STAFF REPORT
October 28, 1999
To: North York Community Council
From: Roberto Stopnicki, Director, Transportation Services, District 3
Works and Emergency Services
Subject: Traffic Operations and Pedestrian Safety: Finch Avenue East, Leslie Street to Liszt Gate/Trudy Road
North York Seneca Heights
Purpose:
To provide, through road construction and pavement markings, improvements to the level of safety for vehicle and
pedestrian traffic on Finch Avenue East, between Leslie Street and Liszt Gate/Trudy Road.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the cost associated with the proposed Finch Avenue East/Liszt Gate/Trudy Road intersection improvements, be
included within the 2000 capital budget;
(2) the cost for the pavement marking modifications, be included as part of the 2000 centre line paint program;
(3) schedule XIII of the former Metropolitan Toronto By-law No. 32.92, be amended to designate the eastbound curb lane
on Finch Avenue East at Trudy Road for right turning vehicles only, between Trudy Road and a point 30.5 metres westerly
thereof; and
(4) that all by-law(s) be amended accordingly.
Background:
As a result of a recent motorist fatality and a pedestrian involved incident at the intersection of Finch Avenue East and
Liszt Gate/Trudy Road, the Transportation Services Division was asked to complete a review of traffic operations on Finch
Avenue East, between Leslie Street and Liszt Gate/Trudy Road.
It was specifically requested by both Councillors Joan King and David Shiner that we consider the installation of traffic
control signals at the Finch Avenue East/Liszt Gate/Trudy Road intersection.
Comments:
Two specific areas were reviewed; the vicinity of Finch Avenue East and Ravel Road and the intersection of Finch Avenue
East with Liszt Gate/Trudy Road.
Observations by staff indicated that there was limited queuing area available for eastbound motorists to stop on Finch
Avenue East, prior to accessing the Finch/Leslie Square commercial property and Ravel Road. Eastbound left turning
vehicles are required to stop in the through traffic lane, thereby reducing the overall capacity of Finch Avenue East and
potentially creating a safety hazard.
To address these safety concerns, pavement marking modifications, as illustrated in drawing No. NY-1224A should be
implemented. With the provision of the eastbound left turn lanes at the access to the Finch/Leslie Square commercial
property and Ravel Road, the potential for conflicts are greatly reduced.
The feasibility of installing traffic control signals at the Finch Avenue East/Liszt Gate/Trudy Road intersection was
reviewed. An eight (8) hour turning movement count was completed. The results of the study, which were similar to
previous studies completed in 1998 and 1999, did not support the installation of traffic control signals.
The vehicle operating speeds on Finch Avenue East at Liszt Gate/Trudy Road, can be addressed through the reduction of
the overall pavement width on Finch Avenue East, east of Liszt Gate/Trudy Road. With this reduction of the overall
pavement width, while maintaining a five (5) lane cross section as illustrated in drawing No. NY-1224B, pedestrian safety
would be increased, as their crossing distance would be reduced. The operating speeds of eastbound and westbound
motorists will also be positively influenced.
Conclusions:
With the implementation of the pavement markings and geometric improvements on Finch Avenue East, between Leslie
Street and Liszt Gate/Trudy Road, pedestrian safety will be increased and operating speeds will be influenced.
Contact:
Allen Pinkerton
Manager, Traffic Operations, District 3
Transportation Service Division
Telephone: 395-7463
Facsimile: 395-7482
E-mail: ajpinker@city.north-york.on.ca
Roberto Stopnicki
Director
AJP/bcb
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List of Attachments:
Map: Finch Avenue East, Leslie Street to Liszt Gate/Trudy Road
Drawing: Finch Avenue East at Trudy Road and Liszt Gate Proposed Intersection Improvements
Drawing: Finch Avenue East from Leslie Street to 125 m east of Ravel Road Proposed Pavement Markings Modifications
