Improving Roads and Bridges for people, goods and transit throughout Greater Vancouver www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca ChoiceTransit Priority Cycling Network Expansion TollingCommercial Vehicle PriorityHOPark & RideV Program Defi nition Report January 31, 2006 Improving Roads and Bridges for people, goods and transit throughout Greater Vancouver Program Defi nition Report January 31, 2006 [email protected] Tel: 604-456-2420 Fax: 604-439-2585 www.gatewayprogram.bc.ca TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction . 1 PART 1: PROBLEM DEFINITION 2. The Causes and Effects of Current Congestion . 3 2.1 Increasing Vehicle Volumes . 3 2.2 Population and Employment Growth . 5 2.2.1 Growth in Industrial and Offi ce Parks . 5 2.2.2 New Commuting Patterns . 6 2.3 Expanding Trade and Tourism . 8 2.4 Limited Investment in Transportation Infrastructure and Transportation Demand Management during the 1990s . 9 2.5 Other Factors Affecting Demand for Transportation. 10 2.6 Summary of Key Impacts . 11 3. The Future Without Action . 13 3.1 Effects of Future Population and Employment Growth . 13 3.2 Implications for Opportunities to Expand Trade Gateways. 14 PART 2: RESPONDING TO THE PROBLEM 4. A Comprehensive and Integrated Response is Required. 17 4.1 Current Initiatives. 17 4.2 The Role of the Gateway Program . 19 5. Strategic Considerations . 21 6. Development of the Gateway Program . 23 6.1 Planning Approach for Priority Corridors . 23 6.2 Program and Corridor Goals . 23 6.3 Analytical Parameters and Tools . 24 6.3.1 Population and Employment Projections . 24 6.3.2 Travel Patterns and Trends. 24 6.3.3 Model Development and Calibration . 25 6.3.4 Potential Mode Priority and Congestion-Reduction Options . 25 Gateway Program Defi nition Report 7. Pre-design Concepts . 29 7.1 Port Mann/Highway 1 Corridor . 29 7.1.1 Features to Accommodate Alternate Modes . 31 7.1.2 Physical Characteristics . 31 7.1.3 Additional Congestion Reduction Measures . 37 7.1.4 Environmental Assessment . 38 7.2 South Fraser Perimeter Road . 38 7.2.1 Physical Characteristics. 39 7.2.2 Features to Accommodate Alternate Modes . 45 7.2.3 Additional Congestion Reduction Measures . 46 7.2.4 Environmental Assessment . 46 7.3 North Fraser Perimeter Road . 46 7.3.1 Physical Characteristics. 47 7.3.1.1 Pitt River Bridge and Mary Hill Interchange Project . 47 7.3.1.2 Longer-Term Improvements . 49 7.3.2 Features to Accommodate Alternate Modes . 51 7.3.3 Additional Congestion Reduction Measures . 52 7.3.4 Environmental Assessment . 52 PART 3: BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS 8. Program Benefi ts . 53 8.1. User Benefi ts. 53 8.1.1 Travel Time and Operating Cost Savings . 53 8.1.2 Other User Benefi ts . 54 8.1.3 Safety Benefi ts . 54 8.2 Economic Benefi ts . 54 8.3 Other Benefi ts . 54 9. Program Costs . 55 9.1 Program Cost Estimates . 55 9.2 Other Considerations . 55 9.2.1 Land Use . 55 9.2.2 Agriculture . 55 9.2.3 Vehicle Emissions . 56 PART 4: MOVING AHEAD 10. Public Consultation and Community Relations . ..