August 25, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Andrew Koropeski, Director, Transportation Services, District 1
Subject:Melrose Avenue, from Jedburgh Road to Greer Road - Installation of speed humps (North Toronto)
Purpose:
To respond to a request of the Toronto Community Council for a report on the feasibility of installing speed humps on
Melrose Avenue between Jedburgh Road and Greer Road.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not Applicable.
Recommendation:
That this report be received for information.
Background:
Toronto Community Council, at its meeting of December 9, 1998, in considering a communication (November 24, 1998)
from Councillor Anne Johnston, requested that Transportation Services report on the feasibility of installing speed humps
on Melrose Avenue, from Jedburgh Road to Greer Road.
Comments:
Transportation Services' staff have investigated the feasibility of installing speed humps on Melrose Avenue, from Greer
Road to Jedburgh Road.
The subject section of Melrose Avenue operates two-way on a pavement width of 8.5 metres with a maximum speed limit
of 40 kilometres per hour.
A 24-hour speed and volume survey was recently conducted on the subject section of Melrose Avenue over a three-day
period ending on March 27, 1999. The results of the survey revealed a daily average combined total of 1,728 vehicles in
both directions during this period, of which 1,661 (96 percent) travelled at a rate of speed of 55 kilometres per hour or less
and 67 (4 percent) travelled at a rate of speed in excess of 55 kilometres per hour. The combined average operating speed
(the speed at or below which 85 percent of the vehicles travelled) for the period was 48 kilometres per hour with an
average speed of 40 kilometres per hour.
Melrose Avenue was further reviewed in accordance to the secondary criteria set out in the policy established by the former
City of Toronto Council in August 1997, i.e., using a technical screening mechanism to evaluate the need for speed humps
based on prevailing traffic conditions, vehicle speed percentages and pertinent collision data (according to Police Service
accident records, there were no reported accidents on the subject section of Melrose Avenue for the three-year period
ending November 30, 1998, which could be attributed to speeding). During the course of this evaluation the subject section
of Melrose Avenue received only 34 points out of a possible 100. Based upon the relatively low score and taking into
consideration the speeding profile noted above, no further action is recommended at this time.
Notwithstanding the above and bearing in mind that the primary criteria for the installation of speed humps have been
technically satisfied, should Toronto Community Council wish to proceed with the installation of speed humps on the
subject section of Melrose Avenue, then the following recommendations should be adopted:
(1)That approval be given to alter sections of the roadway on Melrose Avenue, from Jedburgh Road to Greer Road, for
traffic calming purposes as described below, with implementation subject to the favourable results of polling of the
affected residents pursuant to the policy related to speed hump installation as adopted by the former City of Toronto
Council:
"The construction of speed humps on MELROSE AVENUE, from Jedburgh Road to Greer Road, generally as shown on
the attached print of Drawing No. 42IF-5418, dated July 1999.";
(2)That a speed limit of thirty kilometres per hour be introduced on Melrose Avenue, from Jedburgh Road to Greer Road,
coincident with the implementation of speed humps and as legislation permits; and
(3)That the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action is necessary to implement the
foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that might be required.
The traffic calming proposal, as illustrated on the attached print of Drawing No. 42IF-5418, dated July 1999, consists of
three speed humps. A speed limit reduction to 30 kilometres per hour would be appropriate. No impacts on parking are
anticipated, no changes to parking regulations are required, and the effects on snow removal, street cleaning and garbage
collection should be minimal.
As stipulated in the Policy, once it has been determined that speed hump installation is technically warranted, a formal poll
should be conducted of adults (18 years and older) of households directly abutting the affected section of the street, and
also of households on side streets whose only access is from the street under consideration for speed hump installations.
Under this policy, at least 60 percent of those responding should be in favour of the proposal to authorize implementation.
Accordingly, subject to approval by your Council of the above recommendations, Transportation Services' staff will
conduct a poll of residents and report on the results at the deputation meeting for the project.
The changes to Melrose Avenue as described above would constitute an alteration to a public highway pursuant to the
provisions of the Municipal Act. The intent of Council to enact a by-law to authorize any physical changes resulting in the
alteration of the pavement configuration must be advertised and subsequently be subject to a public hearing. Should
Council approve the above speed hump plan, consultations with the emergency services would be undertaken to ensure that
the detailed design does not unduly hamper their respective operations. However, the introduction of speed humps would
result in slower operating speeds for all vehicles, including emergency vehicles, resulting in increased response times.
This project would be pre-approved in accordance with Schedule A of the Class Environmental Assessment for the
Municipal Roads Project.
It is estimated that the cost to implement this proposal is $5,400.00, funds for which are available in the Transportation
Services Division 1999 Capital Budget.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Randy Hillis, Traffic Investigator, 392-7771
Director
Attachment
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