Item 4.8 - Traffic - 24/07/15 - North Sydney Council · Enabling more efficient traffic circulation; ... provision for parking ... with car park entrances in Wheeler Lane and a loading

Item 4.8 - Traffic - 24/07/15

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L

To the General Manager Attach: 1. Wheeler Lane Shared Zone TMP

SUBJECT: (4.8) Wheeler Lane, North Sydney - Shared Zone

AUTHOR: Report of Traffic and Transport Engineer, Nathan Wu

DESCRIPTION/SUBJECT MATTER:

To improve pedestrian safety, amenity and connectivity in North Sydney CBD and the

education precinct, it is proposed to convert Wheeler Lane to a “Shared Zone”.

These works have been identified in Council‟s Strategic Master Plans and Transport Plans for

the Education Precinct and North Sydney Centre and confirmed as being appropriate from a

traffic engineering perspective in the North Sydney Centre Traffic and Pedestrian

Management Study.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) outlining the traffic impacts of the proposal is attached to

the report.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. THAT subject to RMS endorsement of the Wheeler Lane TMP and Design Plan, Council

approves the installation of a Shared Zone in Wheeler Lane, North Sydney.

Report of Traffic and Transport Engineer, Nathan Wu

Re: Wheeler Lane, North Sydney - Shared Zone

(2)

DETAIL

Standard or Guideline Used: TTD2014/003, NSC Public Domain Style Manual

Signs & Lines Priority: 2

Precinct and Ward: CBD, Victoria

Impact on Bicycles: The proposal for a shared zone will improve cycling access and is in-

line with the objectives of the North Sydney Integrated Cycling Strategy

Impact on Pedestrians: The proposal for a shared zone will improve pedestrian access

Impact on Parking: To be confirmed during the concept and detail design process

Background

Wheeler Lane is a no through road that provides vehicular access to properties with car park

entrances in Wheeler Lane and a loading dock for the Coca-Cola Place building at the corner

of Mount Street and William Street.

Wheeler Lane provides pedestrian access to Napier Street and Charles Street which form an

important link between the North Sydney‟s Education Precinct and the North Sydney Centre.

The lane is accessed via Mount Street which is a high pedestrian activity area with a speed

limit of 40km/h.

With the Australian Catholic University expanding and now operating from the building at 8-

20 Napier Street, pedestrian traffic will increase. Council is proposing to convert Wheeler

Lane to a Shared Zone to create a more pedestrian friendly environment.

Shared zones have already been proposed in Napier Street and Charles Street with the

associated TMPs being considered by the Traffic Committee and adopted by Council.

Education Precinct Study

A Shared Zone at this location was first identified as part of the Education Precinct Study.

This study was adopted by Council on 19 August 2013.

The aim of the Study was to enhance the area‟s identity, character and function as an

education precinct. It outlines the impetus for the work, current and future trends for

education within North Sydney and proposes a suite of strategies aimed at:

Improving pedestrian connectivity between the centre and the education campuses;

Enabling more efficient traffic circulation;

Protecting the amenity of surrounding residential properties and heritage value of the

precinct;

Improving urban design and street level amenity; and

Identifying any future public benefits that can be delivered with new development.

A part of that resolution was to develop a Masterplan for public domain improvements in the

area.

Education Precinct Masterplan

The Masterplan was subsequently completed and was adopted by Council on 15 September

2014. The Masterplan aims to transform the area into an „Education Precinct‟ - an engaging

Report of Traffic and Transport Engineer, Nathan Wu

Re: Wheeler Lane, North Sydney - Shared Zone

(3)

and lively place for students, residents and workers within the „campus hub‟. The Masterplan

gives greater priority to pedestrians rather than vehicles on the network of small laneways

and paths that connect the CBD with the residential area, education establishments and Mary

Mackillop Place.

The Masterplan proposes a suite of short to long term public domain upgrades. This includes

the upgrading of Wheeler Lane, Napier Street and Charles Street to a Shared Zone.

Shared Zone Design

Council will soon engage design consultants to prepare concept and detail design for

community engagement and construction purposes. The design will be prepared in

accordance with the North Sydney Public Domain Style Manual and Codes and RMS

Technical Direction for the design and implementation of shared zones including the

provision for parking (TTD 2014/003).

Once the concept design has been developed, it will be forwarded to the RMS for technical

approval.

Conclusion

Given the future increase in pedestrian traffic between North Sydney‟s Education Precinct

and the North Sydney Centre and that a Shared Zone has been identified in the TMP as an

appropriate treatment for Wheeler Lane, it is recommended that a Shared Zone be approved

for implementation, subject to RMS concurrence and technical approval.

NORTH SYDNEY SHARED ZONES – WHEELER LANE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR

NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL

Gold Coast Brisbane Sydney Suite 26, 58 Riverwalk Avenue

Robina QLD 4226 Level 2, 428 Upper Edward Street Spring Hill QLD 4000

Studio 203, 3 Gladstone Street Newtown NSW 2042

P: (07) 5562 5377 P: (07) 3831 4442 P: (02) 9557 6202 W: www.bitziosconsulting.com.au E: [email protected]

Project No: P1744 Version No: 002 Issue date: 20 August 2014

North Sydney Shared Zones – Wheeler Lane Traffic Management Plan

Project No: P1744 Version: 002 Page i

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

Issue History

Report File Name Prepared by Reviewed by Issued by Date Issued to

P1744.001R Wheeler Lane Shared Zones TMP.doc F.Lau S.Read S.Read 11/08/2014 Mark Yee

[email protected]

P1744.002R Wheeler Lane Shared Zones TMP.doc F.Lau S.Read S.Read 20/08/2014 Mark Yee

[email protected]

Copyright in the information and data in this document is the property of Bitzios Consulting. This document and its information and data is for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or in part for any purpose other than for which it was supplied by Bitzios Consulting. Bitzios Consulting makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or its information and data.


Project No: P1744 Version: 002 Page ii

CONTENTS Page

1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 1

2. EXISTING CONDITIONS .............................................................................................................................. 1

3. PROPOSED SHARED ZONE ........................................................................................................................ 1

3.1 SHARED ZONE CRITERIA 2

4. SHARED ZONE ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................... 2

5. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN .................................................................................................................... 3

5.1 A. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED MEASURES 3 5.2 B. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF PROPOSED MEASURES 3 5.3 C. MEASURES TO AMELIORATE THE IMPACT OF REASSIGNED TRAFFIC 3 5.4 D. ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AFFECTED 3 5.5 E. DETAILS OF PROVISION MADE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES, HEAVY VEHICLES, CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS. 4 5.6 F. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT ON EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS WITH TRANSPORT IMPLICATIONS 4 5.7 G. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT OF PROPOSED MEASURES ON TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS IN ADJOINING COUNCIL AREAS 4 5.8 H. PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS? 4

6. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Tables Table 3.1: Appropriate Location for Shared Zones Table 3.2: Site Criteria for Shared Zones

Figures Figure 2.1: Locality Map

Figure 4.1: AM Peak Hour Traffic and Pedestrian Volumes

Appendices Appendix A: Traffic Survey Appendix B: Concept Plan


Project No:P1744 Version: 002 Page 1

1. INTRODUCTION Bitzios Consulting has been commissioned by North Sydney Council to develop a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for the conversion of Wheeler Lane to a shared zone.

This report identifies the potential effects on all road users and recommends treatments to minimise the impact of the proposed shared zone, if any. The report has been set out to address the RMS Traffic Management Plan issues A to H.

2. EXISTING CONDITIONS Wheeler Lane (as shown in Figure 2.1) is a no through road that provides vehicular access to properties with car park entrances in Wheeler Lane and a loading dock for the Coca-Cola Place building at the corner of Mount Street and William Street.

Wheeler Lane also provides pedestrian access to Napier Street and Oak Lane. The lane is accessed via Mount Street which is a high pedestrian activity area with a speed limit of 40km/h.

Figure 2.1: Locality Map

3. PROPOSED SHARED ZONE North Sydney Council has proposed to convert Wheeler Lane to a shared zone to encourage a transport mode shift to walking and cycling, as well as to improve the connectivity within the Central Business District (CBD) and the education precinct.


Project No: P1744 Version: 002 Page 2

3.1 SHARED ZONE CRITERIA

The Safer Speeds Policy & Guidelines – Shared Zones published by Transport for NSW, July 2012 indicates a list of criteria for shared zone locations which is presented in Tabled 4.1 and the site criteria for shared zones is presented in Table 4.2.

Table 3.1: Appropriate Location for Shared Zones

Item Appropriate Location Description

1 Low traffic volume streets with high pedestrian activity

2 Where there is a need to provide permanent pedestrian priority in a street segment

3 Areas with a low demand for vehicular movement such as cul de sacs

4 Areas where there is either limited or no formal pedestrian areas such as footpaths

5 Lanes and streets in central business districts, selected residential areas and shopping centres

6 Narrow streets where pedestrians are forced to travel on the road

Table 3.2: Site Criteria for Shared Zones

Site Criteria Description

Current traffic flow ≤ 100 vehicles per hour and ≤ 1000 vehicles per day

Current speed limit ≤ 50 km/h

Length of proposed shared zone ≤ 400 metres

Current speed limit of adjoining roads ≤ 50 km/h

Current carriageway width Minimum trafficable width of 2.8 metres

Route access Must not be located along bus routes or heavy vehicle routes except for delivery or garbage trucks

Streets with narrow or no footpath Where pedestrians are forced to use the road

RMS has recently issued a Technical direction, TTD 2014/003, which deals with the design and implementation of shared zones. The technical direction offers a new category (Category 2) of shared zones where kerbs may be retained but requires entry treatments and pavement markings.

Category 2 shared zones are only applicable to existing roads in special circumstances that include heritage and cost constraints. Traffic calming devices can be used to reduce vehicle speeds.

Road Safety Audits and consultation should be undertaken during the design process.

4. SHARED ZONE ASSESSMENT Wheeler Lane has been assessed against the shared zone criteria in Section 3 above and complies with the criteria. Wheeler Lane is a no through road and serves as a pedestrian connection between Napier Street and Oak Lane.

The traffic and pedestrian survey (Appendix A) shows that the critical peak hourly traffic is less than 100 vehicle trips per hour as shown in Figure 4.1 and is estimated to have much less than 1000 vehicles per day. This shows that Wheeler Lane meets the criteria of low traffic volume streets with high pedestrian activity.



11Wheeler Ln 29

Cul-de-sac Mount St

357

Vehicular Traffic

Pedestrian Count

Legend

Figure 4.1: AM Peak Hour Traffic and Pedestrian Volumes

5. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.1 A. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED MEASURES

Is a detailed plan of the proposed measures necessary?

No

A concept design for signage and line marking is attached in Appendix B in accordance with Category 1 shared zone, Technical Direction – Traffic Management and road safety practice (TDT 2014/003), RMS. It is assumed that after an in principle agreement that a detailed design will be provided. The proposal would include:

Replacing kerb and gutters with dish drains or equivalent; Line marking to delineate the existing car parking spaces; Changes to the pavement surface in accordance with the North Sydney Public Domain Style Manual

and design codes which stipulates a cobble type surface; and Regulatory signs associated with a shared zone.

Note that as there are no footpaths and pedestrians currently walk on the road

5.2 B. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF PROPOSED MEASURES

Is a detailed assessment required?

No

The proposed scheme is to convert the current Wheeler Lane to a shared zone, which will not impose any changes to the vehicular traffic movements other than reducing the speed limit and changing the nature of the road. Currently the existing laneway acts as a shared zone, with cars giving way to pedestrians. This vehicular access is mainly used by offices and residents with parking access via Wheeler Lane. It also serves as a pedestrian connection between Napier Street and Oak Lane.

The net change in traffic is expected to be minimal.

5.3 C. MEASURES TO AMELIORATE THE IMPACT OF REASSIGNED TRAFFIC

Is an assessment required?

No

There would be no reassignment of traffic.

5.4 D. ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AFFECTED


No



The proposed shared zones are not located on a public transport route.

5.5 E. DETAILS OF PROVISION MADE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES, HEAVY VEHICLES, CYCLISTS

AND PEDESTRIANS.

Are these details required?

No

Pedestrians

Currently the pedestrian footpath is provided on part of the road as shown below. Converting the roads into shared zones would increase the safety of pedestrians. Warnings to drivers will increase their alertness of the pedestrian activity.

Cyclists

This road is not located on a cycle route. A shared zone is expected to increase the safety for cyclists.

Emergency Vehicles

No changes to current situation.

Heavy Vehicles

No changes to current situation. Heavy vehicles are expect to still be able to access the loading dock at the Coca-Cola Place (40 Mount Street) and the Telstra exchange building (1 Wheeler Lane).

5.6 F. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT ON EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS WITH TRANSPORT

IMPLICATIONS


No

No future development was identified near Wheeler Lane

5.7 G. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT OF PROPOSED MEASURES ON TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS IN

ADJOINING COUNCIL AREAS


No

There should be minimal effect on the adjoining council areas.

5.8 H. PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS?

Is a public consultation process required?



Yes

North Sydney Council should undertake consultation with the local residents, tenants and landowners as part of the detailed design process. RMS also recommends that disability groups are consulted.

6. CONCLUSION Bitzios Consulting has been commissioned by the North Sydney Council to prepare this traffic management plan. It is concluded that the proposed work is expected to have minimal effect on the current road network as well as on the residents and road user along Wheeler Lane, and therefore no additional road treatments are deemed necessary.

APPENDIX A

TRAFFIC SURVEY

R.O.A.R. DATA : North Sydney CouncilReliable, Original & Authentic Results : 5203 NORTH SYDNEY Pedestrian CountsPh.88196847, Fax 88196849, Mob.0418-239019 : Tuesday 17th June 2014

Peds Peds Peds

PEAK HOURAM

ClientWHEELER LANE Job No/Name

Day/Date

ACROSS ACROSS ACROSS

Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St Time Per Est-Bound Wst-Bound TOTAL Time Per Est-Bound Wst-Bound TOTAL Time Per Est-Bound Wst-Bound TOTAL

0700 - 0715 3 3 6 1200 - 1215 12 21 33 1700 - 1715 11 25 36 Wheeler 40 400715 - 0730 7 5 12 1215 - 1230 17 25 42 1715 - 1730 15 21 36 Lane0730 - 0745 16 14 30 1230 - 1245 18 38 56 1730 - 1745 14 19 33 1230745 - 0800 21 16 37 1245 - 1300 25 28 53 1745 - 1800 7 19 26 1540800 - 0815 39 32 71 1300 - 1315 29 32 61 1800 - 1815 2 21 23 Mount St

Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St

0815 - 1830 21 31 52 1315 - 1330 24 21 45 1815 - 1830 5 13 18

0830 - 0845 36 55 91 1330 - 1345 24 19 43 1830 - 1845 6 14 200845 - 0900 27 36 63 1345 - 1400 17 21 38 1845 - 1900 10 10 20 Wheeler 27 29Period End 170 192 362 Period End 166 205 371 Period End 70 142 212 Lane

96Peds Peds Peds 119

MID

ACROSS ACROSS ACROSSPeds Peds Peds 119

Peak Per Est-Bound Wst-Bound TOTAL Peak Per Est-Bound Wst-Bound TOTAL Peak Per Est-Bound Wst-Bound TOTAL

0700 - 0800 47 38 85 1200 - 1300 72 112 184 1700 - 1800 47 84 131

0715 - 0815 83 67 150 1215 - 1315 89 123 212 1715 - 1815 38 80 118 Wheeler 22 240730 - 0830 97 93 190 1230 - 1330 96 119 215 1730 - 1830 28 72 100 Lane0745 - 0845 117 134 251 1245 - 1345 102 100 202 1745 - 1845 20 67 87 47

Mount StPM

ACROSS

Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount StACROSS ACROSS

Wheeler L @ Mount St

0800 - 0900 123 154 277 1300 - 1400 94 93 187 1800 - 1900 23 58 81 84

PEAK HR 123 154 277 PEAK HR 96 119 215 PEAK HR 47 84 131

Peds Peds Peds

Time Per Nth Bound Sth Bound TOTAL Time Per Nth Bound Sth Bound TOTAL Time Per Nth Bound Sth Bound TOTAL 51 53

TOTAL VOLUMESMount St

Wheeler L @ Mount StCORDON CORDON CORDON

Wheeler L @ Mount StAM

Wheeler L @ Mount StTime Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL Time Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL Time Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL 51 53

0700 - 0715 0 4 4 1200 - 1215 3 8 11 1700 - 1715 3 9 12 Wheeler0715 - 0730 0 2 2 1215 - 1230 8 11 19 1715 - 1730 12 4 16 Lane 1700730 - 0745 6 3 9 1230 - 1245 7 4 11 1730 - 1745 5 6 11 1920745 - 0800 5 4 9 1245 - 1300 8 4 12 1745 - 1800 2 5 7

0800 - 0815 10 7 17 1300 - 1315 4 10 14 1800 - 1815 4 1 5

0815 1830 7 11 18 1315 1330 7 7 14 1815 1830 5 3 8 MID

Mount St

0815 - 1830 7 11 18 1315 - 1330 7 7 14 1815 - 1830 5 3 8

0830 - 0845 17 9 26 1330 - 1345 6 6 12 1830 - 1845 3 0 30845 - 0900 6 13 19 1345 - 1400 6 8 14 1845 - 1900 1 0 1 49 58Period End 51 53 104 Period End 49 58 107 Period End 35 28 63 Wheeler

Lane 166Peds Peds Peds 205

Mount St

MID

CORDONWheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St

CORDON CORDON

Peak Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL Peak Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL Peak Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL

0700 - 0800 11 13 24 1200 - 1300 26 27 53 1700 - 1800 22 24 46

0715 - 0815 21 16 37 1215 - 1315 27 29 56 1715 - 1815 23 16 39

0730 - 0830 28 25 53 1230 - 1330 26 25 51 1730 - 1830 16 15 31 35 280745 - 0845 39 31 70 1245 - 1345 25 27 52 1745 - 1845 14 9 23 Wheeler0800 - 0900 40 40 80 1300 - 1400 23 31 54 1800 - 1900 13 4 17 Lane 70

Mount St

PM

Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St

0800 - 0900 40 40 80 1300 - 1400 23 31 54 1800 - 1900 13 4 17 Lane 70142

PEAK HR 40 40 80 PEAK HR 27 29 56 PEAK HR 22 24 46 Mount St

R.O.A.R. DATA : North Sydney CouncilReliable, Original & Authentic Results : 5203 NORTH SYDNEY Pedestrian CountsPh.88196847, Fax 88196849, Mob.0418-239019 : Tuesday 17th June 2014

Vehicles Vehicles Vehicles

ClientWHEELER LANE Job No/Name

Day/Date

CORDON CORDON CORDON PEAK HOURVehicles Vehicles Vehicles

Time Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL Time Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL Time Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL

0700 - 0715 2 3 5 1200 - 1215 3 4 7 1700 - 1715 5 8 13 Wheeler 29 110715 - 0730 7 4 11 1215 - 1230 4 2 6 1715 - 1730 5 6 11 Lane0730 - 0745 2 1 3 1230 - 1245 4 6 10 1730 - 1745 1 6 7

0745 - 0800 11 3 14 1245 - 1300 6 2 8 1745 - 1800 1 6 7

CORDON CORDON CORDON PEAK HOURWheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St AM

0745 0800 11 3 14 1245 1300 6 2 8 1745 1800 1 6 7

0800 - 0815 7 0 7 1300 - 1315 2 4 6 1800 - 1815 3 2 5

0815 - 1830 10 3 13 1315 - 1330 2 2 4 1815 - 1830 2 4 6

0830 - 0845 4 2 6 1330 - 1345 5 4 9 1830 - 1845 0 1 10845 - 0900 8 6 14 1345 - 1400 7 3 10 1845 - 1900 0 3 3 Wheeler 17 14Period End 51 22 73 Period End 33 27 60 Period End 17 36 53 Lane

Mount StMID

Vehicles Vehicles Vehicles

Peak Per Nth-Bound Southbound TOTAL Peak Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL Peak Per Nth-Bound Sth-Bound TOTAL

0700 - 0800 22 11 33 1200 - 1300 17 14 31 1700 - 1800 12 26 38

0715 - 0815 27 8 35 1215 - 1315 16 14 30 1715 - 1815 10 20 30 Wheeler 12 260730 - 0830 30 7 37 1230 - 1330 14 14 28 1730 - 1830 7 18 25 Lane

CORDON CORDON CORDON

Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St Wheeler L @ Mount St Mount StPM

0730 0830 30 7 37 1230 1330 14 14 28 1730 1830 7 18 25 Lane0745 - 0845 32 8 40 1245 - 1345 15 12 27 1745 - 1845 6 13 190800 - 0900 29 11 40 1300 - 1400 16 13 29 1800 - 1900 5 10 15

PEAK HR 29 11 40 PEAK HR 17 14 31 PEAK HR 12 26 38Mount St

TOTAL VOLUMES

Wheeler Wheeler WheelerLane 51 22 Lane 33 27 Lane 17 36

PMMIDAM

Mount St Mount StMount St

APPENDIX B

CONCEPT PLAN

Note:1. Kerb and Gutter to be replace with dish drain2. Road surface to be cobble3. All car park and motorcycle bays to be marked

Item 4.8 - Traffic - 24/07/15 - North Sydney Council · Enabling more efficient traffic circulation; ... provision for parking ... with car park entrances in Wheeler Lane and a loading

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