Highway 401 will be shifted slightly south from that proposed through thehighway 407 East EA, to better accommodate the westerly extension of Burns Street. 2.9 The above recommendations, and details on construction staging and interim vs. "ultimate" improvements, should be confirmed and presented at the second PIC that will be held this spring/early summer. One interim improvement to Highway 401 being considered is the addition of a fourth lane in each direction between Salem Road and the West Durham Link. The Project Team is expected to complete and file the EA report in the fall,. following the PIC Construction for this project is not currently scheduled in the Southern Ontario Highways Program, which extends to Courtice Road to Durham Region Boundary (East Townline Road) EA 2.11 In August 2011, MTO initiated this EA and preliminary design study to identify ultimate Highway 401 needs, preliminary staging requirements and proposed sequence of improvements, reconstruction of the interchanges, and provisions for HOV lanes. The recommended design approved as part of the Highway 407 East EA study for the East Durham Link has been carried forward as part of this EA study URS Canada Inc. was retained by MTO to conduct the study. The first Public Information Centre (PIC) was held in February and the second is currently targeted for June In terms of Highway 401 widening, the following improvement concept is under examination: 10 lanes between Courtice Road and Liberty Street; 4

7 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No.5 Eight to 10 lanes between Liberty Street and Highway 35/115 (to be.. determined more speclficaily through further study);an ci Six lanes between Highway 35/115 and the east Durham boundary In terms of interchange improvements, two or more alternatives for the following interchanges have been developed: Waverley Road (Regional Road 57); Liberty Street (Regional Road 14); Bennett Road; Highway 35/115; Mill Street (Regional Road 17); and Newtonville Road (Regional Road 18) The Courtice Road and Holt Road interchanges are also within the study area limits. A preliminary design for the Courtice Road interchange was included as part of the Highway 407 East EA. MTO is currently reviewing what improvements should be included for the Courtice Road interchange as part of the Highway 407 Phase 2 project (Le., the extension of Highway 407 from Harmony Road to Highway 35/115 and Including the East Durham Link). A separate EA study has recently been initiated for improvements to the Holt Road interchange, as noted below Alternatives for replacing the Morgans Road bridge structure over Highway 401, located east of Newcastle between Mill Street and Newtonville Road, have also been developed An issue has been identified pertaining to the future Lambs Road interchange in Bowmanville. Policy (b) and Schedule C, Map C1 of the ROP identifies the removal of the Bennett Road interchange once a new interchange at Lambs Road is constructed. This is also identified in the Clarington Official Plan (policy ). The rationale for these policies is that Lambs Road,. as a Type B Arterial, provides a more direct connection to Bowmanville and the surrounding transportation network than Bennett Road, which is under local jurisdiction. Also, Bennett Road is not designated as an 5

8 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No.6 arterial road in the ROP,2 and provides limited connectivity between Regional Highway 2 and Wilmot Creek commu-nit}/ south cif Highway 4(H: the PIC materials do not present any alternative(s) related to the removal of the Bennett Road interchange and its replacement with a new interchange at Lambs Road Given that the purpose of this EA study is to address long-term traffic needs, a thorough evaluation of alternatives for a new Lambs Road interchange versus retaining the Bennett Road interchange should be part of the scope of work. The evaluation of alternatives should address traffic distribution including goods movement and alternative modes, connectivity to the existing and planned road network including the Highway 407 extension, impacts on the natural environment, etc. The Region will continue to reinforce the need for this work as the EA proceeds Construction for this project is not currently scheduled in the Southern Ontario Highways Program, which extends to Highway 401 Underpasses at Cobbledick Road and East Townline Road EA 2.20 In December 2011, MTO initiated this EA and preliminary design study to undertake structural improvements to Highway 401 underpasses 3 at Cobbledick Road (located just west of Newcastle) and East Townline Road (located at the Durham/Northumberland boundary). Both structures were constructed in 1958 and require major repairs URS Canada Inc. was retained by MTD to conduct the study. A PIC was held in February jointly with the Highway 401 Improvements EA between Courtice Road and East Townline Road. The EA report is scheduled to be completed and filed in September/October. 2 North of Regional Highway 2, Providence Road (and road allowance) is designated as an existing/future Type C Arterial road in the Rap, but south of Regional Highway 2, Bennett Road is also designated as a Type C Arterial road in the Clarington Official Plan. 3 The term "underpasses" refers to bridge structures that are constructed over a divided highway..

9 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No Both Cobbledick Road and East Townline Road are local roads. The recommended alternative is lorepiace both-strudi.ireson their existing alignments. For the Cobbledick Road structure, one lane is being proposed with temporary traffic signals for local traffic. For the East Townline Road structure, temporary closure during construction is proposed, with north-south access in the area across Highway 401 via Newtonville Road The reconstruction of both bridge structures is currently programmed for completion in 2013 within the Southem Ontario Highways Program. Holt Road Interchange EA 2.24 On March 23, 2012, a Notice of Study Commencement was issued for this EA study, which will examine a new interchange configuration on a new or existing alignment of Holt Road, as well as associated improvements to Holt Road and South Service Road~ Currently, the Holt Road interchange is a partial interchange, only allowing westbound access to Highway 401 from Holt Road, and eastbound vehicles to exit Highway 401 onto Holt Road via South Service Road URS Canada Inc. was retained by MTO to conduct the study. The EA is expected to be complete and filed by the end of Detailed design will follow in 2013 next year, with construction starting in 2014 if property can be acquired in that timeframe. The reconstruction of the interchange is not currently reflected in the Southern Ontario Highways Program but it is expected that it will be included in the next update (August 2012) A key driver for reconstructing this interchange is the planned refurbishrnent of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station by Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Construction for the refurbishment is scheduled to "ramp up" in Holt Road will provide a key access point for both workers and construction vehicles to the plant. A Memorandum of Understanding is currently being negotiated between MTO and OPG on the design and construction of this interchange. 7

10 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No.8 Bowmanville Truck Inspection Facility EA 2.27 In May 2011, MTO initiated this EA and preliminary design study to determine a suitable location for a new Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility to replace the existing Bowmanville Truck Inspection Facility, serving westbound commercial vehicles. The study area spanned both Durham Region and Northumberland County on the north side of Highway 401, between Mill Street (Newcastle) and Burnham Street (Cobourg) Dillon Consulting was retained by MTO to conduct the study. The first PIC was held in June 2011 and the second in January. The EA report is expected to be complete and filed this spring Four sites were considered along Highway 401, two of which were located in Clarington (near Stephenson Road and Reid Road) and two in the Municipality of Port Hope. The recommended location for the new facility is near Zion Road, approximately two kilometres east of the Durham/Northumberland boundary The new facility will be much larger than the existing Bowmanville truck inspection facility at 13 hectares, and will have a "triage" area (where officers can talk to d rivers and check their papers) and 12 bays where trucks can be parked and inspected without blocking the entrance and exit to the inspection station Construction of the new inspection facility is not currently scheduled in the Southern Ontario Highways Program, which extends to Highway 401 Rehabilitation Project EAs Four detailed design studies have recently been initiated, primarily for repaving and/or structure rehabilitation at selieral Highway 401 interchanges in Durham. These studies areincluded in the Southern Ontario Highways Program, although the timing has changed for some projects since the program was developed. While rehabilitation projects are typically part of the R

11 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No.9 Provincial Class EA process, public consultation is determined on a project specific basis. The four detailed design studies are as follows:"... _.. _.. a) In December 2011, an EA package was initiated for various locations in MTO's Central Region to rehabilitate existing pavement, make safety improvements, culvert repairs/replacements and minor drainage irriprovements. Ainley & Associates Ltd. is the consultant for the project. Construction is expected to start in late spring/early summer and be completed later in Within Durham these locations are: Brock Street between Consumers Drive and the Eastbound on/off ramps/go Station; Waverley Road ramps on the north side of Highway 401 ; Bennett Road interchange ramps on the north side of Highway 401; and Two ramps associated with the Highway 35/115 interchange. b) In January, an EA was initiated for the rehabilitation of the Bloor Street bridge over Highway 401, which is part of the Harmony Road interchange. Bloor Street will also be repaved over the structure and a minor widening of Bloor Street within the interchange area near Farewell Street will be undertaken. AECOM was retained by MTO to conduct the study. The rehabilitation work is expected to be complete in c) Detailed design work will soon be initiated for the rehabilitation of the Brock Road bridge structure over Highway 401. This project is targeted for 2013 construction, and will be coordinated with the Region's widening of Brock Road between Kingston Road and Bayly Street. Mcintosh Perry was retained by MTO to conduct the study. d) A design-build contract will soon be initiated for the rehabilitation of the Mill Street, Morgans Road and Holt Road bridges over Highway 401 in Clarington. The works for the Mill Street and Morgans Road bridges includes new bridge railings and walls, and for the former, new sidewalks. Although the Holt Road interchange, including the bridge over Highway 9

12 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No , is being reconfigured under a separate EA (refer to item 2.24), rehabilitation is still required for tfie briage striidure ifselfin the interim. 3. UPDATE ON HIGHWAY 407 EAST EXTENSION 3.1 On March 10, 2011, Infrastructure Ontario announced that Phase One construction of the Highway 407 mainline would be extended from Simcoe Street (which was previously announced in June 2010) to Harmony Road in The announcement also gave a timeline for the completion of Phase Two to Highway 35/115 and including the East Durham Link by As a sub-component of Phase Two construction, an interim extension of Highway 407 beyond Harmony Road to Taunton Road was announced by Attachment 1 shows the proposed lane configuration and interchanges for Phases One and Two. 3.2 The March 2011 announcement also outlined the short-list of three project bidders, or Project Consortium teams, that were invited to prepare Requests for Proposal to design, build, finance and maintain over. a 30-year period the Phase One project. 3.3 On March 21,2012,407 East Development Group (comprised of Cintra Infraestructuras S. A., Intoll Group, SNC-Lavalin as the key companies) was announced as the preferred Project Consortium by Infrastructure Ontario to design, build, finance and maintain Phase One of Highway 407. Contract negotiation and formalization of financial and other details, referred to as "financial close," is expected by the end of May. 3.4 Since the 407 East EA Study was approved by the Minister ofthe Environment, a First Nations archaeological site was discovered on the west side of existing Sideline 16, south of Highway 7. A portion of the Brock Road realignment, south of Highway 407, was to coincide with Sideline 16 in the 407 East EA. Consequently, the archaeological site necessitated a westerly shift in the Brock Road alignment, and a design refinement report is being prepared by MTO.to address this modification to the 407 East EA. in

13 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No The Highway 407/Brock Road interchange, including the realignment of Brock Road and Highway 7 near Brougham, is hot incluaeid ihthe contract awarded to the Project Consortium. 407 ETR is procuring the detailed design and construction of these works, and is targeting construction to ' begin in March The Region will be entering into an agreement with MTO on the construction of the Brock Road realignment later this year. 3.6 MTO has also committed to cost-sharing certain improvements at the Simcoe StreetlWinchester Road and Harmony RoadlWinchester Road intersections to accommodate Phase One of the Highway 407 East extension. These intersection improvements will be coordinated through the Region's Capital Road Program, with the intent of being constructed prior to the opening of the Phase One extension of Highway 407 East. The Region will be entering into an agreement with MTO on the cost-sharing arrangements for the two intersections. 4. RECENTLY COMPLETED AND ONGOING HIGHWAY PROJECTS Highway In January 2011, an EA was initiated by MTO to undertake rehabilitation, drainage and minor safety improvements for Highway 7 between Reesor Road in Markham and Sideline 16 in Pickering. Construction commenced during the summer and work was completed in late-fall In light of the development of the Seaton Community, Regional staff requested that the scope of work should be enhanced to investigate the widening of Highway 7 in this section. This section should "match up" with the ongoing widening of Highway 7 between Brock Road/Sideline 16 in Pickering and Baldwin Street in Brooklin, and the existing four-lane section in Markham just west of the project limits. MTO indicated that the purpose of the EA was to resurface the deteriorating pavement and preserve the existing infrastructure, and that an EA study to widen Highway 7 has not been scheduled. 11

14 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No Construction of the Highway 7 widening (from two to four lanes) between Sideline 16aiia BalClWinSfreet began In '2008, -with1ii'e; 'advancect"... construction of a new East Duffins Creek bridge in Construction of the road itself commenced in 2010, including a new bridge structure west of Ashburn Road that will take the highway over Highway 407. It is expected tha(work on the Highway 7 widening project will be completed in fall Highway A few Highway 401-related projects in Durham have been completed in the last couple of years, as follows: In 2010 (along with the completion of the new Stevenson Road interchange in 2009), rehabilitation of Highway 401 took place between Stevenson Road and Highway 35/115; Also in 2010, a new noise barrier was installed in the vicinity of Rougemount Drive in Pickering; and In 2011, the CN Rail spur line underpass of Highway 401 east of Simcoe Street was demolished and rehabilitation was conducted on other en Rail bridges in the Region. Highway 35/ In July 2012, bridge rehabilitation of the CN Rail underpass of Highway 35/115, the Regional Highway 2 crossing of Highway 35/115, and a new carpool lot at the Highway 35/115 and Highway 401 interchange, is targeted for completion. 5. UPCOMING PROJECTS 5.1 MTO staff have indicated that a newea study will start later this year to identify corridor improvements for Highway 401 between Brock Road and Courtice Road. This study is intended to update previous planning studies undertaken for this section of Highway 401 in 1990 and 2005, and further work previously initiated for an EA between Brock Street and Stevenson Road that has been on hold for a few years. It will also incorporate the 1?

15 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No. 13 preferred alternative once the Highway Salem Road to Brock Street EA and Preliminary De-sigh Study is completed thisfi;li1: The Highway 404 Extension EA study, from Green Lane in Newmarket to the Highway 12/48 intersection in Brock Township, was approved by the Minister of the Environment in August Progress has been made in York Region with detailed design completed, and construction of Highway 404 from Green Lane to Ravenshoe Road targeted for completion in late 2012/early However, timing for the future extension of Highway 404 into Durham through the widening of Highway 48 and upgrades to the Highway 12/48 intersection, has not yet been determined. 5.3 MTO is planning to replace the deteriorating noise barriers along Highway 401 from Park Road to just east of Ritson Road in Oshawa. Contracts for detailed design and construction of the barrier may be awarded later this year if funding permits. 6, CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS 6.1 It is clear that there are many MTO expansion projects "on the go" in Durham, through EA studies, the planned implementation of the Highway 407 East extension by 2015 (for Phase One to Harmony Road) and 2020 (for Phase Two to 35/115, and ongoing Highway 7 widening construction between Brock Road and Baldwin Street. 6.2 Although funds have been committed for some of the smaller projects currently under the EA process and the Holt Road interchange reconstruction, there is no funding commitment for larger projects such as the Highway 401 widenings in Ajax-Whitby and Clarington and the strategic rehabilitation between Warden Avenue and Brock Road. 6.3 Regional staff are providing technical comments and input at key project milestones, when required, as EA studies progress. Regional staff will keep Committee apprised on MTO initiatives, as required, through subsequent reports; 13

16 Report No.: 2012-J-20 Page No. 14 A.L Georgieff, MCIP, RPP Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Cliffor rtis, P.Eng.; MBA. Commissioner ofwo~s. RECOMMENDED FOR PRESENTATION TO COMMITTEE ~.. H.. Dltt,!'A.s.yv... Chief Administrative Officer Attachments: 1. Map of Current Provincial Highway EA Studies and Highway 407 East Extension 1&

17 Current Provincial Highway EA Studies and Highway 407 East Extension I 1 ~ \ - N A ' ọ ".. 'L " '" o Legend Provincial Highway EA Studies - Highway Interchange Replacement Bridge Replacement C Bridge/Ramp Rehabilitation o o New Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility Phase o Highway 407 East Extension 401 Corridor Highway 407 (Phase 1) Project Description Reference Scale Highway 407 (Phase 2) Phase 1 Interchange Phase 1 Deferred Interchange 2 Interchange map has been produced from e variety of sources. o The Region of Durham does not make any represenlauons i concerning the accuracy, likely resuhs, or reliability of the U!l8 of the materials. The Region hereby disclaims all Kilometres iithis representations and warranties. EA Project Descriptions 1. Strategic Rehabilitation of Highway 401 ; Warden Ave. to Brock Rd. 2. Highway 401 Improvements - Salem Rd. to Srock St. 3. Highway 401 Improvements - Courtice Rd. to Durham Region 8dy. 4. Highway 401 Underpasses - Cobbledick Rd. and East Townline Rd. 5. Holt Rd. Interchange 6, Bowmanville Truck Inspection Facility 7. Highway 401 Rehabilitation Projects