Designation of an Exclusive Right-turn Lane:

Royal York Road, North of Evans Avenue

(Lakeshore-Queensway)

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (June 23,  1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 2:

Purpose:

To propose the designation of an exclusive right-turn lane at the north approach of Royal York Road and Evans Avenue.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with the installation of pavement markings and regulatory signs are contained in the Transportation Services Division=s Operating Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the most westerly southbound lane of Royal York Road between Evans Avenue and a point 30.5 metres north thereof, be designated as an exclusive right-turn lane (buses excepted); and

(2)the attached by-law (Attachment No. 1) receive Council approval.

Background:

Through the reconstruction of Evans Avenue, between Royal York Road and a point west of Ourland Avenue in 1998, improvements were made at the intersection of Royal York Road and Evans Avenue. One of these improvements was the establishment of an exclusive right-turn lane on Royal York Road, at Evans Avenue. A map of the area is Attachment No. 2.

Comments:

Royal York Road, north of Evans Avenue, operates with three lanes for southbound traffic. The most westerly lane (curb lane) ends at the north approach to the intersection of the aforementioned roadways. The lane configuration south of this intersection consists of two lanes, one through lane and the curb (parking) lane. Therefore, southbound through traffic, north of the intersection, must merge into one lane of traffic. This manoeuvre is frequently occurring within the intersection, thus restricting traffic flow within the intersection and causing a potentially hazardous merging situation.

It was determined during the design stage of the reconstruction of Evans Avenue that a right-turn lane should be designated on the north approach of the intersection of Royal York Road and Evans Avenue to improve the management of traffic flow within the intersection. Given that a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus stop is located on the west side of Royal York Road, north of Evans Avenue, TTC vehicles would be exempted from this proposed restriction.

Conclusions:

The designation of a right-turn lane will enhance the management of traffic flow in the intersection of Royal York Road and Evans Avenue by prohibiting the use of the southbound curb lane to through traffic.

Contact Name:

Mark Hargot, Supervisor, Traffic Engineering, District 2

(416) 394-8453; Fax (416) 394-8942

(A copy of each of Attachments Nos. 1 and 2, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda for the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of June 23, 1999, and a copy of each is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)