Redesignation of Traffic Lanes on Rathburn Road between

The East Mall and the Mimico Creek to include Bicycle Lanes

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May 6, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke District:

Purpose:

To report on the status and to implement former Etobicoke Council=s directive of October 6, 1997,  to redesignate the traffic lanes on a section of Rathburn Road to include bicycle lanes.

Funding Sources:

Funds have been allocated in the 1998 Operating Budget to proceed with this project.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)this report be received; and

(2)staff be authorized to proceed with this project as soon as practicable in the 1998 construction season, and following the adoption of the 1998 Operating Budget.

Background:

The former Etobicoke Council, at its meeting held on October 6, 1997, through the adoption of Clause 179 of the 17th Works and Environment Committee, 1997, and Resolution No. 419, recommended that the traffic lane configuration of Rathburn Road between The East Mall and Mimico Creek be redesignated within the existing road pavement to include an eastbound lane, a westbound lane, a centre (left turn) lane, and two designated bicycle lanes; and that monies be set aside to proceed with this project in 1998 (See Attachment No. 1). A map of the area is Attachment No. 2.

Discussion and Justification:

Since December 1996, the Executive of the Community of Rathburn-Grove Ratepayers (CORR) have been consulting with staff and members of the (former) Etobicoke Council; more recently, with the Etobicoke Community Council at its Budget Meeting held on March 25, 1998, on the redesignation of Rathburn Road between The East Mall and the Mimico Creek to include bicycle lanes.

A community meeting hosted by the (former) Ward Councillors and CORR representatives on September 17, 1997, on the redesignation of Rathburn Road received overwhelming support.

Staff examined the feasibility of reconfiguring the lanes on the section of Rathburn Road in question and concluded that it was feasible from a design point-of-view. The cost of doing these works will not exceed $40,000.00.

Conclusion:

The former Etobicoke Council appreciated the merit of CORR=s proposal to implement bicycle lanes on the section of Rathburn Road between The East Mall and the Mimico Creek and recommended that monies be set aside in the 1998 Budget to proceed with this project in 1998.

It is appropriate that this project proceed in 1998 following City Council adoption of the 1998 Operating Budget.

Contact Name:

Mr. Dominic Gulli, Director, Transportation and Engineering Planning Division.

(416) 394-8409; Fax 394-8942.

(Copies of Attachment Nos. 1-2, referred to in the foregoing report were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of  May 6, 1998, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)