Elgin Mills Road / CN Railway Crossing EA Study - Open House #1

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Welcome

Welcome to Open House #1

Elgin Mills Road / CN Railway Crossing (Yonge Street to East of Newkirk Road) | City of Richmond Hill

Welcome to the first Open House for the Elgin Mills Road / CN Railway Crossing Environmental Assessment (EA) Study. The commenting period for Open House#1 is from January 27 to February 17, 2022.

Graphic of a meeting

Purpose of Open House #1

Introduce the Project

Share key feedback received so far

Summarize the Region’s 2016 TMP recommendations for the corridor

Present the study findings to-date

Introduce Alternative Design Concepts to be developed in the next phase of the study

Obtain your input about the project


Privacy Statement:

Please note your personal information (e.g. name, address, and phone number) is collected, maintained, and disclosed under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for transparency and consultation purposes.

Personal information submitted will become part of a public record that is available to the general public unless it is requested that the personal information remain confidential.

How to Navigate

  • Click on the arrows at the bottom of your screen
  • Use the navigation bar on the left of your screen to revisit any part of the Open House slides or to skip to a slide of interest to you
  • Click the “Audio” button at the top right corner of the page to play audio for each slide

How to Participate

  • Click on the arrow at the bottom of your screen to get started and learn about the project. Some slides have areas to leave feedback on the information presented. Enter your feedback and press SUBMIT to send your comments to the project team
  • You can also email your comments to the project team at Jackson.Marin@york.ca

Contact Information

EA Process and Study Objectives

Project Description

York Region is undertaking a transportation Environmental Assessment (EA) Study for improvements to Elgin Mills Road between Yonge Street and East of Newkirk Road, in the City of Richmond Hill.

Map of study area along Elgin Mills Road East from Yonge Street to Newkirk Road

Environmental Assessment (EA) Process

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a planning and approval process for municipal infrastructure projects, legislated by the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This EA study is being conducted as a Schedule ‘C’ project under the Municipal Class EA document (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, and 2015). This EA study incorporates the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) process.

TMP Process graphic showing five phases of the planning process. Each phase is broken into3 sections: EA Process, Technical Work, and Public Consultation. Phase 1 (Completed as part of TMP) shows Problem or opportunity under EA Process, Document existing conditions and develop problem and opportunity statement under technical work, and notice of study commencement under public consultation. Phase 2 (Completed as part of TMP) shows alternative solutions under EA process, inventory natural social economic environment and identify and evaluate alternative solutions and select preferred solution under technical work, and open houe #1 under public consultation process (we are here). Phase 3 shows alternative design concepts for preferred solution under EA process, identify alernative design concets for preferred solution and identify impacts and mitigation measures and select and develop preferred design under technical work, and open house #2 under public consulation. Phase 4 shows environmental study report under EA process, document EA process and findings in ESR and place ESR for public record under technical work, and notice of study completion under public consulation. Phase 5 shows implementation under EA process, complete contract drawings, construction and operation, and monitor for environmental provisions and commitment under technical work.

Study Objectives

To accommodate current and future transportation needs for all modes (pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and motorists)

To supplement the findings of the 2016 York Region Transportation Master Plan (YR TMP)

Study Area Features

The EA study area is along Elgin Mills Road between Yonge Street and East of Newkirk Road, in the City of Richmond Hill.

Map showing key features of the study area

Key features of the corridor include:

1

German Mills Creek Crossing

2

Yonge Street Rapidway

3

Sidewalks on both sides, no cycling facilities

4

CN Railway / Richmond Hill GO Rail Crossing

Residential, Commercial and Industrial land use adjacent to Elgin Mills Road

Four Lane Urban Arterial Road
60km/h posted speed

Traffic Signals at Yonge Street, Yorkland Street/ Enford Road, and Newkirk Road intersections

Community Outreach

Community Outreach and What We’ve heard

Community Outreach

Direct Mail Notices
Project Website: York.ca/ElginMillsStudy
Technical Review Agencies
Newspaper Notices
York Region Social Media
Online Survey
Open Houses
Stakeholders

What We’ve Heard

Online Survey Results

Based on 222 survey responses collected between November and December 2021:

Your top 3 concerns along Elgin Mills Road:

Percentage of respondents indicating concern as “very important”

Your top concerns at the Railway Crossing:

Percentage of respondents identifying the concern.

Your most important features along Elgin Mills Road:

Percentage of respondents selecting features that are important to them.

Your top 3 factors to make WALKING more attractive along Elgin Mills Road:

1

Pedestrians do not cross at the same level as the train tracks (Elgin Mills Road raised / lowered)

2

Increased separation from moving vehicular traffic

3

More attractive, comfortable streetscape (e.g. more street trees, landscaping, amenities such as benches and public art)

Your top 3 factors to make CYCLING more attractive along Elgin Mills Road:

1

Cyclists do not cross at the same level as the train tracks (Elgin Mills Road raised / lowered)

2

New paths (in boulevards) for cyclists, separated from walking

3

I would not cycle along Elgin Mills Road

Your top 3 factors to make TRANSIT more attractive along Elgin Mills Road:

1

Efficient transit routes

2

On-time transit service

3

Transit routes with connections to GO Train stations / services

General Comments:

The frequency and duration of trains passing (especially freight trains) are extensive and result in significant delays for all users

Concerns with the maintenance at the rail crossing (bumpy travel for vehicles crossing the tracks)

Delays to Emergency Vehicles while trains are passing

Noise concerns

Strong support to construct either an overpass or underpass and build it soon. Request to leave the crossing at-grade as improvements aren’t needed

Increased development and population growth will contribute to existing congestion

Construction of an overpass / underpass will be costly and take a long time to complete.

We want to hear from you

Planned Growth, Part 1

Planned Growth and Planning Policy Context

Planned Growth

York Region is forecasting significant growth. Infrastructure improvements are needed to support this growth. This EA study reviews opportunities for infrastructure improvements along Elgin Mills Road between Yonge Street and East of Newkirk Road.

Population and employment icons
York region population is expected to grow from 1.2 million residents in 2019 to 1.8 million residents in 2041. York region employment is expected to grow from 655,000 jobs in 2019 to 900,000 jobs in 2041

Planning Policy Context

To establish the vision for the Elgin Mills Road corridor the project team completed a review of relevant planning documents and background studies including but not limited to:

Municipal

  • Richmond Hill Official Plan
  • Transportation Master Plan Update
  • Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan
  • Richmond Hill Railway Crossing Grade Separation Prioritization Study

Regional

  • Regional Official Plan
  • York Region Strategic Plan (Vision 2051)
  • Regional Transportation Master Plan
  • York Region’s Sustainability Strategy
  • York Region’s Pedestrians and Cycling Master Plan
  • York Region’s Pedestrian and Cycling Planning Design Guidelines
  • York Region’s Transit Annual Service Plan
  • York Region’s Roads and Transit Capital Construction Program

Provincial

  • Provincial Policy Statement, 2020
  • A Place to Grow (Growth Plan for GGH)
  • 2041 Regional Transportation Plan (Metrolinx)
  • Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan
  • Greenbelt Plan
  • Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan

Key findings from the document review include:

Richmond Hill Railway Crossing Grade Separation Prioritization Study (2016)

The Elgin Mills Road crossing of the CN Railway corridor east of Yonge Street was identified as the highest priority crossing requiring a grade separation of the seven road /rail crossings studied in the City of Richmond Hill

YR Official Plan

Designates a 36.0m official plan right-of-way for improvements to Elgin Mills Road

Planned Growth, Part 2

Planned Growth and Planning Policy Context, continued

YR Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Study (2016)

Development of a Road Network Fit for the Future (2041) , YR TMP 2016 Map 8

Map showing 4-lane network, 6-lane network, interchange improvements, and other improvements

Four lanes for Elgin Mills Road and the need for a Proposed Grade Separation at the CN Rail Crossing

Supporting the Frequent Transit Network (2041) ,YR TMP 2016 Map 7

Map showing frequent transit routes

Elgin Mills Road as part of the Frequent Transit Network

Growing the Cycling Network (2041), YR TMP 2016 Map 9

Map showing exisintg cycling network and proposed cycling facilities

Separated active transportation facilities for pedestrians and cyclists along Elgin Mills Road

Summary of TMP Recommendations

Summary of TMP Recommendations for Elgin Mills Road

TMP cover

The York Region TMP (2016) completed Phases 1 and 2 of the EA process and identified the Preferred Solution for improvements to Elgin Mills Road.

TMP Phase 1: Problem and Opportunity Statement

Identified the Needs and Justification to define the Problem and Opportunity Statement for improvements to the Elgin Mills Road corridor

Network improvements for the Elgin Mills Road corridor are needed to:

  • Address existing congestion and future travel demands
  • Support walking, cycling, and transit along the corridor
  • Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety at the crossing and reduce delays to transit and traffic along the corridor
problem versus opportunities

TMP Phase 2: Alternative Solutions

Developed and Evaluated Alternative Solutions to address the P&O Statement

  1. “Do Nothing”
  2. Improve Grade Crossing Safety
  3. Transportation Improvements To Adjacent / Parallel Corridor
  4. Construct Rail Grade Separation Structure
      Recommended because:
    • Traffic and train volumes are expected to exceed exposure warrants for grade separation
    • Grade separation improves pedestrian and cyclist safety
    • Reduces delay to transit and traffic along the corridor

TMP Preferred Solution

Selected a Preferred Solution for the Elgin Mills Road corridor

The Preferred Solution for Elgin Mills Road was identified as Construct Rail Grade Separation Structure due to its alignment with the five YR TMP objectives (support transit, support road network, support active transportation, support goods movement, and supports last mile).

Transportation Conditions, Part 1

Reconfirming the Preferred Solution
Transportation Conditions

To reconfirm the recommendations and TMP Preferred Solution, the EA project team completed an updated Transportation Assessment and assessed the existing and future conditions for Elgin Mills Road. The following highlights the key findings.

Traffic Operations

Existing Traffic Conditions

Elgin Mills Road

  • Operates within capacity with localized congestion points experiencing longer delays
  • Vehicle queues from train crossings extend to and impact intersection operations (Yorkland Street and Newkirk Road) and driveways
  • Vehicle queues extend to the railway crossing from Newkirk Road intersection during the morning peak

Future 2041 Traffic Conditions

  • Elgin Mills Road capacity will improve with a grade separation, but still experience congestion. Anticipated vehicular demand in the area should be monitored in the future
  • Separating Elgin Mills Road at the railway crossing (grade separation) is forecasted to:
    • Increase throughput along Elgin Mills Road
    • Reduce delays at the rail crossing
    • Reduce vehicle queue spillbacks from the railway crossing to adjacent intersections

Grade Separation Exposure Index

An exposure index is used to determine whether a grade separation should be considered based on traffic volumes, and the number of trains at the crossing each day. Grade separation is considered when the exposure index exceeds 1,000,000.

At the Elgin Mills Road crossing of the CN rail, in future conditions (2041) the exposure index is anticipated to be >1, 698,000.

The grade separation exposure index is exceeded.

Grade serpation on road

Source: Google Maps

Existing Rail Crossing Conditions

Map showing rail crossing at Elgin Mills Road and CN Bala Subdivision

Image Source: Yorkmaps.ca

Rail corridor is currently serviced by CN Freight Rail, CN Corridor Maintenance, GO Commuter Rail and VIA Commuter Rail

Vehicles are delayed at the crossing as they are required to stop for trains to cross – safety concerns for motorists due to conflicts with crossing trains

Increased train frequency is forecasted. Lengthy duration of train crossings (e.g. freight trains)

Vehicle queues extend to adjacent intersections when crossing arms are lowered for passing trains

Safety concerns for pedestrians at the existing CN Railway crossing

Elgin Mills Road does not support cycling facilities at the CN Railway crossing

Transportation Conditions, Part 2

Reconfirming the Preferred Solution
Transportation Conditions, continued

Pedestrians

  • Sidewalks are found along the north and south boulevards of Elgin Mills Road
  • Pedestrian connections / pathways to residential and commercial / industrial lands are present northwest and southeast of the rail crossing
  • Pedestrians cross many lanes at signalized intersections
  • Pedestrians cross the rail tracks at a level crossing
Map showing pedestrian level of service along the north and south boulevards of Elgin Mills Road

Cyclists

  • There are no existing cyclist facilities along Elgin Mills Road. Cyclists travel in mixed traffic
  • Cyclist cross the rail tracks at a level crossing
Map showing bike level of service along the north and south boulevards of Elgin Mills Road

Transit

  • Route 80 Elgin Mills and Rouge 86 Newkirk - Red Maple travel along Elgin Mills Road
  • Viva Blue and Rouge 99 Yonge Street cross Elgin Mills Road at Yonge Street
  • Transit vehicles are required to stop at the railway crossing and with each train passing
Map showing YRT System Map in December 2021

Image Source: YRT System Map (Accessed December 2021)

Traffic Safety Review (2015 to 2020)

Top collision prone intersection in the study area:

1 Elgin Mills Road & Yonge Street

Vehicles stopped for passing trains extend to adjacent intersections, causing driver frustration. Pedestrians and cyclists cross at the same level as the train tracks.

Top crash intersection is Elgin Mills Road and Yonge Street

Most collisions in the study corridor resulted from human error (e.g. following too closely, not obeying traffic controls at intersections, failing to yield the right-of-way, or improperly changing lanes, passing, or turning)

Graph showing 50 non-fatal injury collisions, 135 property damage only collisions, and 1 non-reportable collision

Preferred Solution

Based on the Transportation Assessment and review of the existing and future conditions for Elgin Mills Road, there are opportunities to:

  • Improve the CN Railway crossing and reduce delays and congestion with the associated crossing
  • Improve pedestrian and cycling facilities to encourage other modes of transportation to reduce congestion and single occupancy vehicle (SOV) use
  • Improve the efficiency and reliability of transit
  • Improve safety, performance, and operational efficiency for all modes along the study corridor


The Preferred Solution for Elgin Mills Road between Yonge Street and East of Newkirk Road is confirmed as:

Construct a Rail Grade Separation Structure

  • Addresses improvements at the CN Railway crossing (alternative design concepts for overpass and underpass will be assessed in the next stage of the study)
  • Provides for separated active transportation facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Supports Elgin Mills Road as a Frequent Transit Network
  • Accommodates the safety, performance and operational efficiency for all modes

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What’s Next? Grade Separation

What’s Next?
Alternative Design Concepts – Grade Separation

Image Source: Yorkmaps.ca

To determine how to best separate Elgin Mills Road from the level rail crossing and accommodate pedestrians and cyclists the project team will develop the following design alternatives in the next phase of the study. The evaluations and recommendations will be presented at Open House #2.

Alternative 1 – Maintain At-Grade Crossing

Elgin Mills Road crosses the CN rail tracks at the existing level crossing

Image of Existing Elgin Mills Road at-grade crossing East of Yonge Street

Existing Elgin Mills Road at-grade crossing East of Yonge Street

Alternative 2 – Underpass

Elgin Mills Road is lowered under the CN rail tracks

Image of Underpass example

Underpass example
Major Mackenzie Drive east of Keele Street

Alternative 3 – Overpass

Elgin Mills Road is raised above the CN rail tracks

Image of Overpass example

Overpass example
Bantry Road east of Yonge Street

Some key considerations the project team will study when developing and evaluating the design alternatives for the grade separation include:

  • Distance to Newkirk Road signalized intersection
  • Distance to Ohio Road unsignalized intersection
  • Proximity between rail crossing and residential homes and businesses
  • Existing pedestrian connections to the north and south
  • High Groundwater
  • Existing Floodplain
  • Pedestrian and Cyclist Conditions
  • Utilities
  • Life Cycle Costs

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What’s Next? Active Transportation

What’s Next?
Alternative Design Concepts - Active Transportation

Along Elgin Mills Road sidewalks are currently provided on north and south boulevards and there are no cycling facilities. To determine how to best accommodate pedestrians and cyclists along Elgin Mills Road between Yonge Street and East of Newkirk Road the following design alternatives will be developed and studied in the next phase of the study. The evaluations and recommendations will be presented at Open House #2.

Alternative 1

  • Sidewalk on one side
  • Multi-use Path (MUP) on other side, shared space for pedestrians and cyclists to travel in both directions
  • Opportunities for boulevard landscaping
Image of Alternative 1
Image of sidewalk

Sidewalk

Image of multi use path

Multi-Use Path

Alternative 2

  • Sidewalk on both sides
  • Separated Boulevard Cycle Tracks on both sides, cyclists travel in same direction as vehicle traffic
  • Opportunities for boulevard landscaping
Image of Alternative 1
Image of multi use path

Boulevard Cycle Track and Sidewalk

Alternative 3

  • Multi-use Paths (MUP) on both sides, shared space for pedestrians and cyclists to travel in both directions
  • Opportunities for boulevard landscaping
Image of Alternative 3
Another Image of multi use path

Multi-Use Path

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What’s Next?
Key Technical Studies

The following technical studies will inform the development of the design alternatives, evaluations and impact assessment of the proposed improvements:

Transportation & Traffic Assessment

Noise Impact Assessment

Streetscape and Landscaping

Natural Heritage

Stormwater Management and Drainage

Structural Design

Arborist / Tree Inventory

Geotechnical Investigations

Sub-surface Utilities Investigations

Archaeological Assessment

Hydrogeological Investigations

Cultural and Built Heritage Assessment

Contamination Overview Study

What’s Next?
Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be used to assess the design alternatives in the next phase of the study:

Transportation Service

  • Reduce Traffic Congestion and Delays
  • Create a Pedestrian-Friendly Environment
  • Create a Cyclist-Friendly Environment
  • Improve Public Transit Service
  • Improve Safety at the Rail Crossing
  • Improve Safety for all Travel Modes
  • Improve Mode Choice
  • Accommodate Emergency Services

Social Environment

  • Minimize Impacts to Residential, Institutional and Recreational Dwellings / Properties
  • Improve Access to Residential Areas, Institutional and Recreational Facilities
  • Mitigate Traffic on Local Streets
  • Minimize Traffic Noise
  • Preserve Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Features
  • Improve Visual Aesthetics
  • Improve Community Character

Natural Environment

  • Protect Designated Natural Areas
  • Protect Vegetation
  • Protect Wildlife
  • Protect Aquatic Habitat
  • Improve Air Quality
  • Protect Surface Water and Ground Water
  • Minimize Effects on Climate Change
  • Minimize Flooding and Erosion and Protect Slope Stability

Infrastructure Design & Economic Environment

  • Minimize Utility Relocation
  • Accommodate Planned Development and Growth
  • Minimize Impacts and Improve Access to Businesses and Key Employment Areas
  • Minimize Property Requirements
  • Life Cycle Cost (Maximize Construction Value, Minimize Operating Costs)
  • Minimize Disruption due to Construction
  • Minimize Constructability Complexity

Give us your feeback!

Project Timeline and Next Steps

Top row of schedule: Notice of commencement and online survey #1: November 2021. Open House #1, January 22 2022 (We are here). Open House #, April 2022. Notice of Completion and File ESR on Public Record, December 2022. Bottom row of schedule: Phase 1, Problem/Opportunity (completed as part of TMP). Phase 2, Alternative Solutions, Confirm YR TMP Recommendations (completed as part of TMP). Phase 3, Alternative Design Concepts, Identify and Evaluate Alernative Design Concepts. Phase 4, Environmental Study Report (ESR) Document EA Process & Findings

Next Steps

Review feedback from the public and stakeholders.

Develop and Evaluate Alternative Design Concepts. Identify Preferred Design.

Present the Preferred Design at Open House #2. (April 2022)

Timing of Improvements

Timing of Improvements for Elgin Mills Road is identified in the Region’s 2022 10-Year Roads and Transit Capital Construction Program and is subjected to annual review

Recommended improvements:
Construction to commence in 2026

Contact Us

Your input is very valuable to us!

Please provide any additional comments on the Elgin Mills Rd / CN Railway Crossing EA study by entering them below, or contact us by email or phone by February 17, 2022.

Jackson Marin, P.Eng.
Senior Project Manager
York Region Transportation Services

Jackson.Marin@york.ca

1-877-464-9675 ext.75131
TTY: 1-866-512-6228

Give us your feeback!

Thank you for participating!

For more information visit us at: york.ca/ElginMillsStudy

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