Pedestrian Crossover: Martin Grove Road,

South of the Westway/Redgrave Drive (Markland-Centennial)

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the report (March30, 1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 2.

The Etobicoke Community Council reports, for the information of City Council, having requested the Director, Transportation Services, District 2, to report back to the Etobicoke Community Council in six months on the success of the pedestrian refuge island in addressing the concerns of residents.

The Etobicoke Community Council submits the following report (March 30, 1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 2:

Purpose:

To address concerns expressed with respect to the safety of pedestrians crossing MartinGroveRoad south of TheWestway/Redgrave Drive.

Funding Sources:

Funds will be allocated in the year 2000 budget to allow for the installation of the pedestrian refuge island.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)a pedestrian crossover not be installed on Martin Grove Road south of TheWestway/ RedgraveDrive;

(2)a pedestrian refuge island be installed on Martin Grove Road approximately 130 metres south of the centreline of The Westway/Redgrave Drive; and

(3)that staff allocate funds in the year 2000 budget to allow for the installation of the pedestrian refuge island.

Background:

The Transportation Services Division - District 2 received correspondence (Attachment No.1 and Attachment No. 2) from Councillors Doug Holyday and Dick O'Brien, Markland-Centennial, forwarding the concerns of area residents with respect to crossing Martin Grove Road south of TheWestway/RedgraveDrive. A map of the area is Attachment No. 3.

Martin Grove Road at the subject location is an arterial roadway; The Westway/Redgrave Drive is designated a collector road. The intersection of these two streets is signalized and provides for the safe movement of vehicular traffic as well as accommodating the needs of pedestrians.

Although the signalized intersection of Martin Grove Road and The Westway is located some 100metres north of the area the residents have requested an additional pedestrian crossing aid, staff conducted a number of studies at this specific location both because of the request as well as the fact that a fatality occurred on July 28, 1998.

To address the concerns the following information was obtained:

(1)pedestrian crossing counts were conducted during the morning (7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.) and afternoon (3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) peaks on Martin Grove Road between TheWestway/Redgrave Drive and Longbourne Drive; and

(2)review of the collision history (1993-1998).

Comments:

(1)It was observed that:

(a)during the morning peak 134 pedestrians crossed Martin Grove Road between TheWestway/Redgrave Drive and Longbourne Avenue;

(b)during the afternoon peak 169 pedestrians crossed Martin Grove Road between TheWestway/Redgrave Drive and Longbourne Avenue;

(c)the intersection of Martin Grove Road and The Westway/Redgrave Drive is controlled by traffic control signals; and

(d)the focal point for the pedestrians crossing Martin Grove Road was near the south access driveway to the plaza, located on the southeast corner of Martin GroveRoad and The Westway (approximately 115 metres south of The Westway). This distance is significantly less than the desired minimum spacing of 215 metres between traffic control devices. This spacing is the distance in which motorists can detect a signal or hazard and react in a safe manner.

(2)A review of the collision history on Martin Grove Road between The Westway/RedgraveDrive and Longbourne Avenue revealed that there have been three reportable mid-block collisions involving pedestrians/cyclists and vehicles between 1993 and 1998. Two of these collisions were personal injury and involved vehicles exiting from the plaza, the third was a fatal collision involving a cyclist crossing Martin Grove Road and being struck by a motor vehicle.

Conclusion:

The installation of a pedestrian crossover cannot be justified due to the near proximity of the existing traffic control signals at the intersection of Martin Grove Road and TheWestway/ Redgrave Drive. However, due to the large number of pedestrians observed crossing Martin Grove Road south of TheWestway, the installation of a pedestrian refuge island would provide an added safety measure for the pedestrians who insist on crossing south of the signalized intersection.

Based on all of the foregoing we have determined that a pedestrian refuge island be installed approximately 130 metres south of The Westway/Redgrave Drive to assist pedestrians crossing Martin Grove Road. Staff will include funds in the year 2000 budget to allow for the construction of this facility.

Contact Name:

Kevin Akins, Traffic Technologist, Transportation Services Division - District 2

Tel: (416) 394-6046; Fax: (416) 394-8942

(Copies of Attachments Nos. 1-3, referred to in the foregoing report, were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of March 30, 1999, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)