September 8, 1998

To:The Urban Environment and Development Committee

From:General Manager, Transportation Services

Subject:Proposed Extension of the Southbound Left-Turn Prohibition at Old Weston Road and Rockwell Avenue

Davenport: Councillors Betty Disero and Dennis Fotinos

Purpose:

To extend the hours that the existing southbound left-turn prohibition is in effect at the intersection of Old Weston Road and Rockwell Avenue.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with the implementation of the proposed southbound left-turn prohibition are contained in the Transportation Services Division's 1998 Current Budget. The estimated cost of installing appropriate signs is $600.00.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the existing southbound left-turn prohibition at the intersection of Old Weston Road and Rockwell Avenue, which is currently in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, be extended to be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday; and

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

Background:

At the request of Councillor Betty Disero, our Department reviewed the feasibility of extending the southbound left-turn prohibition at the intersection of Old Weston Road and Rockwell Avenue to be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Discussion:

Currently, at the intersection of Old Weston Road and Rockwell Avenue southbound left turns are prohibited from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The current prohibition has been in effect since 1995 and was installed at the request of the former City of Toronto Council. Between 1976 and 1995 southbound left turns were prohibited at all times at this intersection.

The proposed extension of the prohibition of southbound left turns to include the period between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays has been proposed in order to reduce the volume of neighbourhood traffic using Rockwell Avenue to access this residential area. The extension of the prohibition would displace approximately 20 vehicles per hour. This displaced traffic would have to use alternate routes to access the neighbourhood, such as Silverthorn Avenue and Blackthorn Avenue via Rogers Road. Councillor Disero has conducted consultation with residents in the affected area.

Councillors Betty Disero and Dennis Fotinos support the proposed extension of the southbound left-turn prohibition on Old Weston Road at Rockwell Avenue.

Conclusions:

We have no objection to the extension of the southbound left-turn prohibition at Old Weston Road and Rockwell Avenue to be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, since it will have a negligible impact on the road network in this area.

Contact Name:

Jacqueline White, Acting Manager

Central Traffic Region

416-397-5021

David C. Kaufman

General Manager, Transportation Services

Barry H. Gutteridge

Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

VJS/der