Installation of Traffic Control Signs at O'Connor Drive at

Northridge Avenue; O'Connor Drive at Glenwood Crescent;

and O'Connor Drive at Four Oaks Gate - (Ward 1 - East York)

(City Council on March 2, 3 and 4, 1999, deferred consideration of this Clause to the next regular meeting of City Council to be held on April 13, 1999.)

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends that:

(1)the Police Chief be requested to increase radar enforcement along O'Connor Drive; and

(2)the Boards of Education be requested to increase education with respect to pedestrian crossovers and community safety zones.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee reports, for the information of Council, having referred the report (February 5, 1999) from the General Manager, Transportation Services Division and Recommendations (1), (2), (4), (5) and (6) of the East York Community Council contained in the communication (December 21, 1998) from the City Clerk to East York Community Council to enable further community consultation to take place, and requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to report to East York Community Council on the following:

(1)the feasibility of using red lights in place of amber lights at crosswalks;

(2)the system that is currently used in the City of Vancouver;

(3)possibility of creating a centre lane at the intersection of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent to act as a holding lane; and

(4)if lights are to be installed, that studies be conducted three months before and three months after the installation, on westbound Glenwood from Rexleigh to Glen Gannon, and southbound on St. Columba, from 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee submits the following report (February5, 1999) from the General Manager, Transportation Services Division:

Purpose:

To provide staff input and background respecting recommendations of the East York Community Council, at its meeting of December 9, 1998, which have been forwarded to the Urban Environment and Development Committee regarding proposed traffic control signals at the intersections of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent and O'Connor Drive and Four Oaks Gate and a minor realignment of the former.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The funds associated with new traffic control signals are contained in the Works and Emergency Services Department's 1999 Capital Budget request. The estimated cost to install traffic control signals at the intersection of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent is $53,000.00. The funds necessary to undertake the proposed curb realignment at this intersection, in the estimated amount of $40,000.00 can also be accommodated within the Capital Budget request.

Recommendations:

(1)That the Urban Environment and Development Committee be advised that based on a technical assessment, staff concur with the recommendations of the East York Community Council with respect to the installation of traffic control signals at the O'Connor Drive/Glenwood Crescent intersection, coincident with the removal of the existing pedestrian crossover, and that traffic conditions on Glenwood Crescent be investigated 6 months after the installation of the traffic control signals to determine the degree of traffic infiltration during the a.m. and p.m. peak periods, with the findings reported to the East York Community Council;

(2) that in order to implement the East York Community Council recommendation to "square-off" the corner of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent, approval be given to realign the existing curbs at the northeast and southwest corners of the O'Connor Drive/Glenwood Crescent intersection, generally as shown on the attached Figure 2; and

(3) that the appropriate City officials be authorized to take whatever action is necessary to implement the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required.

Background:

East York Community Council, at its December 9, 1998 meeting, forwarded the following recommendations to the Urban Environment and Development Committee with respect to various traffic operations issues on O'Connor Drive (Clause 11 in Report No. 19 of East York Community Council):

(1)the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of O'Connor Drive and GlenwoodCrescent in the year 1999;

(2)that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to conduct a review of traffic along Glenwood Crescent six months after the installation of the traffic lights to determine the degree of traffic infiltration during a.m. and p.m. rush hours and report such findings to the Community Council;

(3)that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to submit a report to the East York Community Council on the following:

(a)the feasibility of using red lights in place of amber lights at crosswalks; and

(b)the system that is currently used in the City of Vancouver;

(4)that the Toronto Police Services be requested to increase radar enforcement along O'Connor Drive;

(5)that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to "square off" the corner of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent;

(6)that traffic control signals be installed at the intersection of O'Connor Drive and Four Oaks Gate; and

(7)that the Boards of Education be requested to increase education with respect to pedestrian crossovers and community safety zones.

This report addresses the recommendations concerning the intersections of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent and O'Connor Drive and Four Oaks Gate (recommendations 1, 2, 5 and 6). The request to study the feasibility of using red lights in place of amber lights at pedestrian crossovers (recommendation 3) will be dealt within a subsequent report.

Comments:

O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent

A pedestrian crossover currently exists at the intersection of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent. This intersection was the subject of a number of investigations over the past few years in response to repeated requests to replace the pedestrian crossover with traffic control signals. In 1997 our Department concluded that the pedestrian volume justified the need for some type of pedestrian crossing facility. However, the operating speed (85^th percentile) is 66 km/hr. on this section of O'Connor Drive and O'Connor Drive in this area carries approximately 46,600 vehicles per day. The speed and volume led to the conclusion that the existing pedestrian crossover should be replaced with traffic control signals. In light of the historical concerns with neighbourhood infiltration in this area, it was suggested that community consultation take place prior to proceeding with the installation of traffic control signals. A public meeting was held by East York Community Council on December 9, 1998 which resulted in the recommendation to proceed with the installation of the traffic control signals.

East York Community Council also recommended that traffic along Glenwood Crescent be investigated 6 months after the traffic control signals are installed to determine the degree of traffic infiltration resulting from the signal installation. Local residents expressed a concern that the proposed traffic control signals will increase traffic infiltration through the neighbourhood from motorists using Glenwood Crescent to access St. Clair Avenue. Various turn prohibitions are already present in the neighbourhood to mitigate traffic infiltration. Advisory signs are posted at O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent indicating that access to St.Clair Avenue is prohibited during the afternoon peak period. Notwithstanding the existing turn prohibitions in the area, the Transportation Division will review traffic movements in the area 6 months after the traffic control signals are installed in order to determine the effect the traffic control signals have had on traffic operations at the intersection and in the immediate neighbourhood.

Minor Realignment of the O'Connor Drive/Glenwood Crescent Intersection

East York Community Council recommended that the corners of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent be "squared-off" to a more typical intersection geometry. Local residents are concerned that the current radius allows motorists on O'Connor Drive turning into Glenwood Crescent to do so at a high rate of speed. Figure 1 shows the current geometry of the intersection.

The current radii at the northeast and southwest corners of the O'Connor Drive/Glenwood Crescent intersection are fairly generous, in the range of about 30 m. This is due, in part to the somewhat skewed angle of the intersection. The current configuration allows east and west bound right-turning vehicles to negotiate the corner at relatively high speeds.

In reviewing the geometry of this intersection, staff have concluded that it would be feasible to reduce the radii at the two above-noted corners, to approximately 15 m (exact dimensions will be determined during detailed design stage). This would encourage right turning vehicles from/to the arterial to make the turns at slower speeds and also reduce the expanse of pavement that pedestrians are now required to cross. The proposed intersection reconfiguration is illustrated in Figure 2.

The proposed realignment of the northeast and southwest corners of the O'Connor Drive/Glenwood Crescent intersection 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 (recommended to be a deputation item at a future East York Community Council meeting). This work is pre-approved in accordance with Schedule A of the Class Environmental Assessment for Municipal Road Projects.

O'Connor Drive and Northridge Avenue/Four Oaks Gate

A pedestrian crossover is located between Northridge Avenue and Four Oaks Gate on O'Connor Drive. Figure 3 illustrates the location of the pedestrian crossover in the context of the surrounding area. East York Community Council has recommended that the pedestrian crossover be replaced with traffic control signals at Four Oaks Gate.

O'Connor Drive in this vicinity is a four-lane arterial roadway with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h and a two-way 24 hour volume of approximately 39,800 vehicles. Northridge Avenue is a local road and forms a "T" intersection on the south side of O'Connor Drive. A northbound stop sign on Northridge Avenue controls traffic at this intersection. Four Oaks Gate is also a local road and forms another "T" intersection on the north side of O'Connor Drive west of Northridge Avenue. Similarly, a southbound stop sign on Four Oaks Gate controls traffic at this intersection. The distance between Northridge Avenue and Four Oaks Gate on O'Connor Drive is approximately 35 metres. The pedestrian crossover (PXO) is located on the west leg of the O'Connor Drive/Northridge Avenue intersection. Adjacent traffic control signals are located approximately 450 metres to the west of Four Oaks Gate at Don Mills Road and 360 metres to the east of Northridge Avenue at Coxwell Avenue.

An eight-hour traffic control signal warrant study was conducted at both intersections and revealed that traffic conditions do not satisfy the warrants at either location. The warrant study results are detailed below:

For the traffic control signal warrants to be satisfied, one of the "Minimum Vehicular Volume" or "Delay to Cross Traffic" warrants must be 100 percent satisfied or any two of the three warrants must be at least 80 per cent satisfied. The "Collision Hazard" warrant is based on the number of collisions that occurred at the intersection in a three-year period which were potentially preventable by the installation of traffic control signals. At Northridge Avenue, collision statistics provided by the Toronto Police Service indicate three collisions were reported over a three-year period from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1996 which were potentially preventable by the installation of traffic control signals. All three of these collisions involved pedestrians who were hit by vehicles while crossing at the PXO. In all three cases the pedestrians sustained minor injuries. Similarly, at Four Oaks Gate, one collision was reported over the same three-year period which was potentially preventable by the installation of traffic control signals. The collision involved two vehicles: one was proceeding westbound and the other was making a southbound left turn. Based on the above information, the technical warrants for the installation of traffic control signals are not close to being satisfied.

During the most recent study, only 39 pedestrians were observed crossing O'Connor Drive at the PXO over an eight hour period. Of the 39 pedestrians, there were 27 adults, 6 assisted children, 3unassisted children and 3 senior citizens. In addition, the operational characteristics of the existing PXO were evaluated according to guidelines that were developed for the "Audit of Operational and Physical Suitability at Pedestrian Crossovers in Metropolitan Toronto". The results are as follows:

A review of the PXO environmental criteria which were not satisfied revealed that they are either conditions that are presently being addressed or ones that have minimal impact on public safety in this case. For instance, the current speed profile of vehicles on O'Connor Drive is a concern and the Police are conducting speed enforcement. Although there are several private driveways fronting on O'Connor Drive near the PXO, the volume from these driveways has a minimal impact on safety. Based on the low pedestrian volume and a review of the PXO environmental criteria, the location continues to be suitable for a PXO.

In order to address past safety concerns in the area, O'Connor Drive between Woodbine Avenue and Pape Avenue is a test site to determine the effectiveness of Community Safety Zones (CSZs). The basic purpose of CSZs is to provide for double the minimum fines upon conviction of various HTA offences. We will be reporting back on the effectiveness of the CSZs at a future Committee meeting.

Conclusions:

The Transportation Division has concluded that the installation of traffic control signals at O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent to replace the existing pedestrian crossover is warranted. We will also conduct a study to determine the effect that the traffic control signals have had on traffic infiltration in the immediate neighbourhood. With respect to "squaring-off" the intersection, realignment of the northeast and southwest curbs to reduce the existing radii would deter higher speed right turns from the arterial onto the local street and reduce the pedestrian crossing distance.

The technical warrants for the installation of traffic control signals are not close to being satisfied at either O'Connor Drive and Northridge Avenue or at O'Connor Drive and Four Oaks Gate. O'Connor Drive at Northridge Avenue is a suitable location for a PXO. O'Connor Drive will be a test site to determine the effectiveness of increased fines through the newly approved "Community Safety Zone" legislation.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Peter Bartos, P.Eng.

Manager, Traffic Operations, District 1

Transportation Division

397-4486

The Urban Environment and Development Committee submits the following report (December21, 1999) from the City Clerk:

Recommendation:

The East York Community Council on December 9, 1998, recommended to the Urban Environment and Development Committee:

(1)the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of O'Connor Drive and GlenwoodCrescent in the year 1999;

(2)that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to conduct a review of traffic along Glenwood Crescent six months after the installation of the traffic lights to determine the degree of traffic infiltration during a.m. and p.m. rush hours and report such findings to this Community Council;

(3)that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to submit a report to the East York Community Council on the following:

(a)the feasibility of using red lights in place of amber lights at crosswalks; and

(b)the system that is currently used in the City of Vancouver;

(4)that the Toronto Police Services be requested to increase radar enforcement along O'Connor Drive;

(5)that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be requested to "square off" the corner of O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent;

(6)that the traffic control signals be installed at the intersection of O'Connor Drive and Four Oaks Gate; and

(7)that the Boards of Education be requested to increase education with respect to pedestrian crossovers and community safety zones.

The East York Community Council reports for the information of the Urban Environment and Development Committee having received the following communications:

-(November 6, 1998) from the ActingManager, EastTraffic Region;

-(September 18, 1998) to Councillor C. Ootes, from the Acting Manager, East Traffic Region;

-(June 6, 1997) to Councillor C. Ootes, from the Acting Manager, East Traffic Region; and

-(December 8, 1998) from Mr.RaymondWhite and Mrs. Mary Floro-White, East York.

Background:

The East York Community Council had before it the following communications:

-(November 6, 1998) from the Acting Manager, East Traffic Region, advising the East York Community Council that the installation of traffic control signals at O'Connor Drive and Northridge Avenue; and O'Connor Drive and Four Oaks Gate are not justified at this time and advising that the area of O'Connor Drive from Woodbine Avenue to Pape Avenue will be tested as a Community Safety Zone;

-(September 18, 1998) from the Acting Manager, East Traffic Region, advising the East York Community Council of the results of investigations regarding various safety-related issues on O'Connor Drive;

-(June 6, 1997) from the Acting Manager, East Traffic Region, advising the East York Community Council of the results of investigations regarding the installation of traffic control signals at O'Connor Drive and Northridge Avenue; and at O'Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent; and

-(December 8, 1998) from Mr. Raymond White and Mrs. Mary Floro-White, East York, opposing the installation of traffic control signals at O'Connor Drive and Northridge Avenue.

The following persons appeared before the East York Community Council in connection with the foregoing:

-Mr. Paul Newton, East York;

-Ms. Sherry Aiken, East York;

-Mr. Christopher Stavrou, East York;

-Mr. Brian Barron, President, Ward 2 Property Owners Association of East York, EastYork;

-Mr. A. Baxevanidis, East York;

-Mr. Peter Krakus, East York;

-Mr. Dino Giardetti, East York;

-Mr. David Wright, East York;

-Mr. Allan Graham, East York;

-Mrs. May Achermann, East York;

-Mr. Gary Prentice, East York;

-Mr. Robert Lee, East York;

-Ms. Joyce Nelson, East York; and

-Mr. Anthony Labile, East York.

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The Urban Environment and Development Committee also had before it the following communications, which were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Urban Environment and Development Committee for its meeting of February 8, 1999, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk:

-(February 2, 1999) from Peter Krakus, supporting the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Glenwood and O'Connor;

-(February 3, 1999) from Kevin Smart, requesting deferral of this matter until after the next meeting of the East York Community Council;

-(February 4, 1999) from Katherine and Darryl Parsons, objecting to the installation of traffic lights;

-(February 5, 1999) from Frank A. Tulipano;

-(February 5, 1999) from Dino Giardetti;

-(February 2, 1999) from Geoff and Rochelle Tupling

-(February 5, 1999) from Dr. and Mrs. B.J. Reilly;

-(undated) from Mr. and Mrs. Sterrett;

-(February 5, 1999) from Pam and Greig Holliday;

-(undated) from Brian Bates

-(February 5, 1999) from Laila Rintamaki

The following persons appeared before the Urban Environment and Development Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Ken Bott;

-Cheri Aitken;

-Kathy Parsons;

-Ms. Rima Sterrett;

-Councillor Prue; and

-Councillor Ootes.

Respectfully submitted,

Councillor Joe Pantalone,

Chair

Toronto, February 8, 1999

Christine Archibald

Tel. (416) 392-7039