STAFF REPORT
February 25, 2000
To: Works Committee
From: Barry H. Gutteridge , Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
Subject:Northbound Right Turn Lane Designation: Leslie Street at Sheppard Avenue East
(North York Centre and Seneca Heights)
Purpose: To designate a compulsary northbound right turn lane on Leslie Street at Sheppard Avenue East, buses excepted.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
All costs associated with the introduction of a designated right turn lane are included in the Transportation Division's 2000
Operating interim appropriation.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)the easterly northbound curb lane on Leslie Street at Sheppard Avenue East, be designated for right turning vehicles
only, buses excepted, between Sheppard Avenue East and a point 70 metres southerly thereof; and
(2)the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly.
Background:
The reinstatement of the pavement on Leslie Street at Sheppard Avenue East, following the construction of facilities
related to the Sheppard Subway, includes a curb lane, which does not continue on the north side of the intersection. This
creates difficulties for northbound motorists who proceed through the intersection from the curb lane and must merge on
the north side.
Comments:
The intersection of Leslie Street and Sheppard Avenue East is controlled by traffic control signals. This intersection has
recently been extensively reconstructed as part of the Sheppard Subway project. The reconstruction of the intersection has
resulted in the installation of five (5) northbound lanes on the south leg of the intersection and three discharge lanes on the
north leg of the intersection.
The current lane designation on the south leg of the intersection consist of dual northbound left turn lanes and three
northbound through lanes. The discharge lanes on the north leg of the intersection consist of two northbound lanes and a
far side bus bay.
As such, motorists who are traversing the intersection in the northbound curb lane, find themselves being required to merge
into traffic or held up by transit vehicles servicing the far side transit stop. This manoeuvre results in motorists changing
lanes within the intersection as well as affecting the northbound right turn movements.
While relevant collision statistics, reflecting the current lane configurations are not yet available, experience with
intersections of similar configuration would indicate that the potential for collisions is high. Temporary warning signs have
been installed as an interim measure to address the operational concerns. However, lane designations are required to
eliminate the existing northbound traffic operation difficulties.
Conclusions:
The designation of the right turn lane for right turn only, buses excepted, will prevent conflicts within the intersection and
improve northbound traffic operations.
Contact:
Allen Pinkerton
Manager, Traffic Operations, District 3
Telephone: 395-7463
Facsimile: 395-7482
E-mail: ajpinker@toronto.ca
David C. Kaufman,
General Manager, Transportation Services Division
Barry H. Gutteridge,
Commissioner
JS/bcb
G:\TRA\NYtrans\DATA\INVESTIG\2000\TT22\REPORTS\20000125-06.doc
List of Attachments:
Attachment 1:Map - Leslie Street at Sheppard Avenue East; Lane Designation
