Harris Road Complete Street Feasibility Study

• Project Background

  Harris Road is a significant thoroughfare in Pitt Meadows, running north-south through the heart of the City and intersecting with key routes like the Lougheed Highway (Highway 7). It hosts important civic buildings like Pitt Meadows City Hall and the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre, as well as several parks such as Harris Road Park that provide recreational opportunities. The road is also near various schools, reinforcing its role as a community hub, and connects with the Pitt Meadows West Coast Express station, linking the area with downtown Vancouver. Harris Road features a mix of commercial establishments, including shops, restaurants, and service providers, alongside residential neighborhoods. It experiences significant traffic, especially during peak hours, prompting ongoing efforts to manage traffic flow and improve safety for all users.

  The existing corridor varies within the project extents (Lougheed Hwy to Fraser Way), with over 7 major intersections and 12 pedestrian crossings. The road right-of-way width varies and the intent is to assess what may be feasible within the existing roadway, and better understanding all aspects of potential future implementation. 

  The complete street design for Harris Road was identified as a top priority in the City’s 2023 Active Transportation Plan. Assessing the feasibility of a complete street is the next step towards enhancing active transportation in Pitt Meadows and informing future decision-making. 

• Proposed Improvements

  A comprehensive audit of existing conditions was conducted to inform preliminary design concepts. The City assessed the feasibility and impacts to refine the designs to three potential AAA (All Ages and Abilities) options, incorporating cost estimates, design criteria, service impacts, and maintenance considerations. At a high level, designs are anticipated to incorporate:

  • Multi-use paths
  • Protected bike lanes
  • Wider sidewalks
  • Narrower vehicle lanes
  • Enhanced crossings
  • Improved lighting
  • Upgraded transit stops
  • Landscaping and tree modifications

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are people currently using Harris Road for active transportation?

  Yes, Harris Road is already used by people walking, cycling and using other active transportation modes. However, the current infrastructure prioritizes vehicle traffic, and the design may not feel safe or accessible for everyone. According to the City of Pitt Meadows Active Transportation Plan, feedback has shown that safety, accessibility and connectivity are key barriers to active transportation on Harris Road. The improvements aim to address these issues and encourage even more people to use active transportation.

• Are we sure more people will use Harris Road if these options are available?

  Studies from other communities show that when safe, convenient and accessible active transportation infrastructure is introduced, more people choose to walk, cycle or use other non-vehicle modes of travel. The proposed Harris Road Complete Street will align with these findings by incorporating features like separated bike lanes, wider sidewalks and enhanced crossings. Additionally, public engagement during the development of the Active Transportation Plan highlighted strong community support for improved active transportation options. These changes are expected to increase active transportation use by making it safer, more comfortable, and more attractive for a wider range of people.

• What types of data (e.g., traffic counts, pedestrian activity, parking utilization) are being used to inform the design options?

  To ensure the proposed Harris Road Complete Street design is based on evidence and meets the community's needs, several types of data are being considered:

  1. Traffic Counts
     • Vehicle traffic volumes are being analyzed to understand current usage and anticipate future needs. This helps assess the potential impacts of reallocating road space for active transportation.
  2. Pedestrian Activity
     
     • Counts of pedestrians using Harris Road and nearby crossings are collected to identify key walking routes, high-demand areas, and potential gaps in accessibility and safety.
  3. Cyclist Activity
     
     • Data on the number of cyclists currently using Harris Road helps identify how safe and accessible the corridor is for cycling today and where improvements can make the biggest impact.
  4. Parking Utilization
     
     • Observations of on-street parking demand is used to determine how much parking is currently utilized.
  5. Collision Data
     
     • Historical collision data is being reviewed to identify safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles along Harris Road. This information helps pinpoint areas that may require design features to improve safety.
  6. Transit Usage
     
     • Data on bus ridership and transit stop activity informs the integration of transit-friendly features, such as safer crossings and improved waiting areas.

   

  Data collection prior to any changes can also help to measure the level of success, if or when the project is implemented.

• How are the preliminary design concepts being developed? What criteria are being used to create the options? Will the concepts take into account the unique needs of businesses along Harris Road, such as parking, deliveries, and customer access?

  The preliminary design concepts for Harris Road are being developed through a combination of:

  • Data Analysis: Information such as traffic counts, pedestrian activity, cyclist usage, parking demand, and collision data is being used to identify challenges and opportunities.
  • Best Practices: Designs draw from successful examples of complete streets in similar communities, focusing on improving safety, accessibility, and multimodal transportation options.
  • Community Engagement: Input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders ensures the concepts consider local priorities and needs.
  • Policy Alignment: The designs adhere to the Pitt Meadows Active Transportation Plan, Official Community Plan (OCP), and broader sustainability and accessibility goals.

   

  Design option considerations

  • Safety: Enhancing safety for all users, especially vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Accessibility: Ensuring the design is inclusive and meets the needs of seniors, families and people with various abilities.
  • Connectivity: Improving connections between key destinations, such as transit stops, schools, parks and businesses.
  • Sustainability: Supporting sustainable transportation modes like walking, cycling and transit while reducing reliance on vehicles.
  • Traffic Flow: Balancing active transportation improvements with the need to maintain efficient vehicle movement.
  • Business Needs: Accommodating loading zones, short-term parking and access for customers, deliveries and service vehicles.
  • Aesthetics: Incorporating landscaping, and other design elements that enhance the corridor’s appeal and identity.
  • Cost and Feasibility: Ensuring the options are financially viable and feasible to construct and maintain.

  Business needs considerations

  • Parking: The design will assess current parking utilization and aim to maintain sufficient parking for customers while balancing space for active transportation. Alternatives like shared parking or strategically placed parking zones may be explored.
  • Deliveries: Loading zones will be included to ensure businesses can continue receiving deliveries efficiently.
  • Customer Access: Improved sidewalks, crossings and cycling infrastructure will make businesses more accessible to customers who walk, bike or use mobility aids.
  • Engagement: Local businesses are being consulted to understand their specific needs and ensure the final design considers their operations while enhancing the overall streetscape.
• How will feedback from businesses and the community be considered when refining the concepts? Will there be additional opportunities for input after the preferred concept is identified?

  The public will have an additional opportunity to provide input at the City Council meeting when the preferred concept is presented.

  Feedback will be carefully reviewed to address specific concerns like parking, access and delivery logistics. Community input will inform adjustments to ensure the design reflects local needs while balancing priorities. Summaries of feedback and changes will be shared to maintain transparency.

  Opportunities include:

  • Specific Working Groups: Aimed to collect specific feedback on design options.
  • Public Open House: To review and comment on the preferred designs.
  • Online Engagement: Surveys and interactive tools for remote input.
• How will future plans, such as the rail underpass or other infrastructure projects, affect the design concepts and their feasibility?

  Future projects, like the Harris Road rail grade separation, are being carefully considered to ensure the design concepts for the Complete Street remain feasible and adaptable:

  • Integration with Long-Term Plans: The Complete Street design is considering the existing at-grade crossing and potential future grade separation to ensure compatibility and minimize rework.
  • Phased Implementation: The Complete Street improvements will be implemented in phases, aligning construction timelines with the rail and other major projects to reduce disruptions.
  • Flexibility: Design concepts are being developed to allow for adjustments as future infrastructure projects progress. This ensures that the Complete Street remains effective and functional alongside new developments.
  • Cost and Funding: Collaboration with regional and provincial partners on large-scale projects may create opportunities to share costs or secure additional funding for elements of the Complete Street.
• What is the projected cost for the complete street design and how will it be paid for?

  The estimated cost for the Harris Road Complete Street will depend on the final design and specific features included, such as bike lanes, widened sidewalks, landscaping, and transit improvements. A cost estimate will be provided as the design concepts are refined.

  Funding sources may include:

  • Municipal Budget: Allocations from the City’s capital budget.
  • Grants: Funding from provincial and federal programs, such as the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants or Green Municipal Fund.
  • Development Contributions: Contributions from developers through Development Cost Charges (DCCs).
  • Partnerships: Potential cost-sharing with regional or provincial bodies, especially if the project aligns with other infrastructure initiatives.