Downtown Fraser Highway Corridor Study

Fraser Highway is the City of Langley’s Main Street, passing through the downtown retail and business core.  Twenty five years ago when the jurisdiction of the corridor devolved from the Province to the City, the City took the opportunity reduce vehicle traffic by changing traffic flow to one way while creating angle parking zones to better support businesses with no rear parking.  Pedestrian, landscaping and public realm improvements were also undertaken at that time.  Major utility upgrades required for the block of Fraser Highway between 204th Street and 206th provided an opportunity to re-think the street and further improve the public realm in the City’s downtown, in keeping with updated OCP goals and the anticipated redevelopment potential arising from a new rapid transit line which will terminate just west of the corridor. Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City as part of a multi-disciplinary team to develop a vision for the corridor, prepare and evaluate conceptual design options and select a preferred option while working closely with City staff, Council and the downtown business association.

The scope of Bunt’s year long work included a major data collection program with parking inventory and occupancy/turnover counts of over 1,200 stalls in the downtown core and traffic and license plates surveys.  Removal of existing on-street parking proved to be a significant concern of both the downtown business owners and the public, so Bunt completed extensive analysis to show that with shorter parking time restrictions, up to 40 stalls of the existing 127 stalls in the corridor could be re-purposed for public realm and pedestrian space while still serving the same number of people.  Bunt also led a conceptual design charette with City staff and developed 3 conceptual drawings showing regular, handicap and loading stalls along with new curb lines which were then used by the landscape architect to develop public realm design details.  Bunt also presented our study finding and the designs at numerous stakeholder and public meetings along with other members of the design team.

The Fraser Highway Corridor Improvement project is slated for construction in 2020.

Downtown Edmonton ARP Update Parking Study

The City of Edmonton initiated a Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) update to ensure that downtown continued to be the strategic focus of the city’s cultural, business, and entertainment activity. This plan renewed the City’s commitment to downtown revitalization.

Edmonton is working towards creating sustainable downtown environments with a focus on walkability and transit. To achieve this vision, Bunt & Associates was hired to review existing parking policies and practices which conventionally offer free or low-cost parking and encourage increased single-occupant vehicle travel.

Bunt analyzed the parking characteristics of five downtown zones, including residential, employee, and commerical parking lots, and provided a detailed understanding of current parking space use. This information was used to forecast future parking demands. The study also illustrated that significant capital investment would be required to maintain current supply levels, contrary to the City’s goal of promoting transit and alternative modes as effective access to downtown.

The study provided guidance on Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs and Parking Management solutions to reduce the need for additional parking stalls within the downtown area.

In addition, modifications were made to the current regulations for the five analyzed zones. The City of Edmonton was provided with the tools needed to assess future downtown development initiatives.

10th Avenue Corridor Bike Lane Design

Bunt & Associates was jointly engaged by Vancouver Coastal Health and the City of Vancouver to be part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting a collaborative design process for the 10th Avenue corridor bike lane project.  The City was planning for new separated cycle tracks on one of its oldest and most popular cycling routes – the Off Broadway bikeway route, with one section of the track passing through the VGH Health Care Precinct. Separate cycle tracks at the boulevard level as proposed by the City was of concern to VCH due to the perception of decreased safety for the vulnerable pedestrians, and also due to the loss of on-street parking, which Health Care Precinct patients and visitors rely on because of a lack of on-site parking.

Bunt provided background information related to how the corridor was currently used. This involved a comprehensive and multi-modal data collection program that included vehicle, pedestrian and cycling volume demand at every intersection and every driveway, corridor mode split estimates, loading activity by size, location and frequency, parking  occupancy and turnover surveys, driver interviews to understand ultimate destinations, pick-up/drop-off surveys, and license plate surveys to understand through versus local traffic components. Bunt was also responsible for analyzing and evaluating traffic lane closure options at the western end of the corridor including development of traffic diversion forecasts and traffic operations models. Finally, our team participated in three facilitated workshops that explored street user types, hierarchy of needs, and the development of various design options.

Bunt’s contribution to the project was instrumental in informing a balanced design solution that limited lane closures and parking loss, while meeting the City’s objectives to provide separated cycle tracks and space for landscaping. The project was approved by City Council in 2017.

Royal Columbian Hospital Master Plan & Phase 1 Business Plan Support

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the Fraser Health Authority to assist in planning and supporting the Business Case for the first phase of a comprehensive master plan for the Royal Columbian Hospital site in New Westminster, BC. We were tasked with undertaking an extensive study of existing travel demand characteristic for the site.

Bunt’s work included multi-modal traffic surveys; staff/patient/interview surveys and parking inventory/demand surveys of both on site lots and on-street parking covering up to eight blocks from the site. Once baseline conditions were established, Bunt developed a calibrated parking demand forecasting model using first principles and employed this model to estimate future parking demand and supply scenarios.

Our deliverables included an Existing Conditions report and a Parking Assessment memo, which served as support for the Business Case to government to provide a higher level of parking supply for the first phase of the master plan to address current site parking shortfalls.

Zoning Bylaw Parking Study

Bunt & Associates provided direction for the development of new and appropriate parking bylaw regulations, strategies and programs to assist the City of Edmonton in managing parking resources in a sustainable fashion to support future updates to the Zoning Bylaw. This included providing information on specific parking regulations and parking management operations that reflect, acknowledge and align with current planning and transportation strategic tenets.

The challenge of the project was to identify modifications to current parking policies and practices to enhance over-arching land use planning principles to support walkability and transit use. The basic study goals achieved included providing direction in the development of modified Zoning Bylaw parking regulations and identifying innovative parking management strategies. When combined with modified parking regulations, the study’s recommendations will assist the administration in assuming a stronger role in achieving the vision of a sustainable parking management plan including the goal of higher transit use.

Mill Woods Library & Seniors Centre

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City’s Asset Management and Public Works Department to complete a transportation plan for the new Mill Woods Library & Seniors Centre. The new Mill Woods Library, Seniors and Multicultural Centre will be situated in the immediate vicinity of the Mill Woods Town Centre and Mill Woods Transit Centre. The new library was planned to be in the order of 2,300 square meters.

Bunt & Associates developed a comprehensive transportation plan to facilitate passenger vehicle and bus movements into the site. This assisted in the planning and location of an appropriate on-site parking supply and ensured appropriate pedestrian linkages to a major transit terminal hub and Mill Woods Town Centre.

Evergreen Line Public Parking Management Strategy

In the spring of 2015, the City of Coquitlam embarked on a project to develop a strategy for the management of public parking in the vicinity of the future Evergreen Line station, slated to be open to transit passengers in early 2017.  The City was concerned that streets near new stations, particularly those free stalls without time restrictions, would be attractive to park & ride activity by commuters.  Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City to undertake an inventory and parking demand surveys of over 8,000 on-street parking stalls within 800m walking distance of the future stations.  Bunt developed a detailed GIS inventory with both supply and parking demand information, conducted extensive research into best practises for parking management near high capacity transit stations, forecasted the potential commuter demand overlay at each stations and developed a parking strategy for the City integrated with planned off-street long term parking supply increases to support the opening of the Evergreen Line.  Bunt worked extensively with City staff and an Interdepartmental Committee to ensure a robust strategy suitable for staff resources to execute effectively, and also assisted in public outreach activities.

UBC Transit Exchange Conceptual Design & Gage South Master Plan

Bunt & Associates was commissioned by TransLink to provide and test initial conceptual design development and technical design review for the proposed Diesel Bus Exchange and layover facility at the University of British Columbia. Pedestrian count data was collected to establish major pedestrian movement demand patterns and corridors surrounding the Bus Exchange.

Based on the information, an initial exchange layout concept was established to identity bus stops orientation with the goal of minimizing the interaction between pedestrian and bus vehicle movements. A VISSIM micro-simulation model was then developed to simulate forecast operating conditions and visually illustrate the challenges with a proposed mid-block pedestrian crossing of the exchange. Technical design review services were provided to investigate the feasibility of a number of refined concepts produced by UBC’s project consultant.

Subsequent to providing design input to TransLink, Bunt was later retained by UBC Properties Trust to provide design support to the Project Team on the planning for the Gage South Neighbourhood, located between Student Union Boulevard and the General Services and Administration Building west of Wesbrook Mall. A key component of the Master Plan was to confirm the location of the new Aquatic Centre, along with the footprint and location of the new Diesel Bus Exchange. Bunt was involved in providing design support to the project Architect to advance the conceptual design of the new Bus Exchange.

Interior Health Hospitals Master Site Plans

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Interior Health as part of a multi disciplinary team to assist in the preparation of two hospital site master plans in Kamloops (Royal Inland Hospital) and Williams Lake (Cariboo Memorial Hospital). We were responsible for providing site planning input to the project team, but also for preparing stand alone Master Transportation Plans which focused on the future parking requirements for staff, patients and visitors as well as potential off-site traffic and parking impacts.

Our scope of work for both sites included an assessment of existing parking and traffic conditions at each site; detailed parking supply/demand and traffic volume data collection including a patient/visitor interview survey; development of traffic models to test operational impacts of increases in site traffic over the time horizon of site redevelopment; and, preparation of parking demand forecasts to guide master site planning.  Bunt was also responsible for site design reviews using AutoTURN and preparing supporting Master Transportation Plan documents and associated chapters in the Master Plans.

Edmonton Federal Building

The restoration and expansion of the historic Edmonton Federal Building (335,000 ft2) within the Alberta Legislature Grounds represented an important link between the city’s past, present and future.The retrofit of the existing Edmonton Federal Building includes the Centennial Plaza constructed over a 650 stall underground parking garage, outdoor and indoor fountains, a skating rink, visitor center, café, restaurant and gift shop.

Bunt & Associates was commissioned by Alberta Infrastructure through Kasian Architects to assess the demand for employee and visitor parking demands, and to develop a corresponding parking accommodation and traffic management plan including the number, location and configuration of parkade access portals and lane arrangements. Working closely with the project architects, Alberta Infrastructure, and the City of Edmonton, we developed an approved traffic accommodation and parking management program. A key element of the parking management plan was to develop a flexible system which responded to employee parking demands during typical weekday operations, and to visitors on weekday evenings and on weekends.

Bunt & Associates was also responsible for the review of below grade truck loading and unloading facilities as part of the overall traffic plan.

Lougheed Town Centre Core Area Master Transportation Plan & Phase 1 TIA

Shape Properties (Shape) proposed to redevelop the Lougheed Town Centre Shopping Mall site and other Shape parcels into a mixed use, high density Transit Oriented Development (TOD).   The 23.14 acre site  was proposed to become a new urban neighbourhood with approximately 10,000 residential multi-family units, 1.5M sq.ft. Gross Leasable Area (GLA) of retail uses, 240 hotel rooms and 400,000 sq.ft. Gross Floor Area (GFA) of office space.

Bunt & Associates was involved with the project since 2010, providing high level site planning and design guidance including development of multiple transit exchange expansion options working with TransLink, the City, and the developer.  Bunt completed a detailed traffic impact assessment study, including a traffic operations model covering over 25 intersections and site access points. Our work was instrumental in confirming the new roadways, intersections, and site access points needed to support the significant increase in density.

Bunt developed detailed VISSIM micro-simulation models to confirm the impact of narrowing Austin Avenue, a major east-west arterial road, to better support the urban design objectives and also to test the operational impacts of and potential control measures for high pedestrian crossing volumes near the Lougheed SkyTrain Station.  Bunt conducted extensive research in support of a significant parking supply reduction and prepared a Transportation Demand Management strategy for the site.

Since the Master Transportation Plan was approved by the City of Burnaby in 2016, Bunt was again engaged by Shape Properties to provide transportation planning and engineering advice for the first phase of the Lougheed Town Centre Shopping Centre redevelopment. Key considerations included the large shared loading court and development on an interim access arrangement with temporary traffic on Austin Road to support the planned Phase 1 development.  Bunt prepared a micro-simulation model using the PTV VISSIM software to confirm the feasibility of the interim access concept. Finally, a comprehensive Transportation Demand Management and Monitoring Plan was developed to support the development.

UniverCity Master Plan at Simon Fraser University

The UniverCity Community has been developed as a sustainable residential-based community located on Burnaby Mountain in the City of Burnaby, BC. It is within walking distance of the Simon Fraser University campus and transit exchange, as well as retail shops, restaurants, services and community facilities in and around the Town Centre. Bunt was retained to provide transportation planning advice for the community plan. Our involvement included preparation of a transportation impact assessment and development of parking and car-sharing strategies consistent with the sustainable nature of the neighbourhood. We also produced functional design drawings for key roadways within the neighbourhood to accommodate various road users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit vehicles, and general traffic.

38 Avenue & Sifton Boulevard Road Safety Audit

The City of Calgary retained Bunt & Associates to undertake a Road Safety Audit (RSA) of the ultimate design for the 38 Avenue/Sifton Boulevard corridor, which was identified in the Inner City Transportation Study reports as one of the City’s key problematic short cutting routes through the inner city. In that study, a number of traffic mitigation measures and traffic calming features were recommended for implementation to reduce the current/future traffic volumes and speeds through the residential communities.

The project was approximately one kilometre in length and extended from 14th Street to Elbow Drive. The primary purpose of the RSA was to ensure that the proposed traffic calming features considered all safety implications. As part of this RSA, Bunt & Associates identified a number of safety concerns and developed a number of mitigation measures to reduce the overall crash potential.

Golden Ears Bridge Project

Acting as Traffic Engineer on the Owner’s Engineer Team, Bunt & Associates was responsible for all transportation planning and traffic engineering tasks during the three stages of the project. During the Concept Development stage, Bunt developed traffic volume forecasts and conducted traffic analysis to assess the relative merits of three alternative configurations and prepared evaluation reports for presentation to the TransLink Board. With the preferred Concept endorsed by the Board, Bunt then assisted in the Design-Build-Finance-Operate (DBFO) Request for Proposal process by developing Design Hour Volumes and other traffic-related specifications for the RFP documents, provided design advice for the preliminary design concept, evaluated the bids from proponents, and participated in the negotiations for the final contract with the winning bidder. During the Implementation phase, Bunt reviewed the detailed designs presented by the Contractor, and provided traffic planning related advice to the owner and affected municipalities for specific matters that arose during the construction period.

The major traffic planning work required for the project was development of design specific traffic forecasts for the Golden Ears Bridge (GEB) Project corridor and application of the forecasts in evaluating options and developing a Base Design. The forecasting process included development of a comprehensive EMME/2 transportation model (by others) for the east side of the Lower Mainland which included several other major infrastructure initiatives, that together with the GEB Project were expected to radically alter travel patterns on both sides of the Fraser River. The output from the EMME/2 model was then transformed by Bunt into a Synchro-SimTraffic micro-simulation model of the study area as a tool for traffic operations analysis. Since the project extended for approximately 15 kilometres through four rapidly developing suburban municipalities, a wide variety of localized traffic planning and operations issues had to be addressed prior to the RFP issuance to secure agreement among the municipalities, TransLink and the provincial Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure of the preferred design concept. In addition, during development of the RFP and subsequent evaluation of DBFO Proponent bids, Bunt established specific traffic performance measures for evaluation purposes which were later tested against the DBFO Proponent submissions as one of the criteria for selecting the preferred proponent.

Banff 2012 Transportation Master Plan Update

Bunt & Associates updated the Town of Banff’s 1999 Integrated Transportation Master Plan, with a key focus on reviewing the current and emerging issues in the existing transportation system (traffic, parking, transit, and active modes) based on appropriate data collection and analysis methods. Our team:

• developed a forecast traffic model to establish the necessary transportation infrastructure needs associated with potential growth;
• assessed current parking characteristics and undertook a parking supply-demand analysis;
• recommended appropriate parking management strategies; and
• participated in public consultation with both internal and external stakeholders.

Approximately 50 percent of all transportation trips in the town are made by walking and cycling.  Therefore, planning for cycling formed an integral part of the wider Transportation Master Plan. Bunt distilled the current cycling patterns and behaviours to establish a plan that enhanced and expanded cycling routes throughout the town, including new bridge crossings. We provided cycle-friendly street design guidance focused on shared use and expanded route options. We also recommended supporting measures such as ‘bicycles at rest’ areas, bicycle mapping, way-finding, and public bike rental programs.

Tsawwassen First Nations Community VISSIM Modelling

Bunt & Associates was retained by Property Development Group and Ivanhoe Cambridge, in partnership with the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN), to assess the potential impact of a new planned TFN community development located near the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal in Delta, BC. When completed, the TFN community would include approximately 3,500 residential dwellings; 76 million square feet of commercial retail development (including the 1.2 million square foot Tsawwassen Mills regional shopping centre); a 550,000 square foot Tsawwassen Commons power centre; a highway tourist commercial development; and a business/logistics industrial park development.

In consultation with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Bunt conducted a comprehensive data collection program along the Highway 17 and 99  corridors during weekdays and Saturdays that included detailed classification of container trucks, small trucks, HOV vehicles, buses and cars. Travel time and queue observations were also collected to calibrate the VISSIM micro-simulation traffic model to real-world conditions. The VISSIM model itself covered Highway 17, Highway 99 to Blundell Road (including the Massey Tunnel), the then-new South Fraser Perimeter Road, and Deltaport Way. The model included over 20 separate scenarios of possible future conditions. The size, scope, and complexity of Bunt’s modelling work included comprehensive recommendations on mitigating local and regional congestion points, the efficiency of potential road improvements, ferry surge traffic protection, and travel demand management measures.

Bunt’s work provided TFN and the Ministry with critical information to guide the future design, development, construction, and future operations of its ambitious community development.

Metrotown Existing Bus Exchange Design Study

Bunt & Associates was engaged by TransLink to undertake a conceptual and functional design study for the reconfiguration of the existing Metrotown Bus Exchange. The exchange was intended to be converted to a layover facility once a new on-street exchange is constructed as part of the overall Metrotown SkyTrain Station improvement project.

Design requirements and objectives for the layover facility were developed in collaboration with TransLink staff and included the provision of at least eleven layover spaces and two trolley bus route spaces. These requirements guided the preparation of four conceptual design options which were then evaluated according to a set of criteria approved by TransLink and Coast Mountain Bus staff.

When a preferred design concept was established, Bunt prepared a more detailed Functional Design layout and a supporting technical report. At all stages, the designs were carefully checked for adherence to TransLink’s Infrastructure Design Guidelines, and AutoTURN assessments were undertaken to confirm the physical feasibility of proposed improvements for standard, articulated and trolley bus movements.

Sechelt Transportation Plan

Bunt & Associates was retained by the District of Sechelt to update the transportation component of the District’s Official Community Plan and develop a revised Road Network Plan. The intent of the project was to identify transportation infrastructure that could direct growth of the community into the future. The project also involved an update the District’s 1999 TMODEL travel demand model to a VISUM model to test the land use scenarios developed as part of the OCP update. Bunt developed and evaluated road network alternatives to alleviate the pressures expected to be placed on the existing network with projected population growth. Comprehensive transportation network plans were developed to accommodate growth to the 20,000 and 30,000 population horizons. The plan development process included:

Reviewing the previous OCP; liaising with the BC Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure to determine regional and provincial transportation requirements; developing and utilizing the VISUM model to assess demand and capacity on the road system; recommending future roadway functions, laning and alignments; preparing a strategy for road right-of-way acquisition and initial cost estimates for any transportation system upgrades; examining methods for enhancing alternate means of transportation, i.e. walking, cycling, transit, and others; and estimating preliminary costs.

Bunt was also responsible for traffic operations assessments of key intersections and corridors, crash assessments, and development of a supporting active transportation plan.

University of Alberta Travel Demand Management Study

For many cities and their major institutions, increased traffic activity has intensified roadway congestion and strained parking capacities. Universities and colleges, such as the University of Alberta, recognize the need to evaluate the best use of remaining land for parking expansions in addition to demands for more research space, classroom facilities, and campus green space. Bunt & Associates was retained by the University of Alberta to perform this evaluation.

The main objective of the study was to establish a Travel Demand Management (TDM) implementation strategy and framework for the university. The study, which supports the City of Edmonton’s ongoing TDM efforts, considered activities in the adjacent neighbourhoods of Garneau, Windsor Park, Belgravia, Mckernan, and Parkallen, and nearby land uses, including the University of Alberta Hospital, the Cross Cancer Institute, Canadian Blood Services, and the Jubilee Auditorium.

Bunt reviewed current TDM practices and evaluated practices and strategies as they might apply to the University of Alberta and its surrounding area. Bunt then developed a Transportation Demand Framework for the university which included: objectives, evaluation criteria, opportunities for implementation, barriers for implementation, anticipated impacts of strategies, and recommendations for TDM strategies to be pursued on the basis of a technical review.

East Village Area Redevelopment & Detour Planning

Located within the Rivers District, east of Calgary’s downtown city hall, East Village is a substantive urban area encompassing almost 50 hectares of land. The area includes older buildings, roadways and infrastructure, numerous recreational opportunities, and sites of historical significance. Due to the village’s proximity to the downtown core, the river, and busy sites such as Fort Calgary and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, a comprehensive and unique plan for redevelopment was required.

To assist with this plan, Bunt & Associates performed a comprehensive transportation study for the City of Calgary between 2003 and 2005 that included the development of road networks, traffic controls, bicycle routes, and transit service plans for the new neighbourhood, including narrower, pedestrian-friendly street design standards.

The overall objective for the transportation network of East Village was to enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and to create a shortblock network of streets, lanes, and mews for accommodating vehicle traffic. Bunt later developed detour plans during the implementation phase with the aim of integrating the East Village with the surrounding urban and geographic landscape.

The redevelopment plan and associated studies were adopted by the City in 2005 and redevelopment commenced in 2007 through the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC). During construction, Bunt organized and executed annual programs to maintain efficient flow of traffic, transit, pedestrians, and bicycles through this challenging area. These programs involved comprehensive communication processes and live upgrades to numerous staging plans with the CMLC, their contractors, key City departments, and other infrastructure consultants.

Surrey Civic Centre

Bunt & Associates was engaged by Surrey City Development Corporation to provide transportation planning advice and expertise as part of the masterplanning for Surrey Civic Centre. This involved the planning for the City of Surrey’s new City Hall, a new library, plaza and underground parkade. The project involved determining the location of buildings and public spaces, new streets and intersections, as well as accesses and parking. Bunt’s services included:

• providing transportation leadership and expertise throughout the project lifecycle;
• preparing a full transportation impact assessment study for the project;
• developing a City Centre model for traffic distribution;
• parking demand and management strategy; and
• advice regarding on-street transit needs, location of new streets, and parkade entrances.

Both the City Hall and Library have been constructed and are now open.

Lougheed Town Centre Core Area Master Plan – VISSIM Modelling

Shape Properties (Shape) proposed to redevelop the current Lougheed Town Centre Shopping Mall site and other Shape parcels in the core of the Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby, BC into a mixed use, high density Transit Oriented Development (TOD).   The 23.14 acre site  was proposed to become a new urban neighbourhood with approximately 10,000 residential multi-family units, 1.5M sq.ft. Gross Leasable Area (GLA) of Retail uses, 240 Hotel rooms and 400,000 sq.ft. Gross Floor Area (GFA) of office space.

Bunt & Associates has been involved with the project since 2010, from high level site planning through to preparation of a Master Transportation Plan and then site-specific rezoning processes for individual project phases, which are now under construction. As part of the project Bunt employed the VISSIM software at various stages, focussed on the southern half of the Lougheed Town Centre area, which includes the Lougheed Bus Exchange and SkyTrain station and the associated considerable bus and pedestrian demands.

Bunt developed a detailed VISSIM micro-simulation model covering the complex and congested arterial network bounded by Lougheed Highway, Austin Road, and North Road  in order to test proposed impacts of narrowing Austin Avenue, a major east-west arterial road. This model, developed for the Master Transportation Plan phase, was employed to test the operational impacts of and potential control measures for high pedestrian crossing volumes expected near the Lougheed SkyTrain Station. As part of the following Phase 1 site-specific rezoning project, Bunt also prepared a VISSIM model calibrated to existing volumes and travel times to confirm the feasibility of an interim access concept for Phase 1 which has two closely spaced signals with limited left turn storages and to test alternative signal timing plans. Our Phase 2 work included preparation of a series of VISSIM models to explore road network options near the west SkyTrain Station House, testing both roundabout and conventional signalized intersection options under peak vehicle and pedestrian demand conditions.

The VISSIM model work in all cases was instrumental in convincing decision-makers of the feasibility of proposed new road and traffic control measures.

CrossIron Mills Shopping Centre Traffic Impact Study & Grand Opening Traffic Management Plan

CrossIron Mills regional shopping centre includes more than one million square feet in Rocky View County, immediately north of Calgary. Since 2005, Bunt & Associates has been involved in site planning and has completed several traffic impact and parking studies to support the site planning, approval and on-going operation of development.

Bunt also developed and executed a successful traffic management plan for the site’s grand opening in August 2009. This included implementing a program to supervise over 40 traffic control and police service staff responsible for thousands of guest vehicles, emergency response access, and multi-modal circulation.

Bunt continues to work with the mall owners in on-going site planning and impact assessments as the site continues to evolve and expand.

VGH Master Transportation Plans Update

As part of the City of Vancouver’s conditions for the approval of the Development Application for the Joseph and Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre  located within the Vancouver General Hospital Health Precinct, the City of Vancouver requested updated campus plans be submitted addressing Parking, Loading and Transportation Demand Management Plans.  As the original author of these documents which were over 10 years old, Bunt & Associates was retained again by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA) in 2016-2017 to prepare an update to these documents, while at the same time Bunt was assisting in the preparation of an overall Master Health Precinct Plan.

As part of this assignment, a thorough understanding of current parking, loading, traffic and TDM initiatives throughout the Health Precinct was required.  Bunt conducted a comprehensive data collection program comprising an inventory of existing transportation infrastructure, multi-modal traffic counts at site driveways and on the surrounding roadway system, staff/patient/visitor interviews, and extensive parking occupancy surveys both for on-site lots and on-street on the surrounding road network.  This baseline data allowed Bunt to compare current mode splits to historic information and demonstrate the success and progress of the TDM program in meeting its targets; also, if formed the foundation of a calibrated parking demand model of both on-site and off-site parking activity linked to mid-day site populations and gross floor area of Health Care Buildings.  Bunt explored future parking demand scenarios using this model, in light of anticipated effects of the new Broadway SkyTrain line as well as increased effectiveness of TDM measures over the long term which allowed Bunt to confirm future parkade requirements at full build out of the site under existing zoning regulations.

Oakridge Redevelopment

Bunt & Associates have been involved with the transportation planning and engineering analysis for the Oakridge Redevelopment in Vancouver over the past several years through the project rezoning approval by the City of Vancouver in 2014 through to the development permit approvals and construction traffic management work today.  The Oakridge Redevelop is the one of the most high profile and ambitious mixed-use redevelopments in all of the Metro Vancouver Region and a cornerstone for the entire Municipal Town Centre redevelopment envisioned by the City of Vancouver for this area.

The Bunt team has worked with the project team to develop an access strategy for Oakridge for all modes of travel (vehicle, public transit, walking and cycling), a parking and loading supply rationale and comprehensive Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans.  We have been involved with the design development of street cross sections to incorporate vehicle, pedestrian and cyclists, and transit passenger capacity analysis of the Oakridge Canada Line Station and bus transit service along the West 41^st Avenue and Cambie Street frontages of the project.  Bunt has also been involved with the extensive public consultation component of the Oakridge Redevelopment for several years.

7th Street Cycle Track In-Service Road Safety Review

The City of Calgary retained Bunt & Associates to undertake an In-Service Road Safety Review for the 7th Street SW Cycle Track. This Cycle Track network will connect the Elbow River and Bow River network system, with the 7th Street SW cycle track being completed first.

The objective of the study was twofold. First, to obtain input from key internal/external stakeholders in order to gain an understanding of experiences with the existing cycle track facility and the route along 7th Street. Second, was to focus on collecting germane information along 7th Street, assessment of the traffic/cycle conditions, collision performance, and to identify safety related issues.

Through the process, the In-Service Road Safety Review (ISRSR) Team developed possible mitigation measures for the City and design team to consider for both the existing and future cycle track facilities.

Cadboro Bay Road & Bowker Road Intersection Redesign

The District of Oak Bay commissioned Bunt to deliver detailed design services for its proposed upgrade of the Cadboro Bay Road & Bowker Avenue intersection. This commission built upon the recommendations from a previous Bunt study and accompanying conceptual designs to improve intersection sight lines, reduce vehicular speeds, and introduce the District’s first protected cycle infrastructure.

Working from survey data provided by the District, and later, Calid Engineering, our team delivered a full set of detailed plans that eventually included recessed parking bays and curb extensions for a planned mixed-use development at the northwest corner of the intersection. With inputs from the District, their development partners and BC Transit, Bunt confirmed new cross sections, utility impacts, design speeds, the pavement plan, signs & markings, and specifications and materials for proposed new median islands. The designs were supported by high-level cost estimates to help the District inform costs and contractor services for implementation.

Ganges Village Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure Plan

The Capital Regional District (CRD) identified a lack of sidewalks and bicycle facilities as an impediment to increased walking and cycling in Ganges Village on Salt Spring Island. Provision of additional infrastructure for these travel modes was seen as a means to provide alternatives to using vehicles for short trips in and around the village by visitors and residents alike.

To address this deficiency in Ganges Village, the CRD initiated a study to identify an appropriate configuration for sidewalks and bicycle facilities along the target sections of Lower Ganges and Rainbow Road as a first step to eventual development of a more comprehensive network of such facilities. Bunt & Associates, as a sub-consultant to J.E. Anderson, was responsible for assessing proposed conceptual designs for future roadway improvements. We analyzed existing traffic operations through a detailed traffic model, which provided insight to whether future roadway and traffic control improvements would be warranted. We also identified how best to incorporate infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation into the existing and planned future road corridors.

East Village Zero Parking Condominium

Knightsbridge Homes proposed a unique development in the East Village community of Calgary. The N3 project (New Attitude, New Living, New Vision) is the first of its kind in Calgary and was marketed as a ‘car-less condo’ for a new generation of young urbanites.

Bunt & Associates was retained by Knightsbridge to undertake a research/literature review and parking analysis to determine the feasibility and impact of not supplying any parking stalls on-site for both residents and visitors of the proposed N3 Condominium Project. The study was used by the City of Calgary Transportation Development Services and City Council to render decision on bylaw parking relaxation for the development.

Molson/Crosstown Development

Bunt & Associates was retained by First Capital Realty to assess and evaluate the traffic implications associated with the redevelopment of the former Molson Brewery and Crosstown Motors sites, located north of 104 Avenue between 118 Street and 121 Street in the Oliver neighbourhood. The proposed redevelopment in the Central Business District fringe sector of the City of Edmonton includes the development of over 600 medium/high-rise residential units and over 260,000 square feet of commercial and office space.

Given that the future West LRT line is proposed to alter the existing cross-section of 104 Avenue, Bunt & Associates developed a comprehensive transportation plan to ensure that the project could be accommodated on the adjacent roadway network both pre and post-LRT.

The rezoning of the former Molson Brewery site was approved by City Council on August 26, 2013.

The Quarters Area Redevelopment Plan

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the City of Edmonton Special Projects Office to provide transportation and parking planning consulting services in support of the Quarters Area Redevelopment Plan (ASP). The goal of this plan was to accommodate a population of about 22,000 residents. Bunt was responsible for reviewing alternative circulation options and parking accommodation plans for the area. Particular attention was made to the development of pedestrian friendly street systems acknowledging the influence of the proposed Valley line LRT alignment which will traverse through the plan area.

A key recommendation from this review was to modify the current parking zone bylaw of multi-family developments. Bunt proposed that multi-family parking regulations be based on floor area of units rather than number of bedrooms. Bunt’s proposal was successfully adopted.

In addition, Bunt researched alternative parking management models and presented benefits associated with the implementation of a civic parking agency.

Esquimalt Road Diet & Traffic Calming Feasibility Study

Bunt & Associates was engaged by the Township of Esquimalt to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a conceptual design for a Road Diet/Traffic Calming initiative for the 800 Block of Esquimalt Road. The primary intent of the project was to determine whether reducing the roadway to two lanes with traffic calming features would be feasible for the section of Esquimalt Road between Dominion Road and Head Street and if so, to prepare a conceptual design that would address the capacity, safety and access issues for all modes of transportation along this corridor.

Bunt’s services included:

Reviewing existing traffic data, accident history, existing geometrics, signal phasing, drawings, reports, design standards and concepts to confirm feasibility; Developing draft conceptual design options; Arranging and hosting a series of open house with stakeholders, including transportation agencies, BC Transit, local businesses & residents and First Nations; Incorporating stakeholder feedback and comments into the final conceptual drawings.

The project was approved by the Township and Bunt’s proposed corridor improvements were constructed in 2009. The revised street configuration is now pedestrian and cyclist friendly, with medians providing opportunities for mid-block crossings and attractive landscaping.

Edmonton City Centre Airport

Bunt & Associates was retained by the Deputy City Manager’s Office to lead a multi-disciplinary team of land use planners, financial analysts and municipal engineers to evaluate land use, transportation, and servicing impacts as well as the market potential associated with the possible closure and redevelopment of the Edmonton City Centre Airport Lands.

At the time of the study, the airport operated as a general aviation airport. The potential redevelopment of the airport lands represented an opportunity to achieve longer-term land use and transit service objectives by providing an alternative to lower-density communities on the outskirts of the City through the development of a sustainable mixed-use activity node. For the purpose of determining these impacts and to identify opportunities and constraints associated with the possible redevelopment of the airport lands, a Demonstration Plan was prepared to illustrate how the lands could potentially be redeveloped as a comprehensive Transit Oriented Neighbourhood, including the development of LRT service into the development area. Redevelopment of the ECCA Lands as a compact mixed-use development area based on a Transit Oriented Development framework will align with the City’s current vision and Smart Choices policies.

King George Station TIA & VISSIM Modelling

Bunt & Associates (Bunt) was engaged by PCI to provide transportation consulting services for a proposed mixed-used high density transit oriented development located immediately south and east of the King George SkyTrain Station in the City of Surrey, BC.  Bunt & Associates was involved in the project from the early site planning phase through rezoning and development permit.  The site design was complicated by the City’s two planned future Light Rail lines running adjacent to and through the site, a desired public roadway connection under the elevated SkyTrain line connecting to TransLink’s Kiss & Ride facility, and a high volume pedestrian crossing planned next to a future roundabout.

Key components of Bunt’s work included developing and testing numerous initial site access, loading configuration and parkade access concepts; conducting a data collection program planning of 10 intersections, including all travel modes and vehicle classifications; preparing external traffic volume forecasts at build-out and interim horizon years for weekday morning, afternoon and mid-day Saturday peak demand periods based on mixed-use internal trip discount NCHRP methodology; developing Synchro/SimTraffic models for operational analysis of study area signals and an on-site roundabout, as well as optimization of signal timing plans and signal phasing; and, investigation of mitigation measures to support site traffic on the surrounding roadway system.  Bunt confirmed the feasibility of the site access concept, and identified all on-site and off-site improvements to support the site redevelopment for its multi-phase construction program.

In addition, Bunt prepared a detailed VISSIM micro-simulation model of the entire study area covering multiple City blocks, to test the anticipated traffic operations of the proposed master plan build-out roadway design and traffic control concept under peak weekday and Saturday traffic conditions.  The proximity of a pedestrian-actuated signal to a proposed new single lane roundabout as well as the impact of LRT vehicles on traffic operations through the busy Fraser Highway & King George Boulevard were important and the VISSIM model which directly accounted for the effects of pedestrians and transit vehicles on general purpose traffic operations was instrumental in convincing decision makers that the planned density and access concept was feasible and appropriate.  The first phase of the King George Station project opened in 2015.

2010 Olympics Strategic Transportation Area Plans

In February, 2010, Vancouver hosted the Olympic & Paralympic Games. Over 1.6 million spectator tickets were sold to competition events held in 12 different venues, including three venues located in Whistler, two hours north of Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway.

Bunt & Associates, in partnership with another consultant, was engaged by the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) to prepare strategic transportation plans for the Greater Vancouver, Sea to Sky Corridor and Whistler Areas. These plans included:

• the establishment of goals & objectives;
• forecasting of both Background and Olympic Overlay travel demands at key locations;
• the development and evaluation of transportation strategies; and
• the preparation of tactical plans to address the increased travel demands during the Olympic competition period.

We reported to the VANOC Transportation Department staff during the year-long project but we were also responsible for ongoing and extensive consultation with VANOC’s transportation stakeholders, including the City of Vancouver, TransLink, Ministry of Transportation & Highways, BC Transit and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

Bunt was awarded the Bill Curtis Project of the Year Award in November 2008 by the Greater Vancouver Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers in recognition of the success of this challenging project.

River District (East Fraserlands) Master Transportation Plan

Bunt was retained as part of a multi-disciplinary consultant team to provide transportation consulting services for the planned new neighbourhood in Vancouver, BC. The plan for this new neighbourhood, based on the principles of sustainability and “smart growth”, envisioned a future population of 12,000+ residents and neighbourhood-scale commercial uses. The land use plan was set within a transit-oriented urban form with street and sidewalk/bicycle routes that promoted walking and cycling for local trips and transit for longer distance trips. Bunt’s role in the project involved a detailed traffic impact study but also assistance in the preparation of innovative, pedestrian-oriented street designs with narrow widths and built-in traffic calming measures. We also researched and provided input to the project team on the potential for integration of a car‑share program, the benefits of mix-use zoning as well as shared parking synergies. Recent work includes updating Phase 3 of the Master Plan to potentially double the planned density, along with restructuring the street network to better serve the community.