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Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
(CPR) Grade Separation
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
1
December 14, 2016
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
A Tailored Approach to Engagement
2
Please ask questions and
make your opinions known!
Adelaide Street – CPR Grade Separation EA
Study
Mobility and access along and across
corridor
Connections to Adelaide Street
Neighbourhood fabric and character
Innovative urban design
McMahen Park
Technical design
Opportunity for future
redevelopment
Through comments received at the first consultation event and from
various community associations, we have expanded our approach to
public engagement for this study
The expanded public engagement will be designed to address the:
Complex technical features of the study
High level of community interest and involvement
Opportunity for urban design to enhance the neighbourhood
streetscape
This PIC / Workshop has been added to:
Review the input from PIC 1
Review the Preferred Planning Solution
Present the Preferred Alternative Design
Describe the multi-step design process
Actively develop a high quality design through the Workshop
Identify the next steps in the study
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
What Is The Process & Study Schedule?
3
Study Commencement
February 2016
PIC #1
June 2016
PIC #2 / Workshop
December 2016 Study Completion
Spring 2017
Phase 4:
Environmental
Study Report
Phase 3:
Alternative
Design Concepts
for Preferred
Planning Solution
Phase 2:
Alternative
Planning Solution
Phase 1:
Problem and
Opportunity
The City has initiated a Municipal Class EA Process which enables the planning and implementation of municipal
infrastructure projects taking into account the environmental setting, agency and local community interests and unique
project requirements.
30-day Public
Review Period
PIC #3
Early 2017
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Existing Conditions – Key Issues
4
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Existing Conditions
5
Needs legend updated
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Study Background / Context
6
● Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific
Railway Crossing is confirmed as the
City’s highest priority new rail-road grade
separation candidate site (Civic Works
Committee October, 2013).
● The Smart Moves 2030 Transportation
Master Plan identifies a need for traffic
capacity optimization and transit priority
on this corridor.
● Adelaide Street carries an average of
25,500 vehicles per day and is considered
an Urban Corridor in The London Plan.
● Train crossings occur up to 43 times
throughout the day which leads to road
blockages up to 126 minutes per day (2
out of 24 hours).
● Traffic operations at key intersections -
Oxford Street E. and Queens Avenue,
have the highest incidence of collisions in
the study area.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Problems and Opportunities
● Frequent train crossings result in road
being blocked for up to 43 times/day for a
total of about 2 hours affecting vehicles,
transit, cyclists and pedestrians
● Blockages result in traffic delays and causes
cut-through traffic onto local streets
● Implementation of rapid transit on Richmond
Street is expected to cause future increase in
traffic on Adelaide Street
● Excessive delays will increase idling time
and emissions loadings
● Relatively high incidence of collisions at
Oxford Street and Queens Avenue
● Uninterrupted road corridor needed for
emergency planning and response
● Separate rail traffic from vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians on Adelaide Street, improving access and circulation
● Provide improved rail safety
● Develop an innovative design that prioritizes pedestrians and improves the urban environment, while avoiding some of the common drawbacks to over/underpasses
● Preserve and enhance the heritage character of the neighbourhood and McMahen Park
● Create additional public space that complements the area surrounding the new bridge and creates a strong connection from one side to the other for pedestrians and cyclists
● Create opportunities for future redevelop-ment along the corridor, in keeping with The London Plan, that integrates with the new street grade
● Improve the surrounding streetscape and intersections to create a safe, pedestrian-friendly and welcoming public space
7
Problems Opportunities
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
What Approaches Are Being Considered?
Possible Planning
Solutions Description Key Considerations
Does it Address the
Problems and
Opportunities
Do Nothing No capital improvements. Continued operations and maintenance to the road.
- Does not address the problems and opportunities. - Not consistent with City’s long-term transportation network planning.
Intersection Improvements
Improve traffic operations by implementing dedicated turning lanes, new traffic signals, improve signal timing.
- Improves traffic operations at the key intersections which will contribute to improving / optimizing traffic movement.
- Results in some property impacts at intersections. - Does not address the primary problem of frequent blockage of vehicle, transit,
pedestrian, cyclist traffic at the CPR crossing.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
Reduce overall demands by shifting to outside the critical periods, and to alternative modes of transportation (transit, walking, cycling).
- Transit is a major strategic planning and policy focus within the City. Significant progress is being made to implementing an innovative transit plan.
- TDM policies in City’s Transportation Master Plan and are being implemented on a city-wide scale.
Already being implemented through other City
programs
Traffic Capacity Improvements
Widen Adelaide Street from 4 to 6 lanes; providing an additional lane in each direction.
- Does not address the primary problem of frequent blockage at the rail crossing. - Results in substantial property impacts throughout corridor, including potential
impact to heritage resources. - Provides opportunity for urban design elements to offset some of the impacts.
Change in Rail Operations
CPR modifies current and long term operations. Any possible planned changes will be carefully considered by the City.
- Requesting changes to CPR operations is outside of the City’s jurisdiction – completely dependent on CPR’s business plan.
- CPR current operations and long term plans will be explored in consultation with CPR to ensure that all planning solutions recognize current and future CPR operations.
- Even if operations change, the rail crossing still poses a blockage and a safety concern for through train movements.
Not likely to fully address problems and opportunities but will be a consideration
in any solution
Partial Grade Separation
Provide a partial grade separation with an overpass (road over rail) or underpass (road under rail) of some lanes (such as transit lanes.)
- Adelaide Street is not an identified rapid transit corridor - A partial separation of mixed use traffic poses significant safety concerns - Retention of at-grade sidewalk crossings losses opportunity to improve pedestrian
safety.
Grade Separation Provide grade separation with an overpass (road over rail) or underpass (road under rail)
- Directly addresses the primary problem. - Results in property impacts, including potential impact to heritage resources. - Provides opportunity for urban design elements to be developed which may
enhance the corridor and continue the revitalization efforts of the community.
8
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Preferred Approach
9
The City’s preferred planning solution is to implement a
grade separation (underpass or overpass) at the CP
Rail tracks to eliminate the frequent blockage and
resulting traffic delays. Some intersection
improvements will also be considered to assist in
improving traffic operations.
What about changing CP Rail operations?
The Study Team met with CP Rail to gain an understanding of their current
operations and long term plans. CP Rail confirms that they have no intent to
relocate the yard, and cannot eliminate / relocate their current operations.
Although a portion of the operations is determined by market conditions, long
term plans are to maintain the tracks and yard in their current location to service
both local market and the rail line to Windsor/border crossing.
What about Do Nothing?
The Do Nothing alternative does not address the existing issues along the
corridor that affect all user, including local and commuting. These issues are
increasing, and will continue to increase with other infrastructure projects moving
forward (Rapid Transit).
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Intersection Improvements Being Considered
10
Oxford Street E. Queen Avenue
Extend left-turn
lane storage
Add dedicated
right-turn lane
Add dedicated
left-turn lane
Adela
ide S
treet
Adela
ide S
treet
A traffic analysis was conducted for the Study Area to determine future lane requirements for the year 2036. The intersection improvements being considered are:
Intersection designs will be developed at PIC #3.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Grade Separation Design Process
11
Reviewed at
PIC #1 and to
be confirmed
at PIC #2
PIC #2 /
Workshop
PIC # 3 /
Detail Design
• Underpass vs. Overpass
• East / Existing / West
• Road Detour and Related Infrastructure
• Pedestrian Space
• Active Transportation
• Adjacent Land-Use
• Central Avenue
• Pall Mall Street
• McMahen Street
• Artistic Treatments
• Detail Design Elements
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 1. Grade Separation Type
Criteria to Evaluate Grade Separation Types 12
Evaluation
Criteria
Socio-Economic Land Use
Context
Cultural
Environment
Natural
Environment
Transportation
and Technical
Description
Community
input/
considerations
(PIC #1)
Impacts to
properties
(residential and
commercial)
Community
mobility/
connectivity
Impacts to
McMahen Park
Noise
Municipal plans
and policies
Redevelopment
potential
Context-
sensitive design
Park and open
space
Boulevard
treatments
Impacts to
heritage
resources
Consideration of
heritage
conservation
Districts
First Nation
interests
Potential impacts
to existing
natural
environmental
features
including:
vegetation and
wildlife
Impacts to
urban forest tree
canopy
Road geometrics
Network
compatibility and
connectivity
Future
rehabilitation
Impacts to CPR
operations
Stormwater
management
Constructability
and cost
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 1. Grade Separation Type
What We Heard from PIC #1
Following PIC # 1, 82 Comment Sheets were submitted in hard copy or online. The most common feedback was:
What do you think the issues are on Adelaide
Street right now?
13
Travel delays due to trains
Pedestrian/cycling facilities
Air quality/noise
Oxford Street intersection
Cut-through traffic
Lack of cross-walks
Underpass (road under rail), 67%
Overpass (road over rail), 9%
Not sure yet. Ask me again,
later in the study, 24%
Do you have a preference at this stage for an overpass or underpass?
Technical considerations are:
local street connectivity
transit
movement of people
Design considerations are:
community character
pedestrians and cyclists
McMahen Park
noise/air quality
Urban design elements are:
streetscape
pedestrian promenade
new public space/art
street level redevelopment
Based on public comment sheet responses, the most important:
Look at changing CP operations
A grade separation is needed to alleviate traffic
Need better pedestrian facilities on Adelaide Street
Don’t want an overpass breaking up neighbourhoods
Maintain access from side streets to Adelaide Street
When trains are blocking traffic, lots of cars use side
streets to go around
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 1. Grade Separation Type
What We Heard from PIC #1 14
These figures note the ‘Dotmocracy’ from PIC 1, where people indicated their most important criteria for evaluating alternatives.
This was utilized in the assessment of the grade separation alternatives.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 1. Grade Separation Type
Evaluation of Grade Separation Alternatives 15
Criteria Overpass (road over rail)
Underpass (road under rail)
Socio-Economic Environment
• Impacts approximately 23 properties
• Accesses from McMahen Street, Pall Mall Street, Central Avenue,
and Elias Street will be detoured to alternate routes.
• Would create a visual intrusion to the surrounding community
• Increased traffic noise
• Would likely result in permanent footprint impacts to the park
• Impacts approximately 14 properties
• Access to 4 properties will be closed from Adelaide Street, and
potentially relocated to Central Avenue
• Relatively little visual intrusion to the surrounding community
• Decreased traffic noise from the depressed roadway
• Impedes access to McMahen Park from Adelaide Street
Land Use Context • Impacted properties adjacent to Adelaide Street have potential to
be combined and redeveloped for other uses.
• More difficulty in creating / attracting high quality redevelopment
opportunities adjacent to Overpass
• Some opportunities for decorative treatment but will be limited on
the challenges caused by the scale of the structure
• Opportunities are more limited on and around the Overpass.
• Impacted properties adjacent to Adelaide Street have potential to be
combined and redeveloped for other uses.
• Provides for better visibility of adjacent parcels, creating higher
quality redevelopment opportunities.
• Opportunities for theming and detailing configuration of side slopes
and walls to integrate with existing conditions, public art, and
pedestrian scale features
• Better opportunity to develop boulevard treatments within and
around an Underpass.
Cultural Heritage
• 1 displacement of heritage property; edge impacts to 3 heritage
properties.
• Some disruption to accesses from Adelaide Street, as well as to
local destination spots north of tracks.
• 1 potential displacement of heritage property (mitigation measures to
be reviewed)
• Minimal impacts to Heritage Conservation Districts.
Natural Environment • Study area is within an urban setting. There are no natural
environmental features that would be at risk of direct or indirect
impact. There are no watercourses in the area and all vegetation is
culturally derived / influenced.
• Study area is within an urban setting. There are no natural
environmental features that would be at risk of direct or indirect
impact. There are no watercourses in the area and all vegetation is
culturally derived / influenced.
Transportation and Technical • Opportunity to connect Central Avenue underneath overpass, with
new alignment; and opportunity to connect Elias Street and Central
Avenue
• Enhances emergency services by providing unimpeded route
through Adelaide Street
• Minimal impacts to rail operations during construction
• Overpass would likely be a deterrent for pedestrians and cyclists to
travel on Adelaide Street
• Minimal change is stormwater conveyance or flood conveyance
• $25 – $35 M
• Maintains intersection with Central Avenue with realignment, and
maintains intersection with Elias Street
• Enhances emergency services by providing unimpeded route
through Adelaide Street
• Possible rail diversion and in-place construction under rail traffic
• Significant cost to maintain rail traffic
• Is more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists and potentially provides
enhanced facilities (wider sidewalks etc.)
• Possible pump station or new storm sewer outlet of the Thames
River. Outlet within underpass to be sized for major storm event to
limit ponding within underpass to 300mm depth
• $30 – $40 M
Summary Not Carried Forward Recommended
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 1. Grade Separation Type
Preferred Grade Separation 16
An Underpass (rail over road) is preferred because:
Has fewer overall property impacts
Relatively little visual intrusion to the surrounding community
Decreased traffic noise from the depressed roadway
Provides more opportunity for a context sensitive design to respect the existing character of the roadway and adjoining neighbourhoods
Maintains intersection with Central Avenue, and maintains intersection with Elias Street
Is more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists and potentially provides enhanced facilities (wider sidewalks etc.)
Preferred by community
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 1. Grade Separation Type
Sample Underpasses and Treatments 17
Fix Labels – content and consistency
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 1. Grade Separation Type
Underpass Profile 18
● UD Plan and Profile Images from PIC 1
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 1. Grade Separation Type
Underpass Rendering 19
Here are three illustrative renderings of what the underpass may look like.
These are general concepts to provide an idea of the scale of the project.
All sidewalk and side treatments are flexible, as will be described in Panels 24-30.
Ground level at Central Avenue looking north
Ground level view looking south
Bird’s eye view looking south
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 2. Alignment Alternatives
Adelaide Street Alignment 20
The road alignment is the horizontal placement of the road. The alignment can remain in its current
location (central) or be shifted (west).
At PIC 1 the Project Team illustrated two alignment alternatives for the underpass.
The Central Alignment is preferred as it:
Minimizes curves in an otherwise straight road
Reduces the overall limits of impact of the underpass
Provides for more opportunity to redevelop adjacent properties
CENTRAL ALIGNMENT (PREFERRED) WEST ALIGNMENT
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 2. Alignment Alternatives
Road Detour 21
A temporary road detour will be required during the construction of the underpass to
maintain traffic along Adelaide Street. An east and west side option were considered.
East Side
● Impacts to 3 commercial
and residential properties
unavoidable with the
introduction of a grade
separation
● Impacts to McMahen Park
and heritage entrance
● Rail operations switch,
located just east of the
road, would need to be
moved
● Potential impact to heritage
property
● Potential additional impacts
to properties north and
south of underpass
The west side option is preferred as it avoids impacts to the CP rail yard and train switches, and McMahen Park.
Properties between Central Avenue and McMahen Street would likely be impacted by the underpass itself due to
the change in road elevation, and limiting the opportunity for access to Adelaide Street.
The impacted properties could be redeveloped as part of the grade separation.
West Option (preferred)
East Option
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 2. Alignment Alternatives
Typical Underpass Construction Process 22
Existing At-Grade Crossing
Build Temporary Detour and
Re-align Municipal Services Construct Underpass Streetscape Design Details
City of Waterloo - Weber Street / Metrolinx
The construction of an underpass is a significant undertaking.
The images below illustrate the typical construction process from a similar rail crossing.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 2. Alignment Alternatives
Related Infrastructure Alternatives 23
Option 1: Underground Municipal Services/Utilities Corridor
Option 2: Underground Municipal Services/Utilities Corridor
Something to consider: The land above the underground corridor must be kept free of buildings so
that the services/utilities can be accessed if required. This limits the potential redevelopment above
the underground corridor.
These options will be considered in conjunction with the cross-section and redevelopment
options discussed at the PIC and Workshop.
Storm
Water
Sanitary
All of the municipal services (water, sanitary, storm sewer) and utilities (hydro, gas, cable etc.)
located under Adelaide Street will need to be relocated east or west of Adelaide Street.
ADELAIDE STREET
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 3. Cross-Section Alternatives
Pedestrian Space and Side Treatments 24
● A ‘cross-section’ is the view of the road if it was cut across from side to side.
● Adelaide Street will be maintained as a 4-lane road. The ‘fixed’ elements of
the cross-section include two 3.5 m and 4.0 m lanes and 2.5 m buffers.
● All other elements of the cross-section are flexible.
● The flexible elements include the pedestrian space of varying widths
(sidewalk, multi-use trail, promenade, and landscape).
● They also include the side treatments, which is outside of the pedestrian
space, and what people will be walking beside as part of the underpass
structure (retaining wall, grassed slope, step terrace etc.).
These options are illustrated on the following displays.
For those not attending the Workshop, please put a sticker on the Pedestrian
Space and Side Treatment you like!
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 3. Cross-Section Alternatives
Walks and Side Treatment Options (South Side) 25
West
West East
East
South Option
Pedestrian Space Side Treatments
Side Treatments
Fixed Elements Pedestrian Space Side Treatments
Side Treatments
For those not
attending the
Workshop, please
put a sticker on the
Pedestrian Space
and Side
Treatment you like!
Looking North
East West
There are many
possibilities for the
design of the
underpass,
sidewalks and
edges to achieve
different results.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 3. Cross-Section Alternatives
Walks and Side Treatment Options (North Side) 26
West
West East
East
Pedestrian Space Side Treatments
Side Treatments
Fixed Elements Pedestrian Space Side Treatments
Side Treatments
West East
Looking South
North Option
For those not
attending the
Workshop, please
put a sticker on the
Pedestrian Space
and Side
Treatment you like!
There are many
possibilities for the
design of the
underpass,
sidewalks and
edges to achieve
different results.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 3. Cross-Section Alternatives
Sidewalk Options 27
For those not attending the
Workshop, please put a sticker
on the Pedestrian Space and Side
Treatment you like!
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 3. Cross-Section Alternatives
Side Treatments/ Adjacent Land-Use 28
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 3. Cross-Section Alternatives
Side Treatments / Adjacent Land-Use 29
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 3. Cross-Section Alternatives
Sample Cross-Section Alternatives 30
A wall on one side takes up minimal
space, reducing impact to the
property above. A slope on the
opposite side opens up views and
creates landscape opportunities.
New buildings can replace walls
and slopes, adding vibrancy to the
street. Terraced planters with a
wide walk create a more
pedestrian-friendly space.
In addition to new
buildings, areas
near the underpass
can have new park
spaces with steps
and ramps
connecting both
levels.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 4. Side Street Connections
31
The construction of the underpass provides an opportunity to review the existing
connections with Central Avenue, Pall Mall Street, and McMahen Street.
Option to re-align Central Avenue
and reconstruct intersection
Review access from
McMahen Street
Option to cul-de-sac Pall Mall
Street, or re-align to connect
with McMahen Street
Review location of pedestrian crossing.
Potential elevated pedestrian bridge
over Adelaide Street.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Step 5. Aesthetic and Theming Opportunities
32
Once the sidewalk and side treatments are confirmed, a variety of aesthetic and theming treatments can be applied. This will be further reviewed at PIC #3 and during detail design.
Public Information Centre #2 / Workshop
December 14, 2016
Adelaide Street / Canadian Pacific Railway
Grade Separation EA Study
Next Steps…Stay Involved!
33
Next Steps: Review and respond to all public and
agency comments
Prepare Preferred Preliminary Design Concept and present at PIC #3
Review and respond to all public and agency comments provided at PIC #3
Prepare Environmental Study Report (ESR)
Present the ESR to Civic Works Committee and Council
File the ESR for public review (30-day review period)
How to get involved:
For the online comment sheet and PIC materials please visit: www.london.ca/AdelaideEA and https://engage.london.ca/
Request that your name be added to the study mailing list
Provide your feedback by contacting the study team directly using the contact information above
Participate in the next open house in early 2017
Please complete our a comment sheet or send
comments to one of the Project Team contacts:
Thank you! Your involvement is essential to the success of this study.
We welcome your feedback!
Ardian Spahiu, P.Eng.
City of London Project Manager
City of London
300 Dufferin Avenue
London, ON N6A 4L9
Tel: 519-661-2500 ext. 4738
Email: [email protected]
Jay Goldberg, P.Eng.
Consultant Project Coordinator
WSP | MMM
610 Chartwell Road, Suite 300
Oakville, ON Canada L6J 4A5
Tel: 905-823-8500 ext. 1284
Email: [email protected]
Your comments are welcome at any time throughout the project.
The online comment sheet will be available until
January 31, 2017 to allow us to incorporate critical information
into the next stage of the study.