Proposed Change of Yield Sign to a Stop Sign: Ashley Road

at Royal York Road

 The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (June 24, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke District:

 Purpose:

 To propose the conversion of the existing yield sign to a stop sign at the intersection of Ashley Road and Royal York Road.

 Funding Sources:

 The funds associated with the installation of the regulatory signage and the required changes to the pavement markings are contained in the Transportation Department's Operating Budget.

 Recommendations:

 It is recommended that:

 (1)the existing yield sign on Ashley Road at the intersection of Royal York Road be replaced with a stop sign; and

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

 Background:

 The Transportation and Engineering Planning Division has received a request from the Toronto Transit Commission's Safety Committee to convert the existing yield sign to a stop sign at the intersection of Ashley Road at Royal York  Road. This request is the result of concerns with respect to the accident frequency at this location. A map of the area is Attachment No. 2.

 Comments and Discussion:

 At intersections where it is found that the normal right-of-way does not provide safe, convenient, and efficient traffic movement and that a stop regulation is too restrictive, a yield sign can be an effective traffic control device.

 At the intersection of Ashley Road and Royal York Road this has been the case since Royal York Road was assumed from The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto in 1987; however, since that time, Royal York Road has been reconstructed to include a northbound left turn lane and a southbound bus bay. TTC drivers have reported numerous "close calls" with vehicles leaving Ashley Road as they proceed southbound from the bus bay into the curb lane on Royal York Road. Traffic staff has witnessed a number of these occurrences during site visits.

 (1)Accident Analysis

 An accident analysis for a three-year period revealed an average of one reportable accident per year at the intersection of Ashley Road and Royal York Road. All accidents were of the angle type, with one being preventable with the conversion to a stop control.

 (2)Intersection Description

 Through Street: Royal York Road

 Speed Limit: Ashley Road

50 km/h; Royal York Road 50 km/h

 Lane Configuration: Ashley Road

One lane in each direction with an eastbound left turn lane

 Royal York Road:

One lane in each direction north of the intersection; and two lanes of traffic in both directions south of the intersection.

 Parking Regulations:Ashley Road

No Parking Anytime, both sides from Royal York Road and The Kingsway;

Royal York Road - No Parking Anytime, both sides

 Sidewalks: Both sides of through and stop streets.

 Land Use: Royal York Road

East side R1 Residential (First Density)

Northwest side R3 Residential (Third Density)

Southwest side CL (Limited Commercial Zone) Humbertown Shopping Plaza

 Conclusions:

 Traffic conditions at the intersection of Ashley Road and Royal York Road comply with the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario guidelines and warrants for yield sign control. However, consideration must be given to its suitability in relation to traffic volume, speed, visibility, sight distance and collision record of the intersection. Therefore, to better facilitate the TTC operation in this area and improve safety at the intersection, the conversion to a stop control is recommended.

 Contact Name:

 Don Pardoe,

Construction Traffic Co-Ordinator, Transportation and Engineering Planning

(416) 394-8422; 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 June 24, 1998, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)