Designation of Exclusive Westbound right

and left-turn lanes - Charles Street East

at Yonge Street (Downtown)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May31,1999) from the Director, Transportation Services District 1, Works and Emergency Services:

Purpose:

To designate the southerly westbound curb lane for left turns only and the northerly westbound curb lane for right turns only on Charles Street East at Yonge Street.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to undertake the necessary signage adjustments in the estimated amount of $1,000.00 are contained in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Current Budget.

Recommendations:

(1)That the southerly westbound lane on Charles Street East at Yonge Street be designated exclusively for left-turning vehicles, from Yonge Street to a point 30.5 metres east;

(2)That the northerly westbound lane on Charles Street East at Yonge Street be designated exclusively for right-turning vehicles, from Yonge Street and a point 30.5 metres east; and

(3)That the appropriate City Officials be requested to take whatever action is necessary to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required.

Comments:

In response to a request from the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area Traffic and Safety Committee, Transportation Services reviewed the feasibility of designating certain westbound traffic lanes for exclusive movements on Charles Street East at Yonge Street to provide better guidance for westbound motorists using this intersection.

The intersection of Charles Street and Yonge Street is controlled by traffic signals. Charles Street East operates one-way westbound and its approach to Yonge Street consists of a left-turn lane, a through lane and a through/right-turn lane. Three discharge lanes are provided on the far side of the intersection. However, the west leg of Charles Street is offset by approximately 10 metres to the north from the east leg of Charles Street.

The left-turn lane is currently marked with pavement markings only. Due to the offset of Charles Street West, when westbound through motorists proceed through the intersection from the northerly most lanes of Charles Street East, they have difficulty in judging as to which lane to enter on the far side of the intersection (Charles Street West). As a result, there is the potential for side-swipe collisions to occur involving westbound through motorists.

To eliminate this conflict, the northerly westbound curb lane should be designated for right-turning vehicles only. The designation of the southerly westbound curb lane for left-turning vehicles only will reinforce the existing pavement markings. These modifications will result in one westbound through lane, which should not have any undue negative impact on the westbound intersection capacity. Along with the lane designation signs, Transportation Services will also install corresponding pavement marking arrows for all three westbound lanes. Finally, to provide better guidance for westbound through motorists, a hazard marker will be installed on the south-west corner of the intersection.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Danny Budimirovic, P.Eng.

Traffic Engineer, District 1 - Central Area

416-392-5209