June 24, 1998

To: The Urban Environment and Development Committee

From: General Manager, Transportation Services

Subject: Proposed Northbound Right-Turn Prohibition

Woodbine Avenue at the Driveway to Nos. 61-65 Woodbine Avenue

East Toronto: Councillors Sandra Bussin and Tom Jakobek

Purpose:

To prohibit northbound right turns on Woodbine Avenue at the driveway to Nos. 61-65 Woodbine Avenue.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with the installation of appropriate signs are contained in the Works and Emergency Services Department's 1998 Current Budget. The estimated cost of installing the appropriate signs is $400.00.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) northbound right turns on Woodbine Avenue at the driveway to Nos. 61-65 Woodbine Avenue be prohibited at all times; and

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

Background:

At the request of Councillor Sandra Bussin, our Department investigated the operational safety of Woodbine Avenue at the driveway to Nos. 61-65 Woodbine Avenue.

Discussion:

The driveway to Nos. 61-65 Woodbine Avenue is located where Kew Beach Avenue meets Woodbine Avenue. Kew Beach Avenue, a local one-way westbound roadway, turns right and merges into Woodbine Avenue in a northbound direction in this area. In January 1997 our Department approved a driveway to the proposed redevelopment of Nos. 61-65 Woodbine Avenue. One major condition for this redevelopment was that the access to this site be restricted to in-right/out-right movements on Kew Beach Avenue. To reinforce these movements, an island was placed within the "throat" of this driveway. However, due to constraints within the roadway geometry, it was not possible to totally prevent right turns from Woodbine Avenue into this site by physical means. A sketch of the driveway is attached to this report.

Even though the right-turn manoeuvre from Woodbine Avenue to this site is awkward, a number of motorists have been observed making this turn. They have to slow to almost a stop and cross Kew Beach Avenue to enter this site. This creates potential collisions with northbound motorists on Woodbine Avenue and on Kew Beach Avenue, and also with pedestrians in this area. The prohibition of northbound right turns from Woodbine Avenue at this location would reduce the potential for collisions. Alternate, safe routes are available to motorists destined to Nos. 61-65 Woodbine Avenue.

Councillor Bussin is in agreement with this recommendation and Councillor Jakobek has been advised.

Conclusions:

Northbound right turns on Woodbine Avenue at the driveway to Nos. 61-65 Woodbine Avenue should be prohibited at all times to reduce the potential of collisions at this location.

Contact Name:

Jacqueline White, Acting Manager

Central Traffic Region

(416) 397-5021

David C. Kaufman

General Manager, Transportation Services

Barry H. Gutteridge

Commissioner, Works & Emergency Services