October 19, 1998

To:The Urban Environment and Development Committee

From:General Manager, Transportation Services

Subject:Request to Install Traffic Control Signals or a Pedestrian Crossover Fleet Street between Bathurst Street and Lake Shore Boulevard WestTrinity-Niagara: Councillors Joe Pantalone and Mario Silva

Purpose:

To respond to a request for the installation of traffic control signals or a pedestrian crossover on Fleet Street between Bathurst Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West (across from Stadium Road) to assist pedestrians crossing Fleet Street.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information and forwarded to Council.

Background:

Councillor Joe Pantalone has requested that a report be submitted to the November 2, 1998 meeting of the Urban Environment and Development Services Committee on the feasibility of installing traffic control signals or a pedestrian crossover on Fleet Street, mid-block between Bathurst Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West (across from Stadium Road). We have not had sufficient time to provide an updated assessment of this request. However, this issue has been addressed many times in the past and we can comment on our concerns with this proposal.

Discussion:

Fleet Street runs parallel to Lake Shore Boulevard West, between Bathurst Street and the crossover traffic control signals at Lake Shore Boulevard West. Fleet Street is four lanes wide and has a speed limit of 50 km/h. Fleet Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West are separated by a raised concrete median. Stadium Road intersects Lake Shore Boulevard West on the south side forming a "T"-type signalized intersection. This intersection is located 160 metres east of traffic signals at the above-noted crossover and 200 metres west of the signals at Bathurst Street. There is no traffic control device on Fleet Street, opposite Stadium Road. Eastbound and westbound TTC streetcar stops are provided on Fleet Street, opposite Stadium Road.

Previous studies that were conducted in response to requests for a pedestrian crossover or traffic control signals at this location have led to the following conclusions:

(1)There is insufficient pedestrian demand to warrant either a pedestrian crossover or traffic control signals. The majority of pedestrians cross Fleet Street to/from the westbound TTC streetcar stop. We have consistently recorded less than 200 pedestrians crossing at this location over an eight-hour study period. There have not been any changes in this area which would have created a major change in this pedestrian crossing demand. Also, a pedestrian crossover would not be suitable in this type of environment.

(2)This section of Fleet Street carries the traffic destined from eastbound Lake Shore Boulevard to northbound Bathurst Street and the traffic destined from southbound Bathurst Street to westbound Lake Shore Boulevard. Due to the short spacing between this location and the existing signals at Lake Shore Boulevard and at Bathurst Street, good coordination will not be possible causing delay for east-west traffic on Fleet Street, and possible vehicle queuing through the intersections.

(3)Due to the necessarily long signal cycle lengths, pedestrians would encounter long delays in crossing Fleet Street and Lake Shore Boulevard. A pedestrian starting from the north curb could require as much as five minutes to actuate the signals and walk across both Lake Shore Boulevard and Fleet Street in two separate stages. This would likely lead to poor pedestrian compliance.

Other concerns, which we have not yet been able to explore, are

(1)the impact that an additional signal on Fleet Street would have on streetcar service and the proposed extension of the Harbourfront LRT; and

(2)how this proposal would impact possible changes to this area with redevelopment.

We have not had the opportunity to consult with Councillor Pantalone or Councillor Silva on the issues discussed in this report.

Conclusions:

The pedestrian crossing demand on Fleet Street between Lake Shore Boulevard and Bathurst Street (across from Stadium Road) is insufficient to justify the installation of traffic control signals or a pedestrian crossover. Also, installation of traffic control signals could result in other safety and operational concerns 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 and Emergency Services

JW/der