Proposed Installation of Traffic Control Signals
Warden Avenue in front of Centennial College
and Warden Avenue Junior Public School
(Scarborough Bluffs - Ward 13)
The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (March 8,
1999) from the General Manager, Transportation Services and that authority be granted for the introduction of the
necessary bill in Council to give effect thereto.
Purpose:
To obtain approval for the installation of mid-block pedestrian traffic control signals in front of Centennial College and
Warden Avenue Junior Public School, coincident with the removal of the existing pedestrian crossover (PXO).
Funding Sources:
The funds associated with new traffic signal installations are contained in the Transportation Services Division's Capital
Program under Project No. C-TR031. Total funding in this program is $1.6 million for 1999. The estimated cost of
installing mid-block pedestrian traffic control signals on Warden Avenue in front of Centennial College and Warden
Avenue Junior Public School is $65,000.00 including the removal of the existing pedestrian crossover.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that;
(1)mid-block pedestrian traffic control signals be approved on Warden Avenue in front of Centennial College and
Warden Avenue Junior Public School;
(2)coincident with the traffic control signal installation, the existing pedestrian crossover be removed; and
(3)the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly.
Background:
This location was investigated at the request of Councillors Brian Ashton and Gerry Altobello. Both Councillors requested
that staff review the feasibility of replacing the PXO on Warden Avenue in front of Centennial College and Warden
Avenue Junior Public School with mid-block pedestrian traffic control signals.
Discussion:
Warden Avenue in front of Centennial College and Warden Avenue Junior Public School is a four-lane arterial road with a
two-way 24 hour traffic volume of 21,900 vehicles per day. Adjacent traffic control signals are located 410 metres to the
north at Firvalley Court and 353 metres to the south at Danforth Road. Burnhill Road/Mack Avenue is located
approximately 55 metres south of the existing PXO.
An eight hour traffic control signal warrant study was conducted and revealed that mid-block pedestrian traffic control
signals are technically warranted. The results are listed below:
Warrant |
Compliance |
(1)Minimum Vehicular Volume |
17 per cent |
(2) Delay to Cross Traffic |
100 per cent |
(3)Collision Hazard |
7 per cent |
Either Warrant 1 or Warrant 2 should be 100 per cent satisfied or any two of the three warrants should be 80 per cent
satisfied to satisfy the minimum technical requirements for the installation of traffic control signals. 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. Collision statistics provided by the Toronto Police Service indicate
one pedestrian collision over the three-year period from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1997 that was potentially
preventable by the installation of traffic control signals.
Based on the above information, the technical warrants for the installation of mid-block pedestrian activated traffic control
signals are met.
Most of the pedestrian crossing demand in this area is generated by the two Toronto Transit Commission (T.T.C.) bus
stops. The northbound bus stop is located on the east side of Warden Avenue, immediately north of the existing PXO, and
the southbound bus stop is located on the west side of Warden Avenue near Burnhill Road/Mack Avenue. Most of the
pedestrians who board and alight at the southbound bus stop are destined to/from Centennial College, and some cross
Warden Avenue diagonally and do not utilize the adjacent PXO.
In view of this pedestrian crossing pattern, the T.T.C. will be relocating the existing southbound bus stop to a point
immediately north of the existing PXO/proposed mid-block traffic control signals, across from the northbound bus stop.
This will help to concentrate the pedestrian crossing demand in this area and will encourage pedestrians to utilize the
pedestrian crossing device.
Warden Avenue is an arterial road, and the replacement of the existing PXO with mid-block pedestrian traffic control
signals will not have a significant impact on the effectiveness of this arterial link within the network of arterial roads.
Furthermore, the signals will enhance pedestrian safety at this location.
Staff have contacted the ward Councillors and both Councillors Altobello and Ashton have voiced support for the proposed
installation of mid-block pedestrian traffic control signals at this location.
Conclusions:
Mid-block pedestrian activated traffic control signals are technically warranted and are recommended to replace the
existing pedestrian crossover on Warden Avenue in front of Centennial College and Warden Avenue Junior Public School.
The installation of mid-block pedestrian traffic control signals will enhance pedestrian safety in this area.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Peter K. Hillier, Manager
Traffic Operations, District 4
(416) 396-7148
Insert Table/Map No. 1
Location map of Warden Avenue