August 30, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Andrew Koropeski, Director, Transportation Services, District 1

Subject:Macdonell Avenue, from Wabash Avenue to Seaforth Avenue - Installation of Speed Humps (High Park)

Purpose:

To respond to a request of Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski for a report on the feasibility of installing speed humps on Macdonell Avenue between Wabash Avenue and Seaforth Avenue.

Funding Source, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

That this report be received for information.

Comments:

At the request of Ward Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski and area residents, we assessed the feasibility of implementing speed humps on Macdonell Avenue, from Wabash Avenue to Seaforth Avenue, in response to concerns about the volume and excessive speed of traffic on this street.

Macdonell Avenue operates two-way from Wabash Avenue to Rideau Avenue, operates one-way southbound from Rideau Avenue to Seaforth Avenue and operates two-way from Seaforth Avenue to Queen Street West, with a 40 kilometres per hour speed limit and a pavement width which varies from 6 metres to 9.8 metres. The Toronto Transit Commission provides regularly scheduled bus service (Lansdowne No. 47 bus route) on Macdonell Avenue, between Seaforth Avenue and Queen Street West.

A twenty-four hour speed and volume survey was conducted on Macdonell Avenue over five consecutive days and it was found that the street carries an average daily combined total of 1,165 vehicles per day (507 northbound and 658 southbound) between Wabash Avenue and Wright Avenue, of which 26 (2.2 percent) travelled at an excessive rate of speed (over 55 kilometres per hour). The combined average operating speed (the speed that 85 percent of the motorists travelled at or below) recorded was 48 kilometres per hour with an average speed of 36 kilometres per hour.

On the section of Macdonell Avenue, between Galley Avenue and Garden Avenue, of the average daily combined total of 1,153 vehicles per day, (4.9 percent) travelled at an excessive rate of speed (over 55 kilometres per hour). I advise that the combined average operating speed (the speed that 85 percent of the motorists travelled at or below) recorded was also 48 kilometres per hour with an average speed of 38 kilometres per hour.

Macdonell 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 collision records, there were no reported collisions on the subject section of Macdonell Avenue for the three-year period ending March 31, 1997, which could be attributed to speeding). During the course of this evaluation, the subject section of Macdonell Avenue received only 27 points out of possible 100. Based upon the relatively low score and taking into consideration the speed 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 Macdonell Avenue, then the following recommendations would be adopted:

(1)That approval be given to alter sections of the roadway on Macdonell Avenue, from Wabash Avenue to Seaforth Avenue 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 MACDONELL AVENUE, from Wabash Avenue to Seaforth Avenue, generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. 421F-5356, dated March 1999";

(2)That the speed limit be reduced from forty kilometres per hour to thirty kilometres per hour on Macdonell Avenue, from Wabash Avenue to Seaforth Avenue, coincident with the implementation of the traffic calming measures 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 plan, as illustrated on the attached print of Drawing No. 421F-5356, dated March 1999, consists of eight speed humps at spacings of 45 to 90 metres. 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.

In the event that Council deems it appropriate to consider a speed hump plan, a formal poll should be conducted of adults (18 years and older) of households directly abutting the affected section of street, and also 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 Council, Transportation Services' staff will conduct a poll of residents and report on the results at the deputation meeting for the project.

The changes proposed to the Macdonell Avenue roadway as set out above 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. In the interim, consultations with the emergency services agencies will 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 Municipal Roads Project.

It is estimated that the cost to implement this proposal is $17,600.00, funds for which are available in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Capital Budget.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Spiros Stamopoulos, Traffic Investigator, 392-7771

Director

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