Spotlight Projects

SE False Creek 2010 Olympic Athletes Village Plaza (2010)

The 80-acre City of Vancouver SE False Creek site served as the athlete’s village for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The site is comprised of mid-rise residential and commercial buildings with ample density to support retail while still leaving 26 acres available for park land, including playgrounds and space for community gardening. At the core of this site is the plaza which was designed to serve as a community gathering place. The plaza features innovative LED lighting which is controlled to provide a color changing light show which can be synchronized to music. The lighting was designed to accommodate special events and ceremonies during the games as well as to provide site and special event lighting after the games. The plaza also features seating areas and a stage for special events or small concerts.

Transit Signal Priority (2009)

Translink (Metro Vancouver’s Regional Transportation Authority) is improving the efficiency of public transit throughout on many routes throughout the Metro Vancouver Region. This includes rapid rail service in conjunction with bus service to these areas. Improvements to the bus routes include ensuring that the buses stay on time and on schedule. As a subcontractor of Novax Industries, DMD was responsible for providing design drawings for the installation of the Novax TRANSPODTM Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system along the Bridgeport Road corridor in Richmond, BC. During the second phase of the project, DMD was responsible for the development of signal timings for TSP operation. This involved the optimization of signal timing and programming of the Naztek Model 980 and the Econolite Model ASC/3 traffic controllers, owned by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) and the City of Richmond respectively. The deployment of TSP operation at 5 intersection locations between Highway 99 and the new Canada Line Rapid Rail Transit Station provided a smooth transition for the buses transporting passengers from Whiterock, Delta and Surrey to the new Canada Line Station.

NEMA TS2 Type 1 Cabinet Assembly Specification (2009)

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) of British Columbia (BC) have been using NEMA TS1 traffic controllers and cabinet assemblies to control the traffic signals within the Province of BC.

The MoTI were interested in transitioning to the NEMA TS2 Type 1 platform for future signal installations. DMD was contracted to provide a cabinet design and specification that conforms to the NEMA TS2 Type 1 standard, while also encompassing any special MoTI requirements.

Due to the required capacity of the Terminals and Facilities (T&F) and Vehicle Detection, a Size 6 cabinet assembly was selected. The Terminals & Facilites is capable of providing outputs for 48 signal circuits for signal control and 10 flasher circuits for emergency flash and advance warning applications. Vehicle detection capabilities consist of up to thirty-two channels of inductive loop vehicle detection and capacity for up to 8 video detection cameras, providing a maximum of 64 channels of detection. In addition to emergency and transit signal priority preemption inputs, capability was added to accommodate both six wire and eight wire rail preemption controls.

Cabinet assembly enhancements include increased availability of inputs and output terminals, a solid state mercury contactor, high intensity LED cabinet lighting, heating and cooling controls with digital readout, two cabinet fans and Positive Temperature Co-Efficient cabinet heater.

Individual low current circuit breakers provide power to the Camera, Communications and Preemption interface panels. Different stages of surge protection were also provided for the control equipment in the cabinet.

The new cabinet design and specification meets the current needs for traffic control on the highways within BC as well as providing a platform for future expansion.

City of Burnaby Signal Priority Control System (2009)

The City of Burnaby is equipping all of the traffic signals and emergency vehicles within the city with an emergency vehicle and transit signal priority control system. This system will provide faster response times for fire and police departments and has the capability to reduce transit vehicle travel times. The project involves approximately 230 intersections and over 200 emergency vehicles.

Through a competitive selection process, DMD was retained to manage the installation and provide system integration for this project. DMD are responsible for mapping all of the approaches for the GPS based preemption system as well as program the priority control system equipment. The project also involves programming the traffic control equipment and operational testing for the approximately 230 signalized intersections. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.

Dollarton Highway Communications (2007-2008)

The District of North Vancouver has several signalized intersections along Dollarton Highway operating in a coordinated system. Remote communications with each of the intersection locations was performed using five conventional dial up lines.

The dial up lines allowed District staff to collect and manage data from the traffic controllers at each location. Additionally, real time compressed video was also sent over the dial up lines from the Autoscope video detection cameras and Pan-Tilt-Zoom surveillance cameras. The existing five dial up lines had limited bandwidth, were costly and were also a maintenance issue.

The dial up connections were removed and replaced with a single Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connection. Communications from each of the intersections to the DSL point were made over the existing multimode fibre cable. New, digital equipment was installed at each of the intersection locations to provide a remote Ethernet communications link to all locations.

DMD & Associates provided a communications solution, providing the following benefits:

• Increased Reliability – A DSL connection provides a reliable and robust connection to the field equipment.
• Cost Savings – It is estimated the elimination of the dial-up phone lines will save $3000 per year.
• Increased Bandwidth - District staff can better evaluate traffic conditions with superior video transmission from Autoscope and Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras.
• Decreased Maintenance – No more time spent troubleshooting dial up connections.
• Increased Efficiency – Data collection and programming can be performed remotely either by District staff, or DMD technical specialists if required.

Port Royal, New Westminster

Port Royal is a multi-phase 50 acre planned community in New Westminster, BC. It boosts parks, a wide variety of residential homes, commercial development and waterfront amenities.

Working for the developer Aragon Properties we have developed a design defining loads, transformer locations and general power distribution strategy, liaised with City of New Westminster electrical group, prepared plans, specifications and estimates for primary and secondary power distribution, prepared costs estimates and undertook various construction services.

For more information please visit the project web site at www.portroyalhomes.ca

Marshall Springs Resort (2007-2008)

Marshall Springs is a unique resort and spa just south of Merritt, BC. The development features 178 homes developed in 6 phases along with a resort/spa building.

Our role included all power distribution for the private development from a BC Hydro source outside the development.

Specific elements undertaken by DMD included investigation and developing multi-phase distribution concept, defining electrical loads for the site, develop metering strategy, preparation of electrical power distribution, data and telephone drawings, coordination with BC Hydro, preparation of costs estimates, preparation of installation contract documents, coordination with contractors, review of technical submittals and inspections.

For more information on thie development see www.marshallsprings.com

East Fraserlands - Vancouver Largest New Waterfront Development (2006-2007)

East Fraserlands is situated on a 129 acre waterfront parcel of land in the South East corner of Vancouver, between Boundary and Kerr, on the Fraser River. The project masterplan is based on the principals of new urbanism and features a well-planned mix of townhomes, low and mid rise apartments and high rise towers. Also planned are plenty of great shops and services, large anchor retail stores and a community plaza, all situated in the heart of the community just a few minutes walk for residents. With these exceptional new community amenities along with significant green space, a new community center, school and sports fields, East Fraserlands will be a landmark community and one of the premiere places to live in the Lower Mainland. As it develops over the next 25 years, 13,000 residents will be able to enjoy living in the East Fraserlands community.

The East Fraser Lands Project developer WesGroup / Parklane Homes selected DMD to undertake electrical, lighting and signal design. To date DMD have worked with WesGroup to developed lighting concepts, define site electrical loads, undertaken power distribution conceptual designs, worked with BC Hydro, defined power distribution, electrical, lighting and traffic signal requirements. DMD role will continue as the project moves forward.

For more information please visit the project web site at www.parklane.com

Brae Island Campground - Retrofit of Major Large RV Park / Campground (2006-2007)

The GVRD owns the Brae Island Campground which comprised over a hundred campsites which featured electrical hook-ups. The campsite required expansion to meet the growing demand (50 new sites added). In addition existing electrical systems were overloaded and prone to failure. Through a competitive selection process DMD were selected to undertake electrical and communications designs to suit the new campground layout. DMD first undertook an inventory of what existed and assessed the condition of the existing electrical and communications systems. Most equipment was deemed to have reached the end of its service life. DMD then developed a conceptual design and cost estimate.

Once accepted by GVRD staff, DMD staff then prepared plans, specification and bid documents for the supply and installation of new electrical and communications system. The electrical and communications system featured the design of a new overhead 12kV power line and communications systems around the perimeter of the park. The overhead lines fed new service kiosks where power and communication were fed underground to building and specially designed RV posts. Communications included Shaw cable and Telus phone lines and well as an fiber optic Ethernet system link various building. The system was designed to accommodate current and future needs. The electrical and communications system construction cost was approximately $800K.

Border Infrastructure Project - Highway 10 from 120St to 176St, Surrey, BC (2005-2006)

The Border Infrastructure Program (BIP) is a jointly funded federal-provincial initiative to improve the movement of goods to and from the Lower Mainland’s four border crossings. The five-year, $210–million program will improve key sections of the region’s road network resulting in better links between border crossings, ports, container facilities, industrial parks, airports and railways. The program consists of upgrading three main highway corridors in the Vancouver Lower Mainland area: Highway 10, Highway 15, and Highway 91/91A.

Why is the Border Infrastructure Project important to the B.C. economy? Over 1.3 million trucks cross the BC/U.S. border each year. The Highway 15 border crossing in Surrey handles 4,000 trucks a day. The value of goods transported by trucks across the BC-.U.S. border exceeds $24 billion annually. Road congestion drives up costs and hurts BC’s competitiveness. A recent survey of BC and Washington truckers estimated that border crossing congestion costs operators $60 million a year. Roads serving the Lower Mainland’s border crossings do not operate at peak efficiency.

DMD working as sub-consultant to UMA Engineering undertook traffic signal and roadway lighting designs, web camera designs, interfaced with railway crossing signal designers, undertook Synchro traffic analysis, defined signal phasing and timings plans and signal coordination plans for the the entire Highway 10 corridor. The project included a unique at grade diamond interchange traffic signal design, coordination with BC Hydro and the Ministry of Transportation, traffic controller testing, video vehicle detection and prepare railway pre-emption timing plans using TexDoT method.

Project Map (this file is approx. 5.3 Meg)

The Pier Development, Phase 1 (2001-2006)

The Pier project represents a major commercial and residential redevelopment of the North Vancouver waterfront. It will be as profound for the North Shore as False Creek and Granville Island are for Vancouver. It will be the place to be... to work, shop, create art, dine, meet and gather, stroll the seawall and the 700-foot pier.

The developer Pinnacle International viewed lighting a key element critical in creating a unique identity to the area. The lighting had to both provide the required level of lighting for safe pedestrian circulation as well as enhancing decorative features. The lighting had to be very subtle so as to not take away from the panoramic views of Downtown Vancouver. DMD was retained to provide the unique lighting design for outdoor pedestrian areas which included plaza areas, floating pier, artwork, building faces, stairways and historic elements.

The project was the one of the first developments required to conform the Cities Draft Outdoor Lighting Bylaw which restricted up-light and defined efficiency via a maximum unit power density model.

To create a unique look and meeting unit power density requirements, DMD used a combination compact fluorescent and LED's. Blue LED lighting cast into the pier marks the pathway for pedestrian guidance and enhancement of the pier. Lighting with full cutoff optics were mounted on special poles which support large decorative wind socks at the top to create a unique look. The project also featured a floating dock which is illuminated with blue LED nautical style lights.

The project included illumination of featured artwork at the gateway entrance created by a public artist. DMD worked directly with the artist to incorporate lighting into the art features.

The lighting design was undertaken using a combination of computer lighting and rendering software. Rendering software was used to create the required effects.

Transportation Association of Canada Roadway Lighting Design Guide (2003-2005)

The Transportation Association of Canada Roadway Lighting Design Guide was originally published in 1983 was deemed in early 2000 to be outdated and in need of replacement. Through a Canada wide competitive selection process DMD was selected to prepare the new Roadway Lighting Design Guide.

Now complete and available for sale the nearly 500-page design guide covers all aspects of roadway lighting design including vision fundamentals and concepts, obtrusive lighting, planning and design process, system components and common elements, standards and codes, computer applications, maintenance, roadways and interchanges, intersections, roundabouts, crosswalks, tunnels, toll plazas, off roadway facilities (parking lots, pathways, etc.), signs, streetscapes and work zone/temporary lighting.

In preparing the document, design standards and design practices from North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe were researched. The majority of the Guide is, therefore, based on existing recommended practices of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the Commission Internationale De l'Eclairage (CIE).

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Comox Airport Apron Upgrade (2005)

This project involved the extension of an existing taxiway at the Comox International Airport in Comox, British Columbia. The Airport is operated by the Comox Valley Airport Corporation (CVAC) under joint agreement with the Department of National Defence.

DMD's work including taxiway /apron lighting as well as relocation of a major fibre optic duct bank. The lighting systems included taxiway and apron edge lighting as well as apron flood lighting via highmast lighting towers with a raise/lowering system. Apron flood lighting was designed to Transportation Canada TP312 using computer lighting design software.

Existing computer operated lighting controls were upgraded to accommodate the new lighting. DMD undertook field service and a final inspection of the installation.

Bonanza Stadium Sports Lighting Retrofit (2005)

The existing lighting system at the Bonanza High School Football Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada was not meeting the required level of illumination required for both the level of play and spectators. The system was deemed to have reached the end of it life and a new lighting system was required.

DMD were retained to undertake a condition assessment and then prepare electrical design, specification and estimates for the new lighting and electrical systems. Extensive review of existing systems sub-fed from the existing electrical system were undertaken so they could be re-fed from the new systems. Other key elements included coordination with Nevada Power, ongoing inspections and final testing and commissioning of the lighting and electrical systems.

WR Bennett Floating Bridge Design-Build-Finance-Operate (2005/2007)

This $148M project located in Kelowna, British Columbia involves the replacement of an existing 3 lane floating bridge with a new 5 lane - 1000m long floating bridge.

DMD's work includes the design a construction specifications for the power distribution, roadway lighting, an automatic incident detection system, a CCTV system, a seismic monitoring system, a weather monitoring station, back-up power via a standby diesel generator and uninteruptable power supplies (UPS), a vehicle counter and classification collection system to measure performance, a fibre optic network, navigational lighting, traffic signals and 3rd party utility conduit systems.

As the project is Design Build Finance Operate numerous life cycle cost analysis have been undertaken to define the best value over the 30 year concession period of the contract.

William R. Bennett Bridge Intelligent Transportation Systems Presentation

Transmission Power Line Impacts Study (2005)

As new communities develop additional overhead transmission lines are required to feed power. Power providers have requested these overhead transmission be adjacent to or in established Highway right-of-ways. This report studied the effects and impacts of installing transmission lines in the proximity of highways and reviewed common types of support structures.

The DMD team researched practices used through North America and calculated impacts including corona inception, radio interference, audible noise, electric and magnetic fields using transmission line design software. Standards of the Worker Compensation Board (WCB), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and BC Hydro were reviewed and fully elaborated on. The final report included an executive summary with final recommendations.

Effects of High Voltage Transmission Line in Proximity of Highways

Point Grey Sports Lighting (2005/2006)

The City of Vancouver required additional fields to meet the growing demand by soccer clubs. To meet this need synthetic turf fields are being installed with lights to help service the demand. The site at Point Grey High School in Vancouver, BC is surrounded by high rise apartments, commercial development and single family homes in well established neighborhood.

Due to City permitting requirements numerous open meetings were held local with residents to mitigate concerns with the installation of sports lighting. Various sports lighting systems were reviewed and assessed to determined the best performance and least impacts on local residents.

Drawings specifications and estimates were developed for the installation of the electrical and lighting system. Coordination was required with the local power utility provider as power was not readily available in the proximity of the site. Innovative wireless controls were used to optimize field scheduling and track usage.

Point Grey Sports Lighting Display Boards

Lions Gate Bridge Advance Traveller Information System (2005)

Traffic congestion continues to plague motorist in all major Cities. The Advance Traveler Information System (ATIS) utilizes a series of cameras, vehicle detectors, and advanced traffic controllers located within the Lions Gate Causeway, Marine Drive and Taylor Way in the City of Vancouver and West Vancouver to determine vehicle queues and post estimated delay times onto large changeable message signs located at key corridor access points.

The system included integration into an existing counterflow lane control system, the interfacing with an existing CCTV system and fibre-optic network, the design of remote controller cabinets and internal components, and interfacing with the ATIS software designer.

Web Camera Systems (2004 - ongoing)

Web cameras provide a simple and cost effective method of displaying snap shot images of road conditions onto the Provincial Government's Web Site. These snap shots of road conditions at various locations throughout British Columbia area available to the traveling public via the Ministry of Transportation Road Information Site (add web link).

DMD have developed design, installation, maintenance, commissioning, and material standards for the deployment of web cameras and have undertaken the design and commissioning for numerous installations.

British Columbia Highway Cams Website

Joint Use Vehicle Inspection Station (2004/2006)

This project involved the design of a joint (British Columbia/Alberta) inspection station in Donald, British Columbia. The project included a weigh-in-motion system made up of cameras, control cabinets, vehicle sensors, and LED signs which are all connected via fibre optic cables.

DMD also designed the guide signing, roadway and inspection and scale area lighting, changeable message signs, operator interfaces and controls, power distribution, and site servicing for power and telephone. This system and design was used as a basis for current weigh scale and inspection stations including the selection of weigh-in -motion systems.

Nexus/Fast Lane Project (2004/2005)

Improved efficiency was required the Canada/US Pacific Border Crossing thus requiring additional lanes and separate transport vehicle lanes and Nexus/Fast lanes. The project involved electrical and lighting upgrades to the Canada Customs terminal as well as Highway 15 leading up the US Border.

DMD also undertook the design of guide signing on large overhead structures and well as an innovative truck queuing/priority to signal system which involved the use of programmable logic controller (PLC). The truck stagging system allowed vehicle to assemble in designated and proceed to the border based on arrival.

Other project elements included parking lot lighting, roadway lighting, traffic signals and relocations to the Advance Traveller Information System (ATIS).

Traffic Controller Assessment/Technical Specifications (2005/2006)

The Ministry of Transportation used outdated controllers and very expensive custom controller cabinets. They wished to review and seek new more current product and move towards less customization.

This assignment involved the review of current industry practice and a technical assessment of Caltran's Model 170 and 2070 and NEMA TS-1 and TS-2 controllers. DMD collected information on each products, interviewed numerous suppliers and users and documented product features and support. DMD prepared a final report summarizing various controller products and listed their pluses and minuses and features and included recommendations for dealing with retrofitting of existing cabinets with new controller and the supply of new controllers and cabinets.

Electrical Maintenance Standards (2004)

The Ministry of Transportation required the electrical maintenance of their infrastructure be privatized throughout the entire Province of British Columbia. The owner wished to pursue a "performance based" method (also referred to as "outcome based") as opposed to the traditional "method based" contract.

The assignment included a world wide search of performance based contracts and a summary of those methods. The assignment also included research and recommendations for corrective and preventative maintenance tasks and frequencies as well as a guide for a quality management systems, a list of the various assets and the preparation of detailed technical specifications.

DMD also completed detailed specifications and procedures for commission traffic signal controllers and signal start-up.

Modern Roundabout Design (2004)

DMD & Associates recently completed the lighting design for a four-legged, skewed roundabout at Route 9 and Old Yale Road. The roundabout replaced a four-way stop intersection controlled by an overhead flasher.

A perimeter lighting scheme was used with poles placed in advance of the roundabout crosswalks to improve the driver's view of pedestrians in or about to enter the crosswalk. The design was based on new standards established in the soon-to-be published TAC Guide for the Design of Roadway Lighting

 

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