Proposed Installation of Traffic Control Signals

Overlea Boulevard and William Morgan Drive.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (March 17, 1998) from the Interim Functional Lead, Transportation:

Purpose:

To obtain approval for the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Overlea Boulevard and William Morgan Drive, coincident with the removal of the existing split pedestrian crossover (PXO) located immediately to the east of the intersection and to obtain authority to construct associated road modifications and to advertise the required construction by-law for these associated road modifications.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with new traffic signal installations are contained in the Transportation Department's Proposed Capital Program under Project No. C-TR031. The estimated cost of installing traffic control signals at the intersection of Overlea Boulevard and William Morgan Drive is $90,000.00 including the removal of the existing split PXO.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)traffic control signals be approved at the intersection of Overlea Boulevard and William Morgan Drive;

(2)coincident with the traffic control signal installation, the existing split pedestrian crossover be removed;

(3)authority be given to construct the road modifications described in this report;

(4)authority be given to advertise the construction by-law for the road modifications as described in this report;

(5)installation be subject to the approval of the 1998 Capital Works Program and the securing of appropriate financing;

(6)the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly;

(7)the introduction of any necessary Bills be authorized; and

(8)the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

This location was investigated because of concerns regarding sight lines for pedestrians crossing at the subject split PXO, as well as for motorists approaching the split PXO, particularly westbound motorists.

A visibility study was conducted to identify potential sight obstructions which may limit motorist or pedestrian sight lines at the subject PXO. The study results indicated that sight lines for both pedestrians and motorists are within acceptable limits at the subject location.

Further to the above-noted study, we noted during our field observations that pedestrian and vehicular traffic had increased over previous studies conducted at this location. In view of these observed increases, we conducted a traffic signal warrant study.

Discussion:

Overlea Boulevard in the vicinity of William Morgan Drive is a four-lane, divided arterial road with a two-way, 24-hour volume of approximately 28,000. Adjacent traffic control signals are located 185 metres to the west at Thorncliffe Park Drive and 605 metres to the east at Don Mills Road. William Morgan Drive is a two-lane local roadway with a two-way, 24-hour volume of approximately 2,700. William Morgan Drive intersects Overlea Boulevard on the north side.

An eight-hour traffic control signal warrant study was conducted and revealed that traffic control signals are technically warranted. The results are listed below:

WarrantCompliance

(1)Minimum Vehicular Volume 34 percent

(2)Delay to Cross Traffic100 percent

(3)Collision Hazard 40 percent

Either Warrant 1 or Warrant 2 should be 100 per cent satisfied or any two of the three warrants should be 80 per cent satisfied to satisfy the minimum technical requirements for the installation of traffic control signals. The "Collision Hazard" warrant is based on the number of collisions that occurred at the intersection in a three-year period which were potentially preventable by the installation of traffic control signals. Collision statistics provided by the Toronto Police Service indicate that six collisions occurred over the three-year period from January 1, 1994, to December 31, 1996, which were potentially preventable by the installation of traffic control signals. Based on the above information, the technical warrants for the installation of traffic control signals are met.

As part of the traffic control signal installation, adjustments to the existing centre median island are required to accommodate north-south pedestrian crossings and eliminate the need for pedestrians to walk over the median. The following work will have to be undertaken to construct these modifications:

(a)removal of concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks;

(b)construction of concrete curbs and gutters;

(c)construction of asphalt pavement; and

(d)adjustments to catch basins.

The attached plan shows these modifications.

As indicated previously, Overlea Boulevard is an important link in the arterial system. Given the adequate spacing between adjacent traffic control signals, the replacement of the split PXO with traffic control signals will not have a significant impact on the effectiveness of this arterial link within the network of arterial roads.

Following approval of a group of traffic signal installations, tender documents will be prepared, and qualified electrical contractors will be asked to submit bids for this work. The installation of these traffic control signals is subject to the approval of the 1998 Capital Works Program which is scheduled to be considered by City Council on April 29, 1998.

Conclusion:

Traffic control signals are technically warranted and are recommended to replace the existing split pedestrian crossover at the intersection of Overlea Boulevard and William Morgan Drive.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Mr. Martin Maguire, Acting Manager, East Traffic Region, 392-5243.

(A copy of the location plans, which were appended to the foregoing report, has been forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the April 20, 1998 meeting of the Urban Environment and Development Committee, and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)