To:Toronto Community Council

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

Subject:Intersection of Geoffrey Street and Sorauren Avenue - Installation of all-way "Stop" sign control. (High Park)

Purpose:

To implement an all-way "Stop" sign control at the intersection of Geoffrey Street and Sorauren Avenue.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable

Recommendations:

(1)That "Stop" signs be installed for northbound and southbound traffic on Sorauren Avenue at its intersection with Geoffrey Street; 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.

Comments:

At the request of area residents, and in consultation with High Park Councillors Chris Korwin-Kuczynski and David Miller, Works staff have investigated the feasibility of installing an all-way "Stop" sign control at the intersection of Geoffrey Street and Sorauren Avenue.

Geoffrey Street from Sorauren Avenue to Roncesvalles Avenue operates one-way westbound with a pavement width of 7.3 metres and a speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour. Sorauren Avenue in the vicinity of Geoffrey Street operates two-way with a pavement width of 7.3 metres and a speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour. Both streets intersect to form a "T"-type 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 366 vehicles travelling westbound on Geoffrey Street away from the intersection, 1510 vehicles approaching southbound on Sorauren Avenue and 1442 vehicles approaching northbound on Sorauren Avenue. Additionally, 248 pedestrians crossed Geoffrey Street and 75 pedestrians crossed Sorauren Avenue at this intersection.

An examination of Toronto Police Service accident records for the subject intersection revealed that from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1996, there were no reported accidents.

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

Specifically, the installation of an all-way "Stop" sign control at this intersection would be in keeping with the pattern already established in the area in that there is an all-way "Stop" sign control at every intersection on Sorauren Avenue from Marion Street to Wabash Avenue. Accordingly, it would be reasonable for a motorist to expect to stop at the subject intersection and would enhance safety for pedestrians.

Although Geoffrey Street operates one-way westbound away from its intersection with Sorauren Avenue, and there are no apparent conflicts for vehicular traffic, the installation of "Stop" sign control for northbound and southbound Sorauren Avenue motorists will improve safety for pedestrians using the intersection.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Spiros Stamopoulos, 392-7771

Traffic Investigator

Director

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