Installation of a Temporary Pedestrian Crossover

- Walmer Road, North of Bloor Street West (Ward 23 - Midtown)

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (September 21, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services:

Purpose:

To facilitate the safe crossing of Walmer Road by pedestrians during the construction of the Walmer Road entrance to the Spadina Subway Station.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds for this work will be provided by the Toronto Transit Commission through its Contract No. A3-4, Spadina Station, Walmer Road entrance construction.

Recommendations:

(1)That a pedestrian crossover be installed on Walmer Road at a point 120 metres north of Bloor Street West with the costs associated with this work to be paid by the Toronto Transit Commission; and

(2)That the appropriate City Officials be requested to take whatever action is necessary to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that are required.

Background:

The former Toronto City Council, at its meeting of May 21, 1996, in adopting Clause 27 in City Services Committee Report No. 6 entitled, "Temporary adjustment to traffic regulations in conjunction with the construction of an automated entrance for Toronto Transit Commission patrons at the Spadina Station - Walmer Road, from Bloor Street to a point 70 metres north (Ward 13)", approved the following coincident with the commencement of construction by the Toronto Transit Commission of its entrance to the Spadina Station (at that time, tentatively scheduled for August 1996):

(a) approved, for up to one year, the closure of the easterly half of the Walmer Road roadway from Bloor Street West to a point 70 metres north to accommodate the relocation of underground services (water mains, sewers, etc.) and designated the westerly portion of the roadway for one-way southbound traffic; and

(b) prohibited stopping at anytime on both sides of Walmer Road, from Bloor Street West to a point 70 metres north.

Due to scheduling and budgetary constraints, the commencement of construction of this project has been delayed until now. This report is being submitted to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee as by-law approval for the pedestrian crossover referred to in Recommendation No. 1, above is required as soon as practicable to allow the construction project to proceed.

Comments:

Walmer Road from Bloor Street West to Lowther Avenue operates two-way and has a pavement width of 7.32 metres. Parking is prohibited at anytime on both sides of this section of Walmer Road.

At a meeting held on September 15, 1998 and attended by Transportation Services staff, the Toronto Transit Commission advised that it is commencing construction of the Walmer Road entrance to the Spadina Subway Station as soon as practicable. This work will involve the complete excavation and subsequent closure of the northbound lane and the sidewalk on the east side of Walmer Road from approximately 60 metres to 85 metres north of Bloor Street West for approximately one year.

Recognizing that this project will disrupt the flow of pedestrians on the east side of Walmer Road, forcing them to cross the street at what is presently an uncontrolled mid-block location, a pedestrian crossover (PXO) should be installed on Walmer Road, approximately 120 metres north of Bloor Street West to enhance the safe crossing of this street by pedestrians, as noted in Recommendation No. 1 above.

The cost of installing and removing the pedestrian crossover and all operational costs will be borne by the Toronto Transit Commission in association with its Contract No. A3-4.

Staff will monitor the progress of this project and will report back to Toronto Community Council on removing the pedestrian crossover when necessary.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Andrew Koropeski, Director, Transportation Services District 1, 392-7711.