February 20, 1998
To: Urban Environment and Development Committee
From: Interim Functional Lead, Transportation
Subject: Proposed Installation of Traffic Control Signals
Keele Street and Humberside Avenue
Davenport: Councillors Betty Disero, Dennis Fotinos
High Park: Councillors Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, David Miller
Purpose:
To propose the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Keele Street and Humberside Avenue, coincident with the removal of the existing pedestrian crossover located immediately to the north of the intersection.
Funding Sources:
The funds associated with new traffic signal installations are contained in the Transportation Department's proposed Capital Works Program under Project No. C-TR031. The estimated cost of installing traffic control signals on Keele Street at Humberside Avenue is $50,000.00 including the removal of the existing pedestrian crossover.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) traffic control signals be installed at the intersection of Keele Street and Humberside Avenue;
(2) coincident with the traffic control signal installation, the existing pedestrian crossover be removed;
(3) installation be subject to the approval of the 1998 Capital Works Program and the securing of appropriate financing; and
(4) the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly.
Background:
At the request of Councillor David Miller, Transportation Department staff investigated the operational safety of the pedestrian crossover on Keele Street at Humberside Avenue.
Discussion:
Keele Street, in the vicinity of Humberside Avenue, is a four-lane arterial roadway, and Humberside Avenue is a two-lane, local roadway. A pedestrian crossover is located on Keele Street at the north curb of Humberside Avenue. During an eight hour study period, 389 pedestrians crossed Keele Street at Humberside Avenue. Adjacent traffic control signals are located 410 metres to the south on Keele Street at Glenlake Avenue and 225 metres to the north on Keele Street at Annette Street.
Transportation Department staff evaluated the operational characteristics of this pedestrian crossover location according to the guidelines that were developed for the "Audit of Operational and Physical Suitability of Pedestrian Crossovers in Metropolitan Toronto". The results are as follows:
|
Standard or Criteria to be met
for physical suitability
of a pedestrian crossover. |
Met/Not Met |
Comment |
|
Vehicle operating speed less than 60 km/h |
Not Met |
The speed limit on Keele St is 50 km/h. The 85th percentile speeds for northbound and southbound traffic exceed this standard. |
|
Not more than four lanes wide on a two-way street, or more than three lanes wide on a one-way street. |
Met |
Keele Street is a four lane roadway. |
|
Traffic volume less than 35,000 vehicles per day (total both directions). |
Met
(marginally) |
An estimated 34,250 vehicles use Keele Street daily. |
|
No driveways or entrances nearby |
Not Met |
Driveways are located on the east side of Keele Street approximately 24 metres from Humberside Avenue and a driveway is located adjacent to the southbound TTC bus stop. |
|
No significant volume of turning movements which interfere with pedestrian crossover |
Not Met |
A high volume of turning movements occur during an eight-hour period in the vicinity of the PXO. |
|
No loading zones in the immediate vicinity |
Not Met |
Northbound and southbound TTC bus stops are located within close proximity to the PXO. |
|
Not less than 215 metres to another pedestrian crossover or traffic control device. |
Met |
Traffic control signals are located 225 metres to the north at Annette Street and 410 metres to the south at Glenlake Avenue. |
|
No visibility problems exist for either pedestrians or motorists |
Not Met |
Sightlines are acceptable, however are reduced during TTC bus loading/onloading activities. |
This pedestrian crossover location fails to meet five of the "environmental standards" listed above.
The collision records provided by the Toronto Police Service for the five-year period ending December 31, 1996 revealed that there were six pedestrian-related collisions at Keele Street and Humberside Avenue. In five cases, the pedestrian was struck within, or near the pedestrian crossover and sustained minor injuries. In the other collision, the pedestrian was struck while crossing Humberside Avenue on the east side of Keele Street. We are also aware of one pedestrian collision which occurred in 1998 in the vicinity of this intersection.
A pedestrian crossing Keele Street, just north of this pedestrian crossover, was fatally injured after being struck by a motorist on Keele Street. Based on the prevailing conditions, there are indications that the existing pedestrian crossover is no longer the most appropriate traffic control device to provide for safe pedestrian crossings at this location. A traffic signal warrant study determined that conditions do not numerically warrant the installation of traffic control signals. However, in our judgement, the more positive form of control provided by traffic control signals is the proper treatment for this location.
Following approval of a group of traffic signal installations, tender documents will be prepared, and qualified electrical contractors will be asked to submit bids for this work. The installation of these traffic control signals is subject to the approval of the 1998 Capital Works Program, which is scheduled to be considered by City Council on April 15, 1998.
Conclusions:
The existing pedestrian crossover on Keele Street at Humberside Avenue is no longer operating in a satisfactory manner. Traffic control signals should be installed to improve the operational safety of this location.
Contact Name:
Jacqueline White, P.Eng.
Acting Manager, Central Traffic Region
(416) 397-5021
D. P. Floyd
Interim Functional Lead, Transportation
Reviewed by Barry Gutteridge
Commissioner, Works & Emergency Services
