Item - 2014.PW30.7

Metrolinx is currently undertaking the design and construction of the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, a 19-kilometre facility between Weston Road in the west and the Kennedy subway station in the east.  This project includes an 11-kilometre underground portion between Black Creek Drive and Brentcliffe Road.   At the same time, the City Planning Division is undertaking the "Eglinton Connects Study", a comprehensive planning study for this Eglinton corridor that is complementary to the Metrolinx project.  The purpose of the Eglinton Connects Study is to evaluate land use and design options for this corridor in order to take advantage of the implementation of the new transit infrastructure.

As part of the Eglinton Connects Study, a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study was undertaken for the reconfiguration of Eglinton Avenue along the below-grade section of the LRT between Black Creek Drive and Brentcliffe Road. When the LRT plans were formulated (in the TTC's 2010 Eglinton Crosstown LRT Environmental Assessment), no changes had been proposed to this segment of Eglinton Avenue.  By undertaking this EA now, if approved, Metrolinx could incorporate and implement elements of the proposed reconfiguration of Eglinton Avenue as part of the LRT station construction.

With the construction of the LRT, the existing reserved bus lanes on Eglinton Avenue will no longer be required.   Therefore, there is an opportunity to utilize this space as part of a new design of the road cross-section that would support the public realm objectives of the Eglinton Connects Study which reflects future traffic demand, planned mid-rise development, pedestrian and cyclist needs, as well as the new transit infrastructure and service.

The Recommended Design includes the following key features:

•           Roadway:

-           Generally, a four lane road with turn lanes at selected intersections;

-           A three lane cross-section between Avenue Road and Mount Pleasant Road (which includes a centre lane functioning as a two-way left-turn lane, separate left turn lanes, or a flush median depending on location and needs).

•           Parking:

-           Maintains the number of existing parking spaces;

-           Provides for on-street off-peak parking in the curb lane in the four lane segments;

-           Indented (lay-by) parking spaces in the three lane segment.

•           Cyclist Infrastructure:

            -           A continuous raised bicycle lane (at sidewalk level) in each direction.

•           Pedestrian Features:

-           Wide sidewalk zones (per the City's mid-rise guidelines);

-           Additional controlled pedestrian crossings and reduced crossing distances.

•           Public Realm:

-           More space for large trees, creating an increase in tree canopy and shade;

-           Installation of post-and-ring bicycle parking;

-           More space for street furniture and patio space through required conveyances required as part of development projects to achieve the 27.0 metre right-of-way width specified in the Official Plan.

The proposed roadway configuration will accommodate forecasted traffic volumes.  Prior to construction, a traffic study focussing on managing neighbourhood traffic infiltration will be undertaken. In response to concerns that emergency vehicle response could be delayed with the new cross-section without appropriate mitigation measures, a corridor-wide signal pre-emption system will be developed, in addition to a review of opportunities to integrate fire stations in new development, operational changes to dispatch, and other measures currently under consideration.

Metrolinx is responsible for reconstructing Eglinton Avenue at the LRT station areas to City standards, and requires immediate Council endorsement to complete this work in accordance with the plan.  Any enhancements or upgrades to these standards in the station areas will be funded from the Public Realm Amount – a component of the LRT construction program cost to be used by Metrolinx to price, design and construct discretionary improvements to the streetscape requested by the City, as defined in the Master Agreement.

The mid-block sections between stations will not generally be affected by the tunneling construction of the LRT and, therefore, Metrolinx is not responsible for any modifications to these sections of roadway.  Consequently, the costs associated with the reconfiguration of these mid-block sections of Eglinton Avenue, in accordance with the recommended plan, would be the responsibility of the City.  The implementation would have to commence following the completion of the LRT construction, which is expected in 2020, so as not to interfere or conflict with the Metrolinx construction activities.

Based on preliminary estimates, costs for the mid-block reconfiguration and streetscaping would total approximately $150 million which would include boulevard treatments (tree planting, sidewalk reconstruction, cycling facilities, etc.), road related works (curb adjustments, streetlighting, pavement markings, road rehabilitation, etc.), adjustments to traffic signals, storm sewer related works, etc.  Funding for this capital work is not currently included in Transportation Services' approved 10-Year Capital Plan.  However, as noted above, there is no immediate need for the funding.  Funding will be identified for Council's consideration, following the completion of the Metrolinx LRT construction, as part of the future capital budget process and would include the identification of alternative funding sources available at that time, for example, Section 37 funds and other developer contributions, BIA contributions, strategic partnerships, as well as the capital budgets of various City Divisions.