October 5, 1998

To:The Urban Environment and Development Committee

From:General Manager, Transportation Services

Subject:Partial Rescission of the Eastbound Left-Turn Prohibition

Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue

Davenport: Councillors Betty Disero and Dennis Fotinos

Trinity-Niagara: Councillors Joe Pantalone and Mario Silva

Purpose:

To modify the eastbound left-turn prohibition at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue, which is currently in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, to be 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.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with the proposed partial rescission of the eastbound left-turn prohibition are contained in the Transportation Services Division's 1998 Current Budget. The estimated cost of this work is $600.00.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the eastbound left-turn prohibition at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue, currently in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, be modified to be 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; and

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

Background:

At the request of Councillor Dennis Fotinos, our Department assessed the feasibility of rescinding the eastbound left-turn prohibition on Bloor Street West at Lansdowne Avenue in order to reduce non-resident traffic on local roadways in the vicinity of the subject intersection.

Discussion:

The intersection of Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue is controlled by traffic signals. Eastbound left-turn movements are prohibited during the 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. period, Monday to Saturday. This turn prohibition has been in place since prior to 1965 and was likely installed due to the streetcar service that used to run across Bloor Street West.

Based on our field observations and intersection capacity analysis, we can support permitting eastbound left turns to be made at all times, except during weekday peak periods. Minimal increases in delay to the eastbound traffic will be experienced during the off-peak period. If eastbound left turns are allowed during this time period, non-resident traffic will no longer need to use St. Clarens Avenue, Margueretta Street or Pauline Avenue. Permitting eastbound left turns during the weekday peak periods would lead to undesirable delays and congestion to eastbound motorists.

We have consulted with Councillors Betty Disero, Dennis Fotinos, Joe Pantalone and Mario Silva and they have expressed no concern with this proposal.

Conclusions:

The modification of the existing eastbound left-turn prohibition at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue will have a minimal impact on the eastbound traffic, while it will decrease non-resident traffic on local roadways near this intersection.

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