To: The Urban Environment and Development Committee

From: Commissioner of Transportation

Subject: Proposed Introduction Of Traffic Regulations -

No. 2015 Lawrence Avenue West

York-Humber: Councillors Frances Nunziata, Bill Saundercook

Purpose:

To introduce a westbound left-turn prohibition and northbound exit prohibitions at a fire/ambulance station access at No. 2015 Lawrence Avenue West in conjunction with the recent installation of traffic control signals on Lawrence Avenue West at Ralph Street.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The funds for this work are contained in the Transportation Department's 1998 Current Budget Estimates.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) westbound left turns be prohibited at all times at the access to No. 2015 Lawrence Avenue West located approximately 25 metres west of Ralph Street;

(2) entry be prohibited at all times to Lawrence Avenue West from the access to No. 2015 Lawrence Avenue West located approximately 25 metres west of Ralph Street; and

(3) the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly.

Council Background:

Further to Clause No. 29, Report No. 17 of Metropolitan Planning and Transportation Committee entitled "Safety and Operational Road Modifications: Various Locations", which was approved by Metro Council on August 13, 1997, traffic control signals were installed on Lawrence Avenue West at Ralph Street on November 18, 1997. The traffic signal control included a major driveway on the south side of Lawrence Avenue West, directly in line with Ralph Street, thus creating a standard "cross" signalized intersection.

Discussion:

A fire and ambulance station (the 'Fire Hall') is located on the south-west corner of the intersection of Lawrence Avenue West and Ralph Street. Prior to the installation of traffic control signals at this intersection, the Fire Hall had a single uncontrolled access on Lawrence Avenue West, 25 metres west of Ralph Street. The Fire Department initiated discussions about traffic control at this location, and the design and operation of traffic control signals and driveway access was agreed upon by all parties involved. Upon signalization of the Lawrence Avenue West and Ralph Street intersection, the Fire Hall obtained full access to the driveway forming the south leg of the intersection, while maintaining limited access to their driveway on Lawrence Avenue West. The design includes Fire Hall signal pre-emption from the south leg of the intersection.

Coincident with the installation of traffic control signals, the Fire Hall access was intended to operate in the following way for reasons of public safety:

1. the majority of vehicular movement would use the new signal controlled driveway at Ralph Street; and

2. the existing Fire Hall driveway, 25 metres west of Ralph Street, was narrowed and would operate as an eastbound right-in-only access.

Since the installation of traffic control signals in November 1997, this arrangement has been operated on a trial basis, with interim signage in place to advise motorists.

To formalize these access arrangements, we recommend that the westbound left-turn movement, and entry to Lawrence Avenue West, at the access to No. 2015 Lawrence Avenue West be prohibited at all times. A viable alternate is provided for emergency vehicles and staff to access and egress the site via the traffic control signals at Lawrence Avenue West and Ralph Street.

Conclusions:

The prohibition of westbound left-turn movements, and entry to Lawrence Avenue West, at the access to No. 2015 Lawrence Avenue West will improve traffic safety at this access and at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue West and Ralph Street.

Contact Name:

Jacqueline White, Acting Manager

Central Traffic Region

416-397-5021

D.P. Floyd

Commissioner

Reviewed by Barry Gutteridge

Acting Executive Commissioner

DB/cg;jr