STAFF REPORT
November 9, 1999
To: Etobicoke Community Council
From: John W. Thomas, P.Eng. MBA, Director
Transportation Services - District 2
Works and Emergency Services
Subject: Traffic Concerns - Westmore Drive
(Rexdale - Thistletown)
Purpose:
To address the concerns of area residents with respect to the volume and speed of traffic on Westmore Drive between
Finch Avenue and Humber College Boulevard.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
The funds associated with the installation of regulatory signs are contained in the Transportation Service Division's
Operating Budget.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) all-way stop controls not be erected at the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle/Saraband Street; and
(2) the Toronto Police Service be requested to enforce the 50 km/h speed limit on Westmore Drive in the area of
Countryman Circle/Saraband Street.
Background:
Councillor Elizabeth Brown received a petition (Attachment No 1.) from residents of Westmore Drive requesting that
all-way stop controls be erected at the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle/Saraband Street; or, speed
bumps be constructed on Westmore Drive. These requests are the result of the concerns of the area residents with respect to
the volume and speed of traffic on this residential section of roadway between Finch Avenue and Humber College
Boulevard. This matter was referred to staff of the District Transportation Services Division for investigation. A map of the
area is Attachment No. 2.
Comments:
To assess traffic conditions on Westmore Drive, the following information was obtained:
(1) manual approach counts conducted at the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle/Saraband Street;
(2) radar speed studies conducted on Westmore Drive, near the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman
Circle/Saraband Street; and,
(3) a review of the three year collision history at the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle/Saraband
Street.
The following warrants need to be met in order to justify the installation of all-way stop controls on roads and streets
considered to be local or secondary 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 Approach Counts
The results of the manual approach counts conducted at the south intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman
Circle/Saraband Street on Tuesday, October 5, 1999 are summarized in the following table.
| TIME |
N/B |
S/B |
E/B |
W/B |
N/B+ S/B
TOTAL |
TOTAL
ENTERING
INTERSECTION |
BALANCEOF
FLOW N-S/E-W |
| 7-8 AM |
50 |
93 |
24 |
11 |
143 |
178 |
80/20 |
| 8-9 AM |
91 |
141 |
19 |
5 |
232 |
256 |
91/9 |
| 4-5 PM |
192 |
196 |
18 |
7 |
388 |
413 |
94/6 |
| 5-6 PM |
222 |
226 |
11 |
12 |
448 |
471 |
95/5 |
| OVERALL |
555 |
656 |
72 |
35 |
1211 |
1318 |
92/8 |
| VEH/H |
139 |
164 |
18 |
9 |
303 |
330 |
N/A |
Additional Observations: An average of 19 (nineteen) pedestrians per hour crossed the through street (Westmore Drive)
Although the peak hour (5-6 pm) intersection volume of 471 vehicles meets the minimum 350 volume warrant for the
installation of all-way stop controls, the balance of flow (92/8) well exceeds the maximum allowable volume split warrant
of 65/35 for a four-way control. In order for all-way stop controls to be warranted, both the volume and volume split
warrants must be met, which is not the case at the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle/ Saraband Street.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the distance between the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle; and
the traffic control signals at the intersection of Westmore Drive and Finch Avenue, is approximately 140 metres. This
distance is shorter than the desired minimal spacing of 250 metres between traffic devices controlling right-of-way. This
spacing is the distance in which motorist can detect a signal or hazard and react in a safe manner.
With respect to the operation of the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle/ Saraband Street, no potential
vehicle/pedestrian conflicts were observed.
2. Radar Speed Studies
The results of the radar speed studies conducted on Westmore Drive near Countryman Circle/Saraband Street; between the
hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., indicate an 85th percentile speed of 56 km/h. Given that the legal speed limit on Westmore
Drive is 50 km/h, police enforcement is justified.
3. Collision Review
A review of the collision history for the last three years reveals one reportable collision has occurred at the intersection of
Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle/Saraband Street. The initial impact type was classified as "angle". This incident
was reported at a Collision Reporting Centre by both drivers; however, there was some conflicting information provided
with respect to other details of the collision.
4. Intersection Description
Parking Regulations: No Parking 8a.m. - 5p.m., Monday - Friday on:
a) the south side of Countryman Circle;
b) the north side of Saraband Street; and,
c) the east side of Westmore Drive between a point 104 metres north of Humber College Boulevard and Finch Avenue
West.
Lane Configuration: One lane in each direction.
Sidewalks: Both sides of Westmore Drive and Saraband Street, and on the south side of Countryman Circle.
Land Use: R4G Residential (Fourth Density Group)
Conclusions:
The traffic volume splits at the intersection of Westmore Drive and Countryman Circle/Saraband Street do not warrant the
installation of all-way stop controls. The results of the speed studies indicate that there was not a significant speeds
problem.
The issue of legality of the introduction of "speed humps" and/or "speed bumps" in District 2 is currently under review by
staff with the City Solicitor.
Contact:
Mark Hargot, Supervisor, Traffic Engineering - District 2
(416)394-8453;Fax 394-8942
John W. Thomas, P.Eng. MBA, Director
Transportation Services - District 2
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List of Attachments:
1. Petition
2. Street Map
