TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION

TO: Committee of the Whole

FROM: Richard C. Ducharme

MEETING DATE October 20, 1999

SUBJECT: Bessarion Station -

Reinstatement of Centre Left Turn Lane on Sheppard Avenue

(Bessarion Road)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Committee of the Whole:

1. confirm the elimination of the left turn lane and due to the significant cost implications to the project not reinstate the lane,

2. endorse the addition of street lighting, a flashing light highlighting the 40 kph speed limit, use of paid duty police officers (during busy retail periods) and proper lane markings through the construction zone as the preferred solution to address the perceived access and safety concerns, and

3. forward this report to the Works Committee for consideration at its meeting of November 3, 1999 in conjunction with the motion made by Councillor Shiner at the September 8, 1999 Works Committee meeting to reinstate the centre left turn lane on Sheppard Avenue.

INTRODUCTION

At the September 22, 1999 meeting of the Committee of the Whole, Sheppard Subway project staff outlined the cost, legal and schedule implications that would result if the centre left turn lane at Bessarion Station was not removed on schedule. The Committee of the Whole endorsed the removal of the left turn lane and the contractor completed the removal on September 23, 1999.

The Committee of the Whole requested that staff "meet with the contractor to discuss options for the possible reinstatement of the centre left turn lane and that a report be brought back as soon as possible on the results of these deliberations". This report responds to that request.

DISCUSSION

TTC and City staff have met to discuss the lane configuration that would be necessary to reinstate storage for two vehicles to turn left into Sheppard Square Plaza/Weall and Cullen (see Exhibit 1). A preliminary design for this lane configuration (which reduces the impact on utilities and dewatering facilities to the extent possible) was communicated to the contractor on September 24, 1999. The contractor's estimated cost to reinstate the centre left turn lane (submitted in writing) is as follows:

Option 1 With extension of Milestone #3 from April 11 to May 19, 2000 the contractor's cost is $200,000, plus utility costs of $35,000, plus $10,000 for other exclusions for a total cost of $245,000 (excluding GST).

Option 2 If Milestone #3 cannot extended from April 11, 2000 to May 19, 2000 the contractor's price is $500,000, plus utility costs of $35,000, plus $10,000 for other exclusions for a total cost of $545,000 (excluding GST).

The reference to Milestone #3 is of significant concern as this milestone relates to the completion of the trainway to allow the installation of rail and other systems equipment. An extension of Milestone #3 by five weeks is not acceptable due to the impact of this extension on trackwork and other systems installation contracts that are on the critical path schedule. A delay in completion of trackwork (i.e. Option 1) would result in an extension of the revenue service date for the project with the associated significant impact on project costs. Consequently, the cost to reinstate the centre left turn lane must be based on Option 2 (no schedule extension) at an estimated cost of $545,000.

Accordingly, staff recommend that the centre left turn lane not be reinstated for the following reasons and that the four lane construction detour be retained for the balance of the contract (see Exhibit 2):

· The high cost of Option 2 ($545,000) cannot be justified and is not affordable without increasing the project budget.

· The current four lane configuration (no left turn lane) is functioning well.

· The current four lane design meets or exceeds all City of Toronto design standards for construction detours.

· With enforcement of the 40 kph speed limit and use of paid duty police officers, left turn access into the Sheppard Square Plaza/Weall and Cullen during seasonal business peaks will be satisfactory.

· During the spring of 2000, a centre left turn lane with storage for two vehicles will not be sufficient and left turning traffic will be backed up into the eastbound through lane. If this occurs, the benefit of the reinstatement of the centre left turn lane will be negated making the cost to implement the reinstatement even more questionable.

Given the above, staff believe that the solution to the perceived safety problem of a four lane road through the Bessarion Station construction zone rests on enforcement of the reduced speed limit, pay duty police as required, the implementation of flashing 40 kph speed limit light and review and implementation of improved street lighting, if necessary, to improve night time visibility of the construction detour. If necessary, these initiatives could be implemented for $15,000 - $20,000.

A meeting to discuss the contents of this report has been arranged with Councillors Shiner and King for October 14, 1999. Staff will update the Commission on the results of this meeting at the October 20, 1999 Committee of the Whole meeting which the Councillors will be invited to attend.

Chief General Manager

50-20-11

654331

Attachment: Exhibit 1 - Reinstatement of Centre Left Turn Lane

Exhibit 2 - Road Detour for Balance of Construction of Bessarion Station