March 5, 1998

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Andrew Koropeski, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transportation, City Works Services.

Subject: Intersection of Elvina Gardens and Erskine Avenue - Request for all-way AStop@ sign control. (North Toronto)

Purpose:

To consider a request to install an all-way AStop@ sign control at the intersection of Elvina Gardens and Erskine Avenue.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

That this report be received for information.

Comments:

In response to concerns as set out in a petition from area residents, City Works Services staff investigated the feasibility of installing an all-way AStop@ sign control at the intersection of Elvina Gardens and Erskine Avenue. Councillor Michael Walker requested that this matter be reported to Toronto Community Council.

Erskine Avenue at Elvina Gardens operates two-way with a pavement width of 8.53 metres and a maximum speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour. Elvina Gardens intersects Erskine Avenue to form a AT@ type intersection and traffic is controlled by a AStop@ sign for northbound traffic on Elvina Gardens.

Erskine Avenue east of Mt. Pleasant Road does not connect with Bayview Avenue. However, this street does serve as primary access to Mount Hope Cemetery located at the easterly end of Erskine Avenue. Vehicular access to Bayview Avenue from the Cemetery is available only for emergency purposes.

The results of a speed and volume survey conducted by City Works Services staff revealed low traffic volumes on the subject section of Erskine Avenue (a combined twenty-four hour total of 512 vehicles for all approaches to the intersection). The traffic survey also revealed that the incidence of speeding was quite low (only 25 vehicles over the same twenty-four hour period exceeded the 40 kilometres per hour maximum speed limit). The volume and speed profiles on both streets forming the subject intersection are considerably lower than those found on most streets within the City of Toronto.

An examination of the Toronto Police Service accident records for this intersection for the three year period from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1995 revealed that there were no reported collisions at this intersection. Although more recent data is not available, I am unaware of any other collisions having been reported at this intersection since that time.

Having evaluated the intersection of Erskine Avenue and Elvina Gardens against the criteria governing the installation of all-way AStop@ sign control, which include such factors as right-of-way conflicts, vehicular and pedestrian usage of the intersection, physical and geometric configuration, surrounding area traffic control, this intersection does not satisfy the operational elements for the installation of an all-way AStop@ sign control. Specifically, as noted above, the traffic volumes on both streets are quite low, there is no evident speeding problem nor is there any accident problem. Site inspection conducted by City Works Services staff has confirmed that there are no physical characteristics at this intersection which would impair visibility for either motorists or pedestrians and further, that the intersection appears to be operating safely.

Despite the evidence of very low traffic volumes, a low speed profile, no reported accident experience and no unusual physical characteristics, residents were critical of staff for not recommending the installation of all-way AStop@ control at this location. It should be recognized that the criteria for all-way AStop@ installation in Toronto are considerably less stringent than recommended traffic engineering practice. This intersection would not approach even these relaxed criteria. Accordingly, staff have no basis for such a recommendation. It should also be appreciated that the installation of a particular control in a case where its need is not substantiated will not necessarily guarantee safer conditions. Experience has shown that such a measure tends to erode driver respect and obeyance of these controls, leading to a high proportion of non-compliance. This does not deliver the desired effect of enhancing the safe operation of the intersection.

Although staff are unable to establish a technical basis for an all-way AStop@ sign control at this intersection at this time, should Council wish to approve the request to install an all-way AStop@ sign control at the intersection of Erskine Avenue and Elvina Gardens, then the following could be adopted:

1. That AStop@ signs be installed for eastbound and westbound traffic on Erskine Avenue at its intersection with Elvina Gardens; and

 

2. That the appropriate City Officials be requested to take whatever action is necessary to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that are required.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Teresa Carmichael,

Traffic Investigator, 392-7771

Director

TFC/tc