Proposed Installation of All-Way Stop Controls

Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue

 The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May 27, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke District:

 Purpose:

 To evaluate a request by area residents for the installation of all-way stop controls at the intersection of Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue.

 Funding Sources:

 The funds associated with the relocation of the regulatory signs are allocated in the 1998 Transportation Department=s Operating Budget.

 Recommendation:

 It is recommended that:

 (1)all-way stop controls not be erected at the intersection of Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue;

 (2)the stop signs currently controlling eastbound and westbound traffic on Rimilton Avenue be relocated to control northbound and southbound traffic on Thirtieth Street;

 (3)the effectiveness of this initiative be evaluated in six months; and

 (4)the associated by-law (Attachment No. 1) receive Council approval.

Background:

 The Transportation and Engineering Planning Division has received correspondence from Mr. May, 243 Thirtieth Street (Attachment No. 2), and a petition from area residents (Attachment No. 3), requesting the installation of all-way stop controls at the intersection of Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue. These residents are concerned with the frequency of vehicle collisions at this location. A map of the area is Attachment No. 4.

 Comments and Discussion:

 To assess traffic conditions at the intersection, the following information was obtained:

 (1)manual approach counts conducted at the intersection of Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue;

 (2)radar spot speed studies conducted on Thirtieth Street at Rimilton Avenue;

 (3)an intersection capacity analysis;

 (4)review of the three year accident history; and

 (5)intersection description, including existing parking restrictions, sidewalks and land use.

The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario has provided the following warrants for the installation of all-way stop controls on roads and streets considered to be neither arterial nor major collector streets:

 a)total vehicle volume on all intersection approaches must exceed 350 for the highest hour recorded; and

 b)a volume split should not exceed 65/35 for a four-way control.

 (1)Manual Turning Movement Count

 Date: February 25, 1998

 The following observations and analysis were derived from the manual count:

 (a)The total vehicle volume on all approaches for the highest hour, 8-9 a.m. is 302 vehicles. This volume does not meet the minimum vehicular volume requirement of 350 vehicles necessary to fully satisfy the volume warrant.

 (b)The balance of flow for the highest hour recorded is 81/19, which does not meet the volume split warrant (65/35) for four-way control.

 During the manual count an average of 11 pedestrians per hour were observed crossing the through street (Thirtieth Street). All pedestrians were high school students and were able to cross safely in the intersection. No potential vehicular/pedestrian conflicts were observed.

 (2)Radar Speed Studies

 Radar speed studies conducted on Thirtieth Street, east of Rimilton Avenue, between 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. revealed an average speed of 50 km/h. Given the 50 km/h legal speed limit, this speed is within acceptable levels.

 (3)Intersection Capacity Analysis

 The intersection capacity analysis reveals that the intersection of Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue is operating under optimum conditions, level of service A. The probability of a queue-free state at the approaches to the through street (Thirtieth Street) is high, 97 percent; the intersection delay is minimal: 1 sec/veh.

(4)Accident Analysis

 The accident analysis for the past three years indicates that four reportable accidents have occurred at or near the intersection of Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue. Three of these accidents were right angle impact collisions; the other was a single motor vehicle collision. In all three of the right angle impact collisions, the driver of the vehicle on the stop street, Rimilton Avenue, disobeyed the stop control. Road and weather conditions were not a factor in either accident. In examining the cause of these accidents it was clear that the driver=s view of Thirtieth Street is constrained when approaching the intersection eastbound or westbound on Rimilton Avenue. Drivers approaching the intersection tend to roll beyond the curb line of Thirtieth Street into the intersection in order to get a clear view of oncoming traffic. As a result, eastbound and westbound motorists are colliding with vehicles in the near side, oncoming lane of traffic.

 The third accident occurred on Thirtieth Street north of Rimilton Avenue on November 15, 1997, at 9:42 a.m. This single motor vehicle collision occurred when a driver proceeding northbound on Thirtieth Street lost control and struck a tree at 236 Thirtieth Street. The road surface conditions were very poor as a result of a winter snow storm. The driver failed to adjust to these conditions and was subsequently charged with careless driving.

 (5)Intersection Description

 Parking Regulations: Three hours maximum on both roadways.

 Lane Configuration: One lane in each direction.

 Speed Limit: 50 km/h on both roadways.

 Sidewalks: Both sides of through and stop streets.

 Land Use: R2 Residential (Second Density).

 Conclusions:

 Traffic conditions at the intersection of Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue do not meet the minimum requirements of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario warrants for all-way stop controls. Inadequate site lines were identified at this intersection for eastbound and westbound traffic which may have contributed to the occurrence of the angle type collisions. The relocation of the existing stop signs from the east and west approaches of the intersection to the north and south approaches will improve the driver sightlines of oncoming traffic. This will provide a more effective level of control and will reduce the potential of right angle accidents at this intersection.

 Contact Name:

 Mark Hargot, Traffic Co-Ordinator, Transportation and Engineering Planning Division.

(416) 394-8453, Fax 394-8942.

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The Etobicoke Community Council reports having received a written submission (undated) from concerned residents of Thirtieth Street, submitting further considerations to assist in the decision regarding stop controls at Thirtieth Street and Rimilton Avenue.

 (Copies of Attachment Nos. 1-4, referred to in the foregoing report were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting May 27, 1998, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)