Phased TPM Pilot Program on King Street
At this time, the only TMP that staff would recommend for consideration on a phased pilot basis is the exclusive use of the north curb lane on King Street, from John Street to Bay Street.
The concept of a “Transit-Only lane” will be new to the City and therefore, staff is recommending the implementation of a phased pilot-process to test the concept and its functionality. The first phase of the Transit-Only lane pilot will include:
• The north side of King Street from John Street to Dundurn Street. This section has been selected as the HSR and other public transit services utilizing this area extensively.
• The Transit-Only lane restriction would be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, the current parking, loading and other activities would be permitted to continue.
http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/..._2_PW11079.pdf
Recently, there have been examples of the impact as a result of the elimination of traffic lanes on King Street. The new Good Shepherd Centre, 398 King Street West, has been under construction for more than a year. The construction activity required the elimination of the northerly curb lane throughout. Staff observed this situation and determined that there were no significant traffic impacts as a result of this loss of the northerly curb lane in this area. Another example this summer was the Highway 403 Ramp construction projects, whereby traffic lanes on King Street were also unavailable for long periods of time with no significant impacts to the traffic flow. It is recognized that these lane closures were included during the summer months when traffic is lighter that usual, however, it is felt that the lane restriction closures provided a real-life example in those areas of the City, and the Transit-Only Lanes will also be an important test of a TMP.
It is anticipated that the implementation of the phased TPM pilot program would start in the summer of 2012, along with a public communication campaign including providing information to residents and businesses along the affected section of King Street, the installation of signs and pavement marking, the removal of parking meters. Once these implementation details are confirmed, staff will provide this information to Committee and Council prior to implementing the pilot.