Theme : Circulation and Heavy Truck Traffic

The Issue

What works well in relation to this topic? 
What works less well?

The problem is the size, quantity, and speed of heavy trucks circulation in and near residential streets. 

Particulars of the problem:

1. Noise pollution : noise pollution is stressful. See the study Public Policy Options for Noise Pollution Management: A Reflection for Montreal.
2. Air pollution : from Diesel engines and by the dust that is created.
3. Safety and security: Makes the streets unsafe for children, animals, cyclists and pedestrians.
4. Damage of property: the trucks go over the pavement, damage street, gardens, and the street itself.
5. Antisocial: the elderly are no longer able to sit on their stoops and enjoy the street because of the problems above and peaceable enjoyment of the premises is lost to all. 
6. Community cohesion is affected, community use of the street is suffering now because of the heavy traffic.
7. These things also devalue property (for owners)
8. People who work from home are affected with the disruption (and more people are working from home now).
9. We need action before a major accident happens. The sharing of residential streets by heavy trucks and pedestrians, children and cyclists is dangerous. 

Case Studies

What we have witnessed…

Case 1

Residential street Clark,
North of Avenue Mont-Royal

Since the City of Montreal closed Avenue Mont-Royal this summer, dozens of very large trucks are circulating on Clark Street, a residential street, everyday, at all times of the day.

The trucks make noise at a very high level, disturbing the peace of this previously calm street.

The trucks are so large that they occupy the space reserved for the two-way bicycle paths on Clark street. Certain cyclists are forced to ride on the sidewalk for security reasons.

The heavy traffic is putting elders, children, cyclists and domestic animals in danger on a daily basis.

Case 2

Residential streets near Jeanne-Mance,
now closed to traffic due to roadworks

Jeanne-Mance is normally used as a street for through-traffic. Right now Jeanne Mance is closed for renovations. This has highlighted how much better things are without cars.

Case 3

Residential street Brebeuf,
near Laurier Park

Noise of heavy trucks, constant excess of the speed limit and huge raise of traffic since the major circulation changes made in 2011 on the Plateau.

People who live there and work from home are heavily affected by the disruption (as more people are working from home now) and the peaceable enjoyment of the premises is lost to all.

Actions

What does it take to change things?
What are the next steps?

Complaints

Complaints have been made to the City of Montreal, with no visible action yet.

Ticket number for Clark street:

• #20135600

Ticket number for Brebeuf street:

• #20128706 for the urgent installation of temporary speed bumps
• #20128706 for installation of permanent speed bumps

You can help!
You too can call 311 to support those ticket numbers

ideas & Solutions

As seen on the closed streets near Jeanne-Mance, streets are much better without traffic and their closing is a unique opportunity to rethink their traffic flow.

Mont-Royal street while pedestrian could be open at certain times for truck traffic.

Truck size could be more restricted to certain areas and times.

Changing the one-way direction of traffic could make a residential street less convenient for heavy trucks.

Installing traffic signs could help educate and enforce regulations.

Installing temporary and permanent speed bumps would reduce speed and circulation on those residential streets.

Changing the one-way direction of a street would make it less convenient, per ex. for traffic from downtown going North to take Jeanne-Mance street.

Conclusions

Residential streets are for residents not heavy trucks and circulation. A study could identify what the problems and the possible solutions are.

For this, we need to understand:

1. How many trucks need to go through?
2. Why are there so many? Are they avoiding traffic and taking shortcuts?
3. What would be the way to stop it?