TTC Streetcar Platforms and Bicycle Lanes

on Lake Shore Boulevard West

Between 30th Street and 40th Street.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends:

(1)the adoption of the following report (May 25, 1998) from the Interim Functional Lead, Transportation;

(2)that the General Manager, Transportation Services, be requested to apply the "artist on design team" policy with respect to the aesthetics of the TTC platforms at these locations; and

(3)that the Chief General Manager, Toronto Transit Commission, be requested to submit a report to the Commission with respect to this issue:

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to obtain Council authority to:

(1)install TTC streetcar platforms on Lake Shore Boulevard West at the following locations: westbound at Long Branch Avenue, 37th Street and west of 39th Street; and eastbound at 39th Street, 37th Street, Long Branch Avenue and 31st Street;

(2)advertise the necessary construction by-law for the platforms; and

(3)designate bicycle lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard West in the eastbound direction between 40th Street and 31st Street.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The cost of constructing the platforms is estimated to be $190,000.00. All costs associated with the installation of standard streetcar platforms will be paid for by the Toronto Transit Commission.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)authority be given to proceed with construction of streetcar platforms on Lake Shore Boulevard West at the following locations: westbound at Long Branch Avenue, 37th Street and west of 39th Street; and eastbound at 39th Street, 37th Street, Long Branch Avenue and 31st Street;

(2)the eastbound curb lane of Lake Shore Boulevard West between 40th Street and 31st Street be designated for bicycles only;

(3)the appropriate City of Toronto by-law(s) be amended accordingly; and

(4)the introduction of any necessary Bills be authorized.

Background:

At the request of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) staff, City of Toronto Works and Emergency Services staff have assessed the feasibility of constructing streetcar platforms on Lake Shore Boulevard West between 30th Street and 40th Street. The platforms are needed to address concerns identified by TTC staff over the safety of patrons boarding and alighting streetcars on this section of Lake Shore Boulevard West. Specifically, because the curb lane is wider than required for one lane, motorists frequently form two traffic lanes adjacent to the streetcars, obstructing the view of the motorist closest to the curb. TTC operators have advised that, at times, motorists fail to stop when the streetcar doors are open. Streetcar platforms would provide a safe waiting area for TTC patrons while at the same time clearly defining a single lane of travel in the curb lane on Lake Shore Boulevard West.

Public Involvement:

The plans have been discussed with the affected Councillors and we are planning to present them to the Long Branch Business Improvement Association at its meeting on June 9, 1998. Additional public notification will be done through the placement of newspaper notices in the community newspapers, Etobicoke Life and Etobicoke Guardian.

Scope of Work:

With the provision of the platforms there is sufficient road width available to incorporate on-street bicycle lanes in both the eastbound and westbound directions as part of this project. In 1997, a traffic by-law was obtained for the designation of bicycle lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard West westbound between 22nd Street and 37th Street. A traffic by-law for the designation of an eastbound bicycle lane between 40th Street and 31st Street is being requested as part of this report.

Westbound bicycle lanes between 22nd Street and 30th Street are also being implemented as part of Phase 1 of the Lake Shore Boulevard Main Streets Project which was previously approved by Metro Council and is currently under construction. Bicycle lanes in the eastbound direction will be incorporated as part of Phase 2 of the Main Streets project which is not currently funded.

The scope of work is shown on the attached figures 1a, 1b and 1c.

To construct these improvements the following work will be undertaken:

(a)construction of seven raised concrete streetcar platforms at the locations previously identified;

(b)reconstruction of concrete curb and gutter;

(c)reconstruction of asphalt boulevard;

(d)minor grinding and resurfacing of asphalt pavement; and

(e)alterations to traffic control devices (i.e., pavement markings and signage).

Pavement marking plans for accommodating bicycle lanes between streetcar platforms and adjacent to streetcar platforms are currently being developed. Once these plans have been developed we will consult with the City Cycling Committee for their input prior to implementation.

The work is scheduled to be tendered in mid-August 1998 with construction commencing in September 1998.

Conclusions:

The construction of streetcar platforms on Lake Shore Boulevard West between 30th Street and 40th Street will improve the comfort and safety for TTC passengers by providing a refuge area for them to board and alight streetcars. In addition, the introduction of the platforms has the added benefit of clearly defining one lane of traffic between the streetcar and the curb in each direction as well as allowing for the introduction of bicycle lanes.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Ms. K.P. Llewellyn-Thomas, Manager, Project Planning and Design, 392-8590.

(A copy of the location plans, which were appended to the foregoing report, has been forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the June 15 and 16, 1998 meeting of the Urban Environment and Development Committee, and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)