October 14, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:A. Koropeski, Director, Transportation Services District 1, Works and Emergency
Services
Subject:Alexander Street, between Yonge Street and Church Street - Reduction of the speed
limit from fifty kilometres per hour to forty kilometres per hour. (Downtown)
Purpose:
This proposal is intended to enhance operational safety for pedestrians and vehicular traffic on
this street.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
(1)That the speed limit be reduced from fifty kilometres per hour to forty kilometres per hour
on Alexander Street, between Yonge Street and Church 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 Councillor Kyle Rae, I have investigated reducing the speed limit on
Alexander Street, between Yonge Street and Church Street to enhance operational safety for
pedestrians and vehicular traffic on this street.
Twenty-four hour traffic speed and volume surveys were conducted for a three day period
(September 25-27, 1998 inclusive) on Alexander Street, between Yonge Street and Church
Street. On average, this section of Alexander Street carried 2,324 vehicles daily of which
85.2% traveled at or below the maximum speed limit, 12.1% traveled between 51 km/h and
60 km/h and 2.7% traveled at an excessive rate of speed greater than 10 km/h over the speed
limit.
Although there does not appear to be a significant speeding problem on Alexander Street,
between Yonge Street and Church Street, considering the residential nature of this street and
in keeping with the policy adopted by the previous City of Toronto Council to implement a
reduced maximum speed limit on local/residential streets, the maximum speed limit should be
lowered to 40 km/h.
This might reduce incidents of Atop end@ speeding on the street and is an appropriate means
of addressing residents concerns respecting safety.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Curt Russell, 392-7771,
Director.
CR/cr
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