Jasper Avenue New Vision / Imagine Jasper Avenue

[archited]

I am sorry -- I am completely underwhelmed! There is no leadership shown here -- meek copies of elements seen in other cities. Leaving this kind of planning to an internal City planning group is entirely the wrong way to go. There is no connection to the businesses along the way; actually there is only tenuous connection to any of the street uses and none are advanced in any meaningful way. Ideas: 1. lose the speedway concept for Jasper. Reduce the total number of lanes to 3 in total, changeable at rush hour to two in the pertinent direction and one opposing. 2. Get rid of the turn left lanes altogether (let cars turn right and right and right to get to the opposite side of the street -- this has proven to be a very successful strategy in Santa Barbara on the main street -- State Street). 3. let the lanes veer to allow for centre-lane bus stops at every second block (maximum -- and at mid-block instead of block ends -- leads to better traffic control). 4. raise pedestrian crosswalks to sidewalk grade with gently sloped approaches for vehicles (acts as a traffic speed modulator). 5. allow illuminated business signage overhead in the pedestrian right of way (creates more intense interest, encourages more business street participation, doubles as pedestrian-scale lighting -- far more interesting than kitschy catalogue-selected lamp styles). 6. rent the sidewalk space to adjacent businesses requiring them to submit a well-developed plan for its use and maintenance -- maintaining a clear pedestrian path through the projected use. 7. Employ snow/frost-free paving for both the pedestrian realm and the vehicle realm (there are numerous options here -- Edmonton should be a leader in this category) 8. create vertical plant-wall spaces that define the street. 9. create banner-hanging mechanisms over the motor vehicle portion of the street (double as street lighting). 10. create a two-way bike lane protected from motor vehicle traffic (also paved to maintain snow-free status). 11. micro-zone the storefronts to place eateries on block ends and mid block (adjacent to pedestrian crosswalks) and remove non-retail businesses from the street level (insurance companies, law and accounting offices, medical clinics, service outlets -- none of these businesses enhance street life) 12. create varied and intense landscape buffers along the street separating vehicles from other street uses 13. visual is one aspect for the senses -- create sound islands and make spaces for street buskers along the route 14. Allow for some cross-Avenue canopies (various materials -- glass, fabric, projection screens), particularly at the mid-block bus stops mentioned earlier (these again could be revenue generators for advertising as well as venues to promote the City) 15. remove automobile parking from the main street altogether and provide bicycle parking corrals on side streets 16. allow retail outlets to bring their wares to sidewalk displays.

I could go on for days with suggestions that would help liven the pedestrian street. What has been presented is VERY disappointing. It engenders the same kind of "miss" that happened with the Armature in the Quarters section of the City. Somebody -- somehow -- has to get through to the City before they spend another whopping pile of money to no good end!

 

[Daveography]

Edmonton’s Jasper Ave redesign complete; concerns raised
Edmonton has proposed its final plans for redesigning the west leg Jasper Ave, but a rep with the Oliver Community League still has concerns with the proposal.

The city held an open house over the weekend, showing Edmontonians the preferred design to transform Jasper Ave from 109 Street to 124 Street, by adding traffic lights at every stop and widening sidewalks.

The city made tweaks to the plans after consulting with residents last fall.

The new additions include adding tree-lined medians from 117 Street to 121 Street, bike parking, and connecting cycle lanes from adjacent streets that intersect Jasper Ave, according to Satya Gadidasu, the city’s senior traffic engineer.

“The median is to give that community feel,” he said. “The public liked the medians so that’s why we decided to go with them.”

METRO GRAPHIC
A look at the city's changes to the intersection of 121 Street and Jasper Ave.

But Dustin Martin, Oliver Community League’s civics director, is concerned the new plans would still allow left-hand turns on intersections that aren’t busy, from 110 Street to 117 Street (that doesn’t include 116 Street).

He said he wants them eliminated.

“It would be a good thing because you would narrow that crossing space. It means one fewer lane they have to cross, and lets them cross it a bit faster,” Martin said.

“The fewer left-hand turns you have, the safer it is for pedestrians.”

http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmonton/2017/03/13/edmonton-jasper-ave-redesign-complete.html

 

[Momin]

Latest SRC Update:

The City's updated plan for the reconstruction of Jasper Avenue from 109 Street to 124 Street was presented to the public at a drop-in information session on Saturday before the scheme heads to Council in the spring. The preferred vision presents a number of changes from the draft design presented in November 2016, and a significant change from the current configuration of the corridor, which has three lanes in each direction, with the outside lanes being used exclusively for buses during peak hours and parking during off-peak hours.

 

[Daveography]

Returning from London again, I'm again struck by how wide and unfriendly our downtown streets are. This will be a decent pilot but I'm still concerned Imagine Jasper Avenue doesn't go far enough.

Jasper Avenue to slim down for summer in move to attract pedestrians
Edmontonians can expect fewer traffic lanes and more space for pedestrians along Jasper Avenue this summer.

For July and August, city staff plan to turn the curb lanes on both sides of Jasper between 109th Street and 115th Street into extensions of the sidewalk.

A report going to city council's executive committee on Tuesday explains that the purpose of the pilot project is to show people what the city's main drag would be like if redesigned.

For the past two years, city staff have been gathering feedback about permanently reducing a stretch of Jasper Avenue between 109th Street and 124th Street from seven lanes of traffic to five, including turning lanes.

The sidewalks would be built out and adorned with trees and more lighting. Restaurant owners could potentially take advantage of the space to create patios.

Of the 4,650 responses received, 78 per cent expressed support for the $19-million project, city staff said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jasper-avenue-narrower-summer-2017-1.4126954

 

[Daveography]

Pedestrian-friendly transformation being tested along Edmonton’s Jasper Ave
The City of Edmonton wants to make Jasper Avenue feel like a “main street” again, in part, by adding more walkway space for pedestrians as well as creating opportunities for businesses.

“Many cities have done this and I’d say we’re one of the later ones to come to it,” Jason Meliefste, with Edmonton’s infrastructure and planning department, said.

The Imagine Jasper Avenue project will encompass the stretch of Jasper Avenue from 109 Street to 124 Street, where officials hope to encourage businesses to set up patios and welcome food trucks.

The challenge will be finding a balance between foot and vehicle traffic.

“We take an extreme amount of attention and detail to being able to make sure we’re squeezing the most out of every possible space that we can,” Meliefste said.

“The lanes are currently used as off-peak parking lanes as well as peak- hour bus lanes,” he added. “They’ll be transitioned into a pedestrian space over the next four months.”

http://globalnews.ca/news/3588335/p...tion-being-tested-along-edmontons-jasper-ave/

Pedestrian-friendly Jasper Avenue construction begins
Jasper Avenue is getting a summer makeover. The city’s “main street” pilot to transform the strip over the summer into a more pedestrian-friendly space began Monday and is scheduled to be ready for a Saturday kickoff event.

Construction crews will be blocking off the outer lanes on Jasper Avenue between 109 and 115 streets to make room for more patios and walking space. The changes are supposed to make the stretch of road more appealing for pedestrians and street-front businesses by adding benches and trees.

The lanes will be blocked off through the end of October. The changes are part of a pilot project ahead of the planned permanent construction that will begin in 2019.

The city needs to accommodate all modes of transportation, “especially pedestrians,” said project co-ordinator Satya Gadidasu. He also encouraged Edmontonians to visit the street during the pilot.

A cross-section for the Jasper Avenue plan, released Nov. 29, 2016. The plan will be mapped out on the road for people to experience from July 10 through October. CITY OF EDMONTON

Most of the extra space is coming from blocking off existing bus and parking lanes along the street, turning it into flex space which can be used by businesses. A restaurant can apply to the city to use the flex space in front of its storefront for a patio or other use. The space can also be put to use by food trucks or other demonstrations.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/jasper-avenue-festival-pilot-constructrion-beigns-monday

 

[Daveography]

My (crappy smartphone) photos from the pop-up event on Saturday:

 

[Daveography]

Warm reaction to splash of colour on Jasper Avenue
New patio spaces, colourful planters and murals are finally helping the west part of Jasper Avenue lose that “hollow” feeling, said one of many residents took in changes to Edmonton’s main street Saturday.

City officials are still waiting for the arrival of benches, more patios and small park spaces to help residents and commuters visualize what a full makeover could mean. But the planters and bollards are in and, at the opening launch party, many were impressed.

“I saw it yesterday and thought, ‘This has to be the dumbest idea ever’,” said Bob Walker, sitting on a couch in space that used to be roadway.

“But now with the trees and everything? I think Edmonton wants to become a cosmopolitan city real bad. People complain, but they want it, too.”

The pilot project, which runs from 109 Street to 115 Street, converts the outside lane on both sides of the road into a mix of patio space and parking. It also extends bus stops into the road. That means transit riders can board off the regular sidewalk, protecting them with large planters and trees, but the buses hold up traffic while they load passengers.

At each intersection, yellow bollards make the corners tighter to slow down motorists and narrow the distance pedestrians are unprotected while they cross the street.

“I think it’s really good,” said Maureen Doram while walking down the sidewalk. This part of Jasper Avenue felt “hollow” before, she said, complementing the art and how Edmonton keeps trying to expand the sense of community.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/looking-into-the-future-of-jasper-avenue-with-a-festival

Edmonton showcases Jasper Avenue redevelopment plan
Edmontonians can test drive the pedestrian-friendly redevelopment plan for Jasper Avenue by taking a walk between 109th and 115th streets.

That's where the city unveiled its redesign of the avenue Saturday. The demonstration is open until October 31.

"We are showcasing to the public how communities as well as businesses can take advantage of the traditional public space," said Satya Gadidasu, the project coordinator.

Curb lanes on both sides of the street now extend into the sidewalk. Workers placed a line of fences, pylons and potted plants as traffic barriers.

Curb lanes along Jasper Avenue between 109th Street and 115th Street have been transformed into pedestrian spaces for the summer. (CBC)

The additional pavement is being used as flex space for local business-owners, who can apply to expand their patios or street-front displays. Unused lanes double as 24-hour street parking for vehicles and bicycles.

Wider sidewalks also create shorter and safer crossing distances for pedestrians and cyclists, Gadidasu said.

"Pedestrians are the top priority so that's why Jasper Avenue is chosen as the premiere main street for Edmonton," he said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-showcases-jasper-avenue-redevelopment-plan-1.4207264

Experience Jasper Avenue showcases coming changes

 

[Daveography]

Ian O'Donnell‏ @IanOyeg 4 minutes ago
The long awaited light pole bases are here! @DBAyeg @DECLorg @PlanEdmonton #yegdt #yegbiz

 

[chrisvazquez7]

Oh those look much nicer than the ones we saw about a month ago. Hopefully they have no issues with installation or maintenance...

 

[Daveography]

Paula Simons: Let's learn the right lessons from Experience Jasper Avenue
It’s 2 p.m. on a sunny August afternoon and the margins of Jasper Avenue between of 110 Street and 115 Street are full of brightly painted picnic tables, big, bold murals, and even a sturdy ping-pong table. It’s part of a beautification initiative, a pilot project called Experience Jasper Avenue, designed to calm the traffic and add more vitality to Edmonton’s main street.

Yet on this lovely warm day toward the end of summer, when everyone in Edmonton wants to be outside, the picnic tables are empty. The ping-pong table sits untouched, unloved. And small wonder. It is not charming or cosy to sit and sip a latte or read a book alongside the Jasper Avenue traffic. The only thing separating you from the whizzing cars, trucks and buses is a bit of light metal fencing and some gallant little yellow bollards. It doesn’t feel safe or welcoming. The potted trees that line the avenue seem to be dying of stress. Even the faux-grass carpet under the tables appears to be shrivelling.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/loc...e-right-lessons-from-experience-jasper-avenue

 

[Daveography]

Traffic delays caused by Jasper Avenue pedestrian pilot project
The first traffic tests on a Jasper Avenue pilot project between 109 Street and 121 Street have found motorists experience an average one-minute longer delay than before changes were made to the corners of intersections.

But a city councillor says that likely feels like 20 minutes for waiting drivers and the city has failed to clearly communicate why it is making changes in the first place.

“It has been a perilous crossing,” said Ward 6 Coun. Scott McKeen, who said he has watched seniors struggle to get across intersections with their walkers before the traffic light changes. Yellow “bump-outs” or extended curbs at each intersection are one of the main elements of the changes.

The yellow bending pillars now keep vehicles away from each curb, tighten the turning radius to slow them down and shorten the crossing distance. A permanent design calls for concrete curbs to be installed.

Many of the complaints on social media, in letters to the editor and emails to councillors have been about what’s seen as a beautification project, called Experience Jasper Avenue, that’s causing delays for motorists even as the potted trees die.

There’s been little discussion of the safety elements, and the fact the test itself is public engagement. It’s meant to help the public see the proposals before the design is reworked and pitched for the next capital budget cycle.

“The bump-outs are critical,” McKeen said. “I don’t think (the public) understands. That’s been a failure of the city and the Ward 6 councillor,” he added, taking some blame.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/loc...sed-by-jasper-avenue-pedestrian-pilot-project

 

[Daveography]

Sigh.

Edmonton to reinstate controversial right-turn lane in Jasper Avenue pilot
Edmonton officials are pulling back on a key piece of the Jasper Avenue pilot project after traffic studies showed drivers were having a hard time making a turn.

Experience Jasper Avenue took away the dedicated right-turn lane for eastbound drivers trying to turn right onto 109 Street.

That’s coming back Wednesday, according to Ward 6 Coun. Scott McKeen, who said he’s heard from a lot of frustrated drivers: “People have been really upset and I think the city did a poor job of communicating why the installation was done.”

City officials said taking away the right-turn lane was meant to increase pedestrian safety because many people on foot felt drivers were not seeing them. They didn’t yield when pedestrians tried to use the crosswalk.

But without the dedicated turn space, drivers were waiting a lot longer to turn and clog up the through-lanes while they wait. Recent city traffic monitoring found the average wait time tripled,with cars waiting on average 50 seconds, up from the 16 seconds they waited before the project.

The line-up went up to 11 cars during the morning rush hour, up from an average of five cars.

At least they are considering other changes:

He said the city should also look at separating the foot and vehicle traffic signal cycles. If motorists get a dedicated right turn phase from the signal, they would be less likely to conflict with pedestrians.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/loc...ersial-right-turn-lane-in-jasper-avenue-pilot

 

[Daveography]

Pedestrians angry at decision to bring back Jasper Avenue right-turn lane
A decision to re-instate what many felt was a dangerous crossing on Jasper Avenue had frustrated pedestrians sounding off Wednesday.

City officials took the dedicated right-turn lane at 109 Street away because pedestrians said it felt unsafe; vehicles weren’t stopping for them. Then officials measured the traffic impact and found wait times tripled to an average 50 seconds from 16 seconds before the change.

They reinstated the turn lane for eastbound traffic Wednesday morning.

“I drive, bike and walk here daily. The sight lines suck because of the incline and drivers are all looking away from the corner as they turn,” said Leslie Bush, kicking off the debate on Twitter.

“My city has so much going for it, but it also sends the consistent message that pedestrians aren’t important,” added Ian Achille, who walks and drives past there frequently.

“A city that puts cars first and everything else last. How else do I know I’m in Edmonton?” moaned Edmond Chui, a local resident.

The change was part of Experience Jasper Avenue — a proof-of-concept test to examine the impacts of a new design before the changes become permanent.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/loc...n-to-bring-back-jasper-avenue-right-turn-lane

 

[Daveography]

Energize on Jasper Avenue
September 14, 2017

Get your body moving with walking tours and activities on the avenue this weekend for the third public event in Experience Jasper Avenue.

Date: Saturday, September 16
Time: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre parking lot, 11111 Jasper Avenue

Walking tours from 109 Street to 115 Street will give Edmontonians the chance to find out more about key elements of the design demonstration. Tours will leave from the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre parking lot every hour from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The event also includes live music, food vendors and energizing activities like yoga and belly dancing led by local fitness instructors.

The new plan for Jasper Avenue, being demonstrated from 109 Street to 115 Street until the end of October, was developed during the Imagine Jasper Avenue project as a chance for Edmontonians to experience the changes prior to construction in 2019. The Imagine Jasper Avenue project ran from September 2015 to March 2017. A combination of public, business and stakeholder feedback, City policies and procedures, and technical studies and standards were considered to develop the new design. In 2015, the City designated Jasper Avenue as an official Main Street. It is the first street in Edmonton to be designed using the Main Streets Guideline.

For more information:
Edmonton.ca/experiencejasperave

Media contact:
Michelle Kauffman
Communications Advisor
780-508-9507

 

[Daveography]

Edmonton failing to measure what matters on Jasper Avenue: health expert

Karen Lee, a medical doctor and international health and planning expert, will be leading a workshop on developing community-based solutions for 105 Avenue Saturday. ED KAISER
When Karen Lee helped New York City give Times Square back to pedestrians, they measured everything from improved air quality to foot traffic and retail sales at street-level businesses to prove the temporary pilot should stay.

On Jasper Avenue, Edmonton is measuring driving times. That’s it.

It has Lee worried.

“People care about the health of their families, about seniors and whether they can safely cross the street to get to their bank. If we don’t capture that data, it’s easier for that not to be part of the conversation,” said Lee, an international health and urban planning expert coming home to the Edmonton area to help look at local solutions.

On Jasper Avenue, the City of Edmonton is testing wider sidewalks and a narrower street to keep local residents safe and invite more foot traffic for businesses. But the city is not measuring how many people actually use the street on foot during the pilot project, retail impacts or how quality of life for the many seniors living in that area changes.

It means those concerned about traffic impacts may drown out those appreciating the benefits. City officials are only measuring the benefits through surveys and comments.

That’s likely not enough, said Lee: “Capturing (impacts) only anecdotally, then it’s easier for them to be dismissed. That’s really important.”

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/loc...e-what-matters-on-jasper-avenue-health-expert