March 6, 1998

To: Toronto Community Council

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

Subject: Intersection of Claude Avenue and Merrick Street - Installation of a northbound AStop@ sign control. (High Park)

Purpose:

To implement a AStop@ sign control at the intersection of Claude Avenue and Merrick Street for northbound Claude Avenue traffic.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) A "Stop" sign be installed for northbound traffic on Claude Avenue at its intersection with Merrick Street; 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:

An area resident has forwarded a request to this Department that consideration be given to the installation of a northbound AStop@ sign control on Claude Avenue at its intersection with Merrick Street.

Both Claude Avenue and Merrick Street operate two-way and intersect to form a AT@-type intersection. There are no AStop@ sign controls posted for this intersection. Under the provisions of the Highway Traffic Act, when two vehicles enter an uncontrolled intersection at approximately the same time, the driver on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

A recent 8-hour traffic survey conducted by City Works Services at the subject intersection (including the morning and afternoon peak and off-peak periods) recorded a total of 247 vehicles travelling on Claude Avenue (100 northbound, 147 southbound), 143 vehicles approaching westbound on Merrick Street and 200 vehicles approaching eastbound on Merrick Street. Additionally, 95 pedestrians (87 adults and 8 children) crossed Claude Avenue and 18 pedestrians (17 adults and 1 child) crossed Merrick Street 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) which may have been prevented by a northbound "Stop" sign control. More recent accident information is not currently available.

City Works Services has evaluated this intersection against the criteria governing the installation of a "Stop" sign 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 a northbound "Stop" sign control are satisfied.

Specifically, the installation of a northbound AStop@ sign control at this intersection should clearly establish right-of-way for motorists and enhance safety for pedestrians.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Spiros Stamopoulos, 392-7771

Traffic Investigator

Director

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