March 5, 1998

To: Toronto Community Council

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

Subject: Intersection of Humberside Avenue and Quebec Avenue - Installation of all-way AStop@ sign control. (High Park)

Purpose:

To implement an all-way AStop@ sign control at the intersection of Humberside Avenue and Quebec Avenue for eastbound Humberside Avenue traffic and northbound/southbound Quebec Avenue traffic.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) "Stop" signs be installed for northbound and southbound traffic on Quebec Avenue at its intersection with Humberside Avenue; and

(2) 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.

Comments:

Councillors David Miller and Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, as well as area residents have forwarded requests to this Department that consideration be given to the installation of an all-way AStop@ sign control at the intersection of Humberside Avenue and Quebec Avenue.

Both Humberside Avenue and Quebec Avenue operate two-way and intersect to form a AT@-type intersection. Right of way is controlled by a "Stop" sign for westbound traffic on Humberside Avenue. A driveway to Humberside Collegiate Institute is located on the west side of Quebec Avenue, opposite Humberside Avenue, effectively creating a 4-way intersection.

A recent 8-hour traffic survey conducted by City Works Services at this intersection during the morning and afternoon peak and off-peak periods recorded a total of 1016 vehicles travelling on Quebec Avenue (558 northbound, 458 southbound), 338 vehicles approaching westbound on Humberside Avenue and 113 vehicles approaching eastbound at the driveway to Humberside Collegiate Institute. Additionally, 1488 pedestrians (1451 adults and 37 children) crossed Quebec Avenue and 278 pedestrians (258 adults and 20 children) crossed Humberside Avenue at this intersection.

An examination of Toronto Police Service accident records for the subject intersection revealed that from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1995, there was one reported accident, which was not pedestrian or cyclist related. More recent accident information is not currently available.

City Works Services has evaluated this intersection against the criteria governing the installation of "Stop" signs which encompass such factors as right-of-way conflicts, vehicular and pedestrian usage of the intersection, physical and geometric configuration, surrounding area traffic control and safety experience, and concludes that the warrants for an all-way "Stop" sign control are satisfied.

Specifically, the installation of an all-way AStop@ sign control at this intersection would be in keeping with the pattern that has been established in the area and would enhance safety for pedestrians. While private driveways are technically not part of an intersection, I note that vehicles entering a roadway from a private drive are legally required to come to a stop and yield the right-of-way to approaching motorists and pedestrians.

Notwithstanding the above, when arrangements are made by City Works Services to install the northbound/southbound AStop@ signs, an additional AStop@ sign will also be installed for eastbound traffic exiting the driveway at Humberside Collegiate Institute.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Spiros Stamopoulos, 392-7771

Traffic Investigator

Director

SS/ss