June 12, 1998

To: The Urban Environment and Development Committee

From: General Manager, Transportation Services

Subject: Proposed Lane Designations at Various Traffic Control Signals Along the St. George Street/Beverley Street Bicycle Lanes

Downtown: Councillors Olivia Chow and Kyle Rae

Midtown: Councillors John Adams and Ila Bossons

Purpose:

To designate the southbound median lane for left turns only at the intersections of Bloor Street West and St. George Street, St. George Street and Harbord Street/Hoskin Avenue, and Dundas Street West and Beverley Street.

Funding Sources:

The funds for this work are contained in the Works and Emergency Services Department's 1998 Current Budget. The estimated cost of installing appropriate signs is $1,500.00.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the southbound median lane on St. George Street be designated as a left-turn only lane, from Bloor Street West to 30.5 metres north thereof;

(2) the southbound median lane on St. George Street be designated as a left-turn only lane, from Harbord Street/Hoskin Avenue to 30.5 metres north thereof;

(3) the southbound median lane on Beverley Street be designated as a left-turn only lane, from Dundas Street West to 30.5 metres north thereof; and

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

Background:

To provide better guidance for southbound motorists, our Department reviewed the feasibility of designating the southbound median lane for left turns only at the intersections of Bloor Street West and St. George Street, St. George Street and Harbord Street/Hoskin Avenue, and Dundas Street West and Beverley Street.

Discussion:

The intersections of Bloor Street West and St. George Street, St. George Street and Harbord Street/Hoskin Avenue, and Dundas Street West and Beverley Street are controlled by traffic signals. The southbound approach to each of the intersections currently has pavement markings to indicate a left-turn lane, a shared through and right-turn lane and a bicycle lane. At these intersections southbound through motorists must manoeuvre to the right, proceed through and then manoeuvre back to the left in order to bypass opposing north-south left-turn lanes.

Designation of the southbound median lane for left turns only and the associated installation of lane designation signs at these intersections will provide better guidance for southbound through motorists and reduce the risk for collisions. This proposal will not have any effect on the operation of bicycle lanes.

We have consulted with the local councillors and they do not have a concern with this proposal.

Conclusions:

The designation of the southbound median lane for left turns only at the intersections of Bloor Street West and St. George Street, St. George Street and Harbord Street/Hoskin Avenue, and Dundas Street West and Beverley Street will provide better guidance for southbound through motorists.

Contact Name:

Jacqueline White, Acting Manager

Central Traffic Region

416-397-5021

D. C. Kaufman

General Manager, Transportation Services

Barry Gutteridge

Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services