Abstract Manager

St. Johns Street in Port Moody, a decommissioned highway and major arterial, serves as a vital connection locally and regionally. The City of Port Moody engaged Associated Engineering to undertake a comprehensive multi-modal transportation planning and design study aimed at transforming the vehicle-focused corridor into a people-first street. The project included traffic analysis, concept planning, detailed design, and construction services.

The redesign of St. Johns Street transforms a vehicle-dominated corridor into a multi-modal, community-focused space that aligns with Port Moody’s long-term development goals. By tailoring designs to the unique character and land uses along each segment, the project enhances accessibility and supports the local economy while preserving essential connectivity for all modes of travel. The corridor’s integration with two nearby transit hubs bolsters active transportation options and strengthens connections within the community. This approach aligns with both the City’s Master Transportation Plan and TransLink’s Transport 2050, fostering a more sustainable and accessible urban environment that supports regional goals for increased active transportation and transit use.

The objectives for the project were to create a corridor that:
-    provides high-quality, comfortable, and safe amenities for all users.
-    stimulates the local economy with comfortable business accesses.
-    Provides sense of space and community
-    improves cycling and walking accessibility 
-    improves safety along the corridor 
-    maintains current roadway priorities like traffic flow and parking

The corridor planning and conceptual design phase of the project included in-depth traffic analysis to understand current conditions and future demands. We completed micro-simulation, intersection capacity analysis, and a safety assessment to identify potential traffic improvements to benefit all corridor users. A preferred option was identified based on the development and evaluation of conceptual improvement options.

The project’s design phase divided the corridor into five unique segments and cross-sections, with solutions ranging from separated bike lanes with widened sidewalks near commercial areas to multi-use pathways in residential sections. This approach allowed for tailored designs to be developed that fit the needs of each segment. For example, the two blocks between Kyle and Grant Street are home to several street-facing businesses. The redesign included a widened pedestrian area with separated bike lanes, allowing for safer and more comfortable movement of foot traffic adjacent to business fronts, while placing bikers away from swinging business doors. In two segments, there is planned future development. We implemented interim designs, enabling budget-conscious enhancements with flexibility for future development.

The St. Johns Street project incorporated several innovative design features to enhance safety, sustainability, and community atmosphere. Curb bulges with integrated rain gardens were implemented, offering both traffic calming benefits and a sustainable stormwater solution. Raised crosswalks further improved cyclist and pedestrian visibility, promoting safer multi-modal movement. Small plazas were created at each intersection, providing a sense of place and restful areas for passersby. A specially designed road structure was developed for the multi-use pathway to preserve existing trees by protecting their roots during construction, with additional native tree and plant landscaping to create shaded, welcoming spaces as they mature.