Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project
WEST VANCOUVER Detailed Design Consultation • Discussion Guide/Feedback Form • May/June 2007
Sea-to-Sky Highway Project Background
The Sea-to-Sky Highway links communities from West Vancouver to Whistler. With its spectacular mountain landscape, the highway presents complex engineering and construction challenges. British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation is undertaking improvements to the highway between West Vancouver and Whistler to improve its safety, reliability and capacity. By 2009, extensive improvements will make travel along the corridor safer for residents, commuters and tourists. To be completed before the Olympics, the highway improvements will serve population growth and economic development in the corridor as demand increases for resident and visitor travel, as well as goods movement. Improvements will include highway widening and straightening, improved sightlines, passing lanes and other design innovations to reduce hazards, shorten travel times and increase capacity of the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project will result in the following: • West Vancouver to Lions Bay – 4-lane sections with continuous median barrier including straightening, widening and improved sightlines (eliminating several sharp curves). • North of Lions Bay to Murrin Park – 2, 3 and 4-lane sections; about half of this section includes improved 2 lanes, and the remaining sections include additional passing opportunities with 3 and 4 lanes. Those sections that are 4 lanes will include a median barrier to prevent crossover accidents. Sections adjacent to Murrin Park and within the community of Britannia will include improved 2-lane sections, which is consistent with community input from pre-design consultations. In Furry Creek, there will be 3 lanes moving to 4 lanes with a median barrier. • North of Murrin Park through Squamish – 4-lane divided highway. This section will include median barriers throughout, including the addition of urban design features to the median within Squamish. • Squamish to Whistler – 3 lanes throughout this section, including improved 2-lane sections and alternating passing opportunities provided by alternating the third lane.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
A key goal of the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project is to manage traffic flows during construction in order to minimize disruption and maximize predictability for travelers. Highway closures will be implemented at set times and publicized well in advance. To plan ahead for a safe trip, Call 1-877-4SAFE99 (1-877-472-3399) for up-to-date traffic information or go to the website (www.seatoskyimprovements.ca) to access the following travel planning tools: • Weekly Schedule – Weekly update on confirmed highway closures and delays • Travel Planner – A list of the available closure/ delay windows for current season • Closure & Delay Windows – The maximum closure/delay windows to 2009 • Road Alerts Service – Frequent Sea-to-Sky travelers can receive text message alerts about major or unscheduled events that affect highway travel
PROJECT GOALS
The primary goals for the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project include: • Safety improvements • Reliability improvements • Capacity improvements • Project completion by late 2009 • Management of traffic flows during construction in order to minimize disruption and maximize predictability • Completion of the project on time and on budget
Overview of Consultation on Highway Improvements
OVERVIEW OF CONSULTATION ON HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS
CORRIDOR-WIDE CONSULTATION Community consultation on detailed design is being conducted in corridor communities prior to completion of the highway improvements in each section. The Ministry of Transportation (MoT) has consulted about the scope and nature of highway improvements since 2002 with communities, businesses and residents along the corridor. Residents and community stakeholders have participated in hundreds of meetings. As the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project proceeds through various design stages and ultimately into construction, communities and key stakeholders are being consulted. The design stages include: 1. Project Definition Consultation (completed 2002 - 2003) 2. Pre-Design Consultation (completed 2003 - 2005) 3. Preliminary Design Consultation (completed 2005 - 2006) 4. Detailed Design Consultation (February – Oct 2007) The Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project maintains a community relations program to provide on-going communications about construction activities, as well as current construction delays and highway closures updates. The S2S Transportation Group is the contractor responsible for designing, building, operating and maintaining the Sea-to-Sky Highway. A key outcome of detailed design consultation is practical feedback on detailed design features for consideration by the Ministry of Transportation and the S2S Transportation Group, prior to completion of improvements in each section. Detailed design consultation generally involves the discussion of fewer but very specific treatments related to the final design improvements, including such things as specific traffic calming and noise reduction features, shape and texture of gateway signage, detailed landscaping, lighting and other aesthetic treatments. LANDSCAPE OPTIONS FOR EAGLERIDGE TRAFFIC CIRCLE Participants strongly supported the use of ground cover and low shrubs in landscaping at the new traffic circle that will be built at the end of Eagleridge Drive. NORTH JUNCTION Participants indicated that they would like the North Junction landscaped with natural vegetation. BUS STOPS Participants strongly supported the relocation of the southbound bus stop to connect with the new Pasco Road access and the construction of a new northbound bus stop across from the southbound stop. LANDSCAPE OPTIONS FOR NEW PULLOUT There was strong community support for the use of trees and shrubs when landscaping the new pullout that will be built north of Larsen Creek. Some participants suggested that low-growing species would enhance safety and security in the area. During final construction the pullout location will be determined once the highway alignment is refined. It will be located approximately 2-3 km north of Nelson Creek Bridge. SOUTHBOUND WEST VANCOUVER GATEWAY FEATURE A majority of participants favoured the community rock option as the gateway signage feature, also noting that it is important to make the sign easy to read for drivers. NORTHBOUND SEA-TO-SKY HIGHWAY GATEWAY FEATURE A majority of participants favoured the community rock option as the gateway signage feature noting the necessity of continuity in gateway signage along the corridor.
RESULTS FROM WEST VANCOUVER PRELIMINARY DESIGN CONSULTATION: NOVEMBER 2005 – FEBRUARY 2006
Preliminary design consultation was conducted with the West Vancouver community in November 2005 to February 2006. The following summarizes the input received during this consultation. EAGLERIDGE INTERCHANGE Some participants indicated that they had concerns about the highway design from a safety perspective. The Eagleridge Interchange will include safety upgrades, a new southbound on-ramp to Highway 1 for Marine Drive and Eagleridge residents, a new traffic circle to allow the smooth flow of traffic from the area and new signage. LANDSCAPE OPTIONS FOR EAGLERIDGE DRIVE PARKING There was strong community support for the use of native trees and shrubs in landscaping at the Eagleridge Drive parking lot. In subsequent discussions with the District of West Vancouver, it was concluded that improved parking at the Black Mountain Trailhead and Trans Canada Hiking Trailhead would provide better access for hikers to recreation trails in the area.
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West Vancouver Detailed Design Consultation
ROCK-FILL SLOPE TREATMENT The majority of participants strongly supported the planting of clusters of trees and shrubs at the Gleneagles viewscape. Participants indicated a preference for native vegetation. VIEWSCAPE FROM BC FERRIES Participants indicated support for using coastal vegetation such as local tree species to address the rock-fill slopes in this area. • Replacement of the Eagle Bluffs bridge structure with a retaining wall. This eliminates the vehicle noise reverberation being transmitted from below the bridge structure. • Rerouting traffic directly overland reduces the traffic along the south edge of the interchange area. Traffic along the southern edge of the road is mainly from the BC Ferries and local traffic. The increase in separation distance of Highway 99 traffic from the adjacent residences will reduce traffic noise. • Using Superpave in this section results in a reduction of traffic noise as compared to conventional pavement. For further information on noise mitigation refer to: “Community Noise Assessment in the Eagleridge and Horseshoe Bay Area” on the project website: www.seatoskyimprovements.ca
BACKGROUND – DETAILED DESIGN FEATURES
LIGHTING AT EAGLERIDGE INTERCHANGE AND NORTH JUNCTION Highway lighting at the Eagleridge Interchange and North Junction will use ”flat glass” lights as a means of controlling light pollution to the adjacent neighborhood. The light bulb is positioned within the light fixture so that none of the bulb actually projects below the fixture. This prevents light from being visible from the side of the light fixture, and directs all of the light downward. This results in a more controlled area of lighting, and minimizes light escaping to the surrounding area. NOISE REDUCTION AT EAGLERIDGE INTERCHANGE The new highway construction at Eagleridge Interchange uses several mitigation techniques to control traffic noise to the adjacent neighborhood. These mitigation measures include: • Minimize tree removals and excavation to preserve the natural buffer. • Installation of an 810 mm high roadside barrier that shields tire noise from being transmitted away from the highway.
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Overview of Consultation on Highway Improvements
Improved Trailhead Parking for Black Mountain Trail
Old Highway Remains for Local Traffic
MATURE TREE AREA
MATURE TREE AREA
LARSEN CREEK WETLANDS
Wetted Area Boundary
Northbound Sea-to-Sky Gateway Location
Eagleridge Underpass Cycle Route
Larsen Creek Bridge New Pullout A new northbound Pullout will be constructed on the eastside of the highway, approximately 2-3 km north of the Nelson Creek Bridge. It will be accessible to northbound travelers only, and have capacity for 10 cars and 2 buses.
Eagleridge Interchange Horseshoe Bay Underpass
EAGLERIDGE BLUFFS
Retaining Wall
Nelson Creek Bridge
Median
Fill Slope
20m
Typical Cross Section
Improved Trailhead Parking
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Relocated Pasco Road Old Pasco Road Access Closed (revegetated) Bus Stop Locations
Southbound Gateway at Municipal Boundary
END OF WEST VANCOUVER DESIGN SEGMENT
The highway design in West Vancouver provides improved safety, reliability and capacity by: • Providing a four-lane divided highway through West Vancouver • Providing widened paved shoulders to provide more room to accommodate cycling and emergency pull-offs • Providing centre median barrier to prevent head-on collisions In addition, highway improvements will: • Improve sightlines • Provide smoother transitions into curves • Generally improve the consistency and standards of driving • Provide improved acceleration and deceleration lanes for entrances to and exits from the highway Additional highway safety features: • Highly reflective pavement parking (Rainline) • Roadside rumble strips • Roadside delineators to assist in keeping drivers alert and driving safely Bus Stops • The southbound bus stop will be relocated to connect with the new Pasco Road access road • A new northbound bus stop will be built across from the southbound bus stop
New Pasco Road Access
North Junction Northbound Overpass from Old Highway
CYPRESS PROVINCIAL PARK
Modifications Since Preliminary Consultation • North Gateway Location The location of the northbound Sea-to-Sky Highway gateway sign has been moved approximately 500 metres north of the originally proposed location. • Trailhead Parking Relocated Following consultation with the District of West Vancouver it was agreed that improved parking at the Black Mountain Trailhead and Trans Canada Hiking Trailhead would provide better access for hikers to recreational trails in the area. Parking at Eagleridge Drive has been shifted to the Trans Canada Hiking Trailhead near Westport Road. • Pullout The location of the pullout has been modified to allow for improved access and views. The pullout will now be located approximately 2-3 kms north of the Nelson Creek Bridge.
N
Gateways • A northbound Sea-to-Sky Highway gateway sign would be located approximately 2-3 km from the Nelson Creek Bridge • The southbound gateway would be located at the municipal boundary to West Vancouver
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Larsen Creek
Black Mountain Trail
MATURE TREE AREA
LARSEN CREEK WETLANDS
Larsen Creek Bridge Wetted Area Boundary
Reconstructed Baden Powell Trail Adjacent Wetlands Existing Baden Powell Trail
Eagleridge Underpass
EAGLERIDGE BLUFFS Horseshoe Bay Underpass
In the Larsen Creek catchment area a considerable amount of surface runoff water goes under the surface through fractured rock, and resurfaces in the Horseshoe Bay area. This contributes to low water flows in Larsen Creek in the summer. The low water-flow period in August is most critical to fish living below the existing Highway 99 near Horseshoe Bay. Increased water flows and water quality enhancements will be achieved by: • Redirecting surface flows directly into the upper end of the Larsen Creek wetland area rather than allowing the drainage to go under the surface (upon regulatory agency approval)
• Planting vegetation on embankments on the downslope side in order to contain the water in the rock embankment material • Designing elevated culverts to redirect base water flows so that they enter the embankment (increased water retention) • Developing a storm water control and water quality system at the Eagleridge Interchange • Lining existing offsite highway ditches with topsoil and grass (biofiltration)
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LARSEN CREEK BRIDGE (LOOKING DOWNSTREAM)
Larsen Creek Bridge Existing Vegetation
Black Mountain Trail
Larsen Creek
Animal/Wildlife passage Accommodated
• Clear span bridge • Spans creek and streamside vegetation • Accommodates Larsen Creek and Black Mountain Trail • Allows for hikers and wildlife to pass under the bridge
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Detailed Design Consultation Topics
NEW AND UPGRADED TRAILS
The Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project and the District of West Vancouver (including trail users) have considered options for relocation and improvement of trails. Trail management options have been considered that will benefit West Vancouver residents, North Shore residents at large, as well as others in the GVRD who regard the Baden Powell Trail and Trans Canada Hiking Trails as significant elements of the regional recreation trail system.
Baden Powell Trail
Baden Powell and Area Trail Plan
Existing Baden Powell (BP) Trail Reconstructed Baden Powell Trail Trans Canada Hiking Trail Whyte Lake Trail Black Mountain Trail
Whyte Lake Trail
Improved Trailhead Parking
Reconstructed Baden Powell Trail Adjacent Wetlands
LARSEN CREEK WETLANDS
Black Mountain Trail
Trans Canada Hiking Trail
Trans Canada Hiking Trail Continues
Trans Canada Hiking Trail Continues
Seaview Walk
Improved Trailhead Parking
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1
Whyte Lake
2
Saturated area between Whyte Lake and boardwalk
3
Boardwalk
4
Trail in close proximity to Whyte Creek
5
General upgrades
6
Bridge crossing
7
Trail near top of Nelson Creek Bank
8
General upgrades
Refer to Larsen Creek, page 6 & 7
9
Trans Canada Hiking Trailhead at Westport Road
10 Black Mountain Trail relocation and parking area
11 This section of trail will be rebuilt below the highway, adjacent the west side of the wetlands
12 Seaview Walk
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Detailed Design Consultation Topics
Black Mountain Trail - Restored The Black Mountain Trail will be restored along the existing route. A parking area, providing safe access/exit for vehicles will be provided at the trailhead just off Highway 99. The parking area will accommodate seven vehicles. Baden Powell Trail - Relocated The Baden Powell Trail will tie in to the Trans Canada Hiking Trail via the Whyte Lake Trail. Following discussions with the District of West Vancouver and user groups, a plan to reconstruct the disturbed portion of the trail below the highway, adjacent to the wetlands has been developed. Whyte Lake Trail - Upgraded The Whyte Lake Trail will be upgraded to a consistent BC Parks Type III trail standard with creek crossings. Some upgrades include improvements to drainage (i.e. a boardwalk in one section of the trail) and moving the trail upslope and out of the riparian area of Nelson Creek, as well as stabilizing the trail to minimize the potential of future erosion. The upgraded trail will tie into the Baden Powell/Black Mountain trail with signage at Whyte Lake. Trans Canada Hiking Trail (Nelson Canyon Trail) - Upgraded The Trans Canada Hiking Trail in this location will be upgraded to a BC Parks Type III trail standard with creek crossings. The upgraded portion of the trail will tie into the Baden Powell/Black Mountain trail via the Whyte Lake Trail. Other upgrades include bridge and drainage improvements. The Trans Canada Hiking Trailhead (Nelson Canyon) at Westport Road will be encouraged as the Trans Canada Hiking Trail access, Nelson Canyon Park access, and Baden Powell Trail access via the Nelson-Whyte Lake route. An improved parking area will be provided at the trailhead to accommodate 20 vehicles. Trans Canada Hiking Trail (Seaview Walk) Improved The trail will have improved access to the east end of Seaview Walk. Improved Trailhead Parking During preliminary design consultation in 2006, the project indicated that a 20 car parking lot would be provided at Eagleridge Drive near the traffic circle for hiker access to the Baden Powell Trail. Following consultation with the District of West Vancouver, it was concluded that improved parking at the Black Mountain Trailhead and Trans Canada Hiking Trailhead would provide better access for hikers to recreational trails in the area. Improved parking will be provided for 20 cars at the Trans Canada Hiking Trailhead and seven cars at the Black Mountain Trailhead. Connectivity to the new Spirit Trail Greenway The Ministry of Transportation recently provided two million dollar funding to the District of West Vancouver towards the development of the Spirit Trail Greenway, a multi-user pathway connecting the Lions Gate Bridge with Horseshoe Bay. Improvements to the Baden Powell and area trails will provide better connectivity to the future Spirit Trail Greenway for cyclists and trail users.
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The following detailed design features are the focus of this consultation:
COMMUNITY GATEWAYS
OVERVIEW During Preliminary Design Consultation, the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project consulted on a community gateway concept for the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Feedback from all communities indicated that the Community Rocks gateway feature was the preferred option. The Community Rocks feature has been refined and two options are being presented to corridor communities for their input during detailed design consultation. In recognition of First Nations’ history in this corridor, the Salish name for each area will also appear on the community rock signage. Elements of Continuity are consistent features that identify the Sea-to-Sky Highway corridor as a system from West Vancouver to Whistler. Elements of Distinction are features developed in consultation with each community at the detailed design phase, representing each community as a unique place and destination. In West Vancouver, the Community Rocks gateway signage defines the southbound entry into the community, in a manner similar to other corridor communities but with distinctive elements (such as the colour and shape of a painted metal sign), that are unique to West Vancouver to set it apart. The northbound gateway signage will correspond to the Sea-to-Sky Highway Community Rocks gateway signage used in other STS highway communities. The Community Rocks gateway signage emphasizes the natural surroundings of the area. Two options are presented for feedback. In both options, the rock signage will be approximately eight feet high and illuminated for enhanced visibility at night. In the first option both the boulder base and sign will be made of faux rock. In the second option, the boulder is made of faux rock, while the sign will be made of painted metal and attached to the faux rock base.
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Detailed Design Consultation Topics
Community Rocks – Option 1 Faux rock boulder base with integrated faux rock sign Elements of Continuity • Consistent “faux” rock base Elements of Distinction • Each sign shape could be unique to each community – slight variation of height, shape and width will enhance the distinction of each sign. • Each community will have its name and community logo (logo location indicated by dashed box) displayed prominently in a contemporary, consistent typeface. • A Salish name of each community will also appear on the sign.
Community Rocks – Option 2 Faux rock boulder base with sign made of painted metal Elements of Continuity • Consistent “faux” rock base Elements of Distinction • The shape of each community sign will reflect a unique rocky slope or mountain peak. • The sign with community name and logo (logo location indicated by dashed box) will be made of painted metal attached to base. • A Salish name of each community will also appear on the sign. • A selection of colours for the sign (painted metal) may be available to further distinguish each sign.
Painted Metal
Faux Rock
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
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NEW PULLOUT
The location of the new pullout may be relocated from the location as shown during the preliminary design consultation. Following more detailed engineering and construction, the location options will be determined to allow for improved access and views. A new pullout will be constructed approximately 2 to 3 km north of the Nelson Creek Bridge. It will have capacity for 10 cars and 2 buses. The pullout will be constructed with enhanced level amenities including a sign kiosk, low stone wall, stamped concrete and bear-proof garbage cans.
RELOCATED BADEN POWELL TRAIL FENCING
A portion of the Baden Powell trail will be reconstructed beside the highway adjacent to the wetlands. It is proposed that a fence be constructed to act as a barrier to separate the pathway from the wetlands. The fence would blend into the natural surroundings while at the same time discourage access to the wetlands.
3.5m
1.5m
0.6m
0.5m
CYCLING PATH
With input from cycling groups, a northbound cycling path has been provided from the top end of the BC Ferries parking lot connecting to the traffic circle and the old highway northbound. This safer route allows cyclists to continue along the highway shoulder, without having to cross the Horseshoe Bay exit lanes, to continue their northbound journey on the old highway. This cycling path also provides better connectivity and route options into Horseshoe Bay as it connects directly to the Eagleridge Interchange.
Roadside Barrier Northbound Safety Railing
0 to 5m (varies)
Trail Fence (1.1m) Wetland
1.2m
Fencing Option 1
Fencing Option 2
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Detailed Design Consultation Topics
LANDSCAPE FEATURES
The West Vancouver section of the Sea to Sky corridor is the southern extent of the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project and the beginning of the northbound drive to Whistler. The area includes the Eagleridge Interchange and North Junction, several retaining walls and significant rock fill slopes that offer landscape opportunities. Finding appropriate landscape solutions for this steep, rocky terrain is one of the primary challenges to the landscape design. NATIVE TREES Bigleaf Maple Acer macrophyllum Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menzieslii The design approach through this section of the highway is to restore and naturalize the disturbed areas. During preliminary design the public commented that they would like to see native plantings used. The design will use trees and shrubs that are native to this coastal area. Slopes that are disturbed by construction will be hydroseeded with a wildflower and grass mix. The proposed restoration will be to plant native trees and shrubs in clusters with groupings of similar plants. Deciduous and coniferous vegetation will be planted together in pockets to emulate the natural surrounding forest growth, while providing the diversity required to account for species decline. Planting a mixture of plant species helps to increase the chances of survival. Proposed tree and shrub species to be used in the West Vancouver area includes the following:
Tree (approx. 7m tall) Red Alder Alnus rubra
Detail
Tree (approx. 70m tall) Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata
Detail
Tree (approx. 25m tall)
Detail
Tree (approx. 60m tall)
Detail
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SHRUBS Red-osier Dogwood Cornus sericea Pacific Ninebark Physocarpus capitatus
Shrub
Detail
Shrub
Detail
Black Hawthorn Crataegus douglasii
Red-flowering Currant Ribes sanguinieu
Shrub
Oceanspray – Holodiscus discolor
Detail
Shrub
Detail
Nootka Rose Rosa nutkana
Shrub
Detail
Shrub
Detail
Mock Orange Philadelphus lewisii
Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus
Shrub
Detail
Shrub
Detail
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Detailed Design Consultation Topics
Eagleridge Interchange Landscaping The Eagleridge Interchange will receive an enhanced level of landscape treatment. This will include significant tree and shrub planting on slopes, adding trees to existing slopes and greening up the reclaimed eastbound on-ramp. The traffic circle will be planted with groundcover and low shrubs to provide a softer feel in contrast to the paving and bridge structures nearby. Option 1 – Grass: The reclaimed area to be seeded with rough grass. Option 2 – Trees: The reclaimed area to be planted with clusters of trees and shrubs. Traffic Circle
Coniferous & Deciduous Trees Traffic Circle
Cycling Routes
Grass Coniferous & Deciduous Trees Traffic Circle LEGEND Trees Western Red Cedar Douglas Fir Shrubs & Groundcover Nootka Rose
Grass
Eagleridge Bridge Future Municipal Road
Eagleridge Bridge Future Municipal Road
Snowberry Redtwig Dogwood
Trees & Shrubs on Embankment Option 1: Grass
Trees & Shrubs on Embankment
Coniferous & Deciduous Trees Option 2: Trees
Coniferous & Deciduous Trees
Northbound Cycle Route Southbound Cycle Route
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Eagleridge Bluffs Visualization 5-10 Years Post Construction
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Detailed Design Consultation Topics
North Junction Landscaping The North Junction at Pasco Road will receive plantings of native trees and shrubs in selected areas near the overpass. The design will adhere to adequate safety setbacks and vehicle sightline requirements. There are two options for plantings at the North Junction at Pasco Road. Option 1: Trees and Shrubs - Clusters of native trees and shrubs in selected areas near the overpass. Option 2: Shrubs - Clusters of native shrub roses in selected areas near the overpass.
LEGEND Trees Western Red Cedar Douglas Fir New Pasco Road Access Old Highway (local traffic) Option 2: Native Shrubs Snowberry Relocated Private Community Driveway Redtwig Dogwood Shrubs & Groundcover Nootka Rose
Option 1: Trees & Shrubs
Northbound Overpass from Old Highway
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New Pullout Landscaping The New Pullout will receive plantings of native trees and shrubs in selected areas. The design will adhere to adequate safety setbacks and vehicle sightline requirements. The New Pullout provides the opportunity to view the Howe Sound from an unobstructed viewpoint. Two options exist for plantings at the new pullout. Option 1: Trees and Shrubs – Clusters of native trees and shrubs. Option 2: Shrubs – Clusters of low growing shrubs.
Landscaping Options
Parking (10 Cars, 2 Buses)
Existing Vegetation
N
Option 1 Option 2
LEGEND Trees Western Red Cedar Douglas Fir Shrubs & Groundcover Nootka Rose Snowberry Redtwig Dogwood
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Detailed Design Consultation Topics
Landscape Treatment of Walls and Fills Visible retaining walls are constructed of pre-cast concrete. The number of trees removed was reduced wherever possible, in order to minimize the visual impact. Native coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs will be planted in clusters at the bases of the visible retaining walls as this was the preferred option indicated during preliminary consultation. The rock-fill slopes will be constructed with spaces in the rock suitable for growing medium and clusters of plants. Native trees and shrubs will be installed into these pockets of soil. The fill slopes will be covered with site soils that have been blended with chipped wood from on-site tree removals. The slopes will then be hydroseeded with an erosion-control seed mix to assist the plant material in becoming established.
Gleneagles Photo Location
Bluebell Road Photo Location
It is proposed that visible parts of the rock-fill slopes will be re-vegetated with clusters of native trees and shrubs.
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Landscape Treatment - Retaining Walls Current Views
Landscaped Views Two options are available for landscape treatment of the retaining walls as seen from Bluebell Road. Option 1: Landscape area near retaining wall with grass, trees and shrubs. Option 2: Landscape area near retaining wall with trees only.
1. Eagle Bluff viewscape as seen from Bluebell Road (Taken May 1, 2007)
1. Eagle Bluff viewscape as seen from Bluebell Road photograph of highway improvement with computer visualization of landscape treatment.
Landscape Treatment - Rock-fill Slopes Two options are available for landscape treatment of the visible parts of rock-fill slopes. Option 1: Re-vegetate visible parts of rock-fill slopes with grass, trees and shrubs. Option 2: Re-vegetate visible part of rock-fill slopes with trees only.
2. Viewscape from Gleneagles Community Centre (Taken May 1, 2007)
2. Viewscape from Gleneagles Community Centre photograph of highway improvement with computer visualization of landscape treatment.
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