Port Moody’s Moray Street could look a lot different if Port Moody council elects to go forward with a pilot project to slow traffic and make the connecting route to Coquitlam safer for pedestrians.
But cyclists will be out of luck. At least for a while.
The plan includes adding
- curb extensions in several sections to narrow lanes
- raised medians
- on-street parking for residents
As well, a new marked crosswalk with pedestrian-activated flashing lights will be built at Pinda Drive.
The estimated cost for the pilot project, which will be constructed with white plastic delineators to establish the curb extensions and yellow plastic curb units for the raised centre medians, as well as new markings on the pavement, signs and the installation of the new crosswalk, is $70,000.
Cyclists, however, will have to find another route up to Coquitlam.
According to a report to be presented to council on Tuesday (March 22), the changes won’t leave enough room for protected bike lanes or a multi-use pathway.
In fact, said transportation engineer Geoffrey Keyworth, any cycling infrastructure wouldn’t lead anywhere, as the City of Coquitlam has indicated no interest in extending a bike route along its section of the roadway as it becomes Thermal Drive.
Instead, it would rather cyclists be routed a little further east along Clearview Drive, Park Crescent and Corona Crescent.
The plan for Moray is a response to several years of complaints from residents about speeding traffic along the steep road that connects St. Johns Street to Como Lake Avenue in Coquitlam.
It also comes in response to complaints about unsafe conditions for pedestrians trying to cross the street — or even walk along the sidewalks — as previous attempts to calm the area resulted in squeezing passing cars right up to the curbs.
The route is used by about 7,000 vehicles daily.
The earlier calming efforts, which included a reconfiguration of lanes, strategic placement of street parking and the installation of speed reader signs, "didn’t really achieve the results the neighbourhood was looking for,” said Coun. Steve Milani when the matter came before council more than a year ago.
To find ways to improve the situation, the city conducted a survey last summer to determine residents’ concerns and solicit ideas for improvements.
“There is room to make further changes to improve safety for road users and community residents,” said a statement on the city’s public engagement portal.
Last October, a virtual public information session to obtain feedback on potential designs for the calming traffic was attended by about 30 people.
It sparked some refinements including the conversion of one stretch proposed for street parking on the east side of Moray between Brookmount Avenue and Portview Place, to the installation of more curb extensions.
The pilot project will be evaluated in November, and could include input from another online survey of residents.
As well, the city will work to identify alternate cycling connections as part of a future initiative.
If the changes are to become permanent, they could cost about $720,000, according to the staff report.
The total includes $220,000 for improved lighting along the street.
