Memorial University Area Traffic Study
Location: St. John’s, NL, Canada
Client: City of St. John’s
Duration: 2016
Key Staff: Michael MacDonald, Robin King, Courtney McCarthy
Project Description
In 2016, the City of St. John’s, Memorial University, and the Provincial Department of Community Services partnered together to undertake the Memorial University Area Traffic Study. The goal of the study was to examine the longer-term transportation infrastructure needs in and around the University area which has seen significant growth. Naturally, this study necessitated the expertise of transportation engineers.
Harbourside developed the unique methodology used during the traffic study. As a major public consultation program with multiple stakeholders, the study had to be thorough, detailed, and future-focused.
Harbourside’s Role
From the onset of the project, significant information and data had to be gathered. For the MUN Area Traffic Study Harbourside considered the following:
Stakeholder and Public Engagement. Key stakeholder and public engagement consultations were recognized as vital components to the study. An online survey and two public information forums were used along with a website with an interactive mapping feature. This map allowed participants to pinpoint areas of concern nearby.
Traffic Operations Analysis. Two traffic analyses were conducted for this study. These included a high-level analysis of the study area, and a more detailed analysis of a sub-area.
Assessment of Network Improvements. Network improvements were identified through the traffic analyses. This stage of the study included preparing drawings of network improvements and cost estimates.
Public Transit. Several key transit areas were examined in detail. These included an operational review, a fare strategy review, a review of transit planning and a service review.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Parking. Several TDM strategies that could be employed to more effectively promote and enhance public transit, parking and active transportation were recommended.
Pedestrian Safety. A total of 22 pedestrian crossing locations within the MUN campus study area were reviewed. These were assessed using the TAC Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide to determine whether appropriate control measures were in place.
Review of Campus Specific Issues. The key improvements that were being proposed as part of the MUN Area Traffic Study were reviewed by the authors of the original Campus Master Plan. Commentary was provided related to the compatibility of these improvements with the overall Campus Master Plan.
Unique Challenges
As a major public consultation, communication posed a key challenge in the completion of this project. In addition, multiple stakeholders had to be considered at every stage of the study. From Memorial University itself to the City of St. John’s, NLDTW, Metrobus, Eastern Health… all stakeholders had to be kept apprised of findings and operations in a timely manner.
Social Impact
Use of the City’s VISUM travel demand model helped to determine future traffic volumes. In preparing for the future, Harbourside ensures that the road and pedestrian networks in and around Memorial University can continue to accommodate its growing population. This consideration for growth ensures that safety and efficiency are kept top of mind for years to come.