STAFF REPORT
November 12, 1999
To: Works Committee
From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
Subject: Eastbound Right-Turns-On-Red Prohibition: Cummer Avenue at Willowdale Avenue
(North York Centre)
Purpose:
To introduce an eastbound right-turns-on-red prohibition at the intersection of Cummer Avenue and Willowdale Avenue to
improve traffic safety.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
All costs associated with the installation of the right-turns-on-red prohibition, estimated at $500.00, are included within the
1999 operating budget.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) eastbound right-turns-on-red be prohibited at all times at the intersection of Cummer Avenue and Willowdale Avenue;
and
(2) the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly.
Background:
The Transportation Services Division of the Works and Emergency Services Department received a concern from
Councillor Norman Gardner, on behalf of the local residents, regarding safety at the Cummer Avenue and Willowdale
Avenue intersection.
Residents indicated that the alignment of Willowdale Avenue north and south of Cummer Avenue and the vegetation on
the northwest corner of the Cummer Avenue/Willowdale intersection add to the collisions, which are occurring.
The intersection of Cummer Avenue and Willowdale Avenue is controlled by traffic control signals. Both roadways are
designated as minor arterial roadways.
Comments:
Our observations did conclude that sight lines for eastbound motorists of southbound vehicles are less than desirable. Sight
lines are restricted due to the horizontal alignment of Willowdale Avenue to the north of Cummer Avenue and the mature
vegetation on the northwest corner of the intersection, on private property. Currently, eastbound right turn motorists have
to edge their vehicles out beyond the stop bar, thereby placing their vehicles in a position which greatly increases the
potential for a collision with southbound vehicles.
As it is not feasible to redesign Willowdale Avenue north and south of Cummer Avenue, to reduce the possibility of
vehicular conflicts, due to the high costs associated with land acquisitions, it is recommended that eastbound
right-turns-on-red be prohibited at all times.
Conclusions:
As it is not feasible to improve the alignment of Willowdale Avenue, north and south of Cummer Avenue or address the
landscaping on private property to improve drivers' sight lines, the eastbound right-turns-on-red prohibition will improve
the level of safety at the intersection.
Contact:
Allen Pinkerton
Manager, Traffic Operations, District 3
Telephone: (416) 395-7463
Facsimile: (416) 395-7482
Email: ajpinker@city.north-york.on.ca
David C. Kaufman
General Manager, Transportation Services
Barry H. Gutteridge
Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
JC/bcb
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List of Attachments:
Attacment No 1 Map: Cummer Avenue at Willowdale Avenue
