Proposed Two-Way Left-Turn Lane Designation:

Finch Avenue West Between Weston Road and a

Point 255 Metres West of Weston Road.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (May 14, 1998) from the Interim Functional Lead, Transportation:

Purpose:

To designate the centre lane on Finch Avenue West for eastbound and westbound left turns only between Weston Road and a point 255 metres west of Weston Road.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with the installation of the appropriate signage and pavement markings, estimated to cost $4,500.00, are contained in the Works and Emergency Services 1998 Current Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the centre lane on Finch Avenue West between Weston Road and a point 255 metres west be designated for eastbound and westbound left turns only; and,

(2)the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly.

Background:

Following the recent reconstruction of Finch Avenue West, west of Weston Road, we have completed a pavement marking review and determined that a two-way centre left-turn lane is more appropriate than the previous hatched pavement markings in the area between Weston Road and a point 255 metres west of Weston Road.

Discussion:

Finch Avenue West in this vicinity is a four-lane arterial roadway. The adjacent land use consists of commercial businesses and there are several driveways on both sides on this section of Finch Avenue West. Prior to the recent reconstruction of Finch Avenue West the pavement markings in the subject area consisted of hatched markings between the eastbound and westbound median lanes. Because of the driveways a two-way centre left-turn lane is more appropriate than the previous hatched pavement markings. Designating the median lane on Finch Avenue West as a two-way centre left-turn lane would provide a lane for eastbound and westbound left-turning vehicles entering and exiting driveways on both sides of Finch Avenue West. It would also reduce potential conflict with through traffic in the eastbound and westbound median lanes. The estimated cost of installing the signs and pavement markings is $4,500.00.

Conclusion:

The designation of a two-way centre left-turn lane on Finch Avenue West, between Weston Road and a point 255 metres west of Weston Road, would provide a lane for left-turning vehicles entering and exiting driveways on both sides of Finch Avenue West.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Mr. Bruce Zvaniga, Manager, North and West Traffic Regions, 392-8826.

(A copy of the location plan, which was 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.)