Partial Rescission of the

Eastbound Left-Turn Prohibition:

Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (October 5, 1998) from the General Manager, Transportation Services:

Purpose:

To modify the eastbound left-turn prohibition at the intersection of Bloor Street West and LansdowneAvenue, 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 LansdowneAvenue, 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 leftturns 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:

Ms. Jacqueline White, Acting Manager, Central Traffic Region, 397-5021.

(A copy of the location plan, which was appended to the foregoing report, has been forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the November 2, 1998 meeting of the Urban Environment and Development Committee, and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)