Proposed Installation of Traffic Control Signals:

Bathurst Street and Robinson Street/Carr Street.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (May 20, 1998) from the Interim Functional Lead, Transportation:

Purpose:

To obtain approval for the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Robinson Street/Carr Street to replace the existing pedestrian crossover (PXO) at this location.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with new traffic control signal installations are contained in the Works and Emergency Services Capital Program under Project No. C-TR031. The estimated cost of installing traffic control signals on Bathurst Street at Robinson Street/Carr Street is $81,000.00.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)traffic control signals be approved at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Robinson Street/Carr Street coincident with the removal of the existing pedestrian crossover;

(2)a northbound right-turn-on-red prohibition be introduced from Bathurst Street to Carr Street;

(3)a southbound right-turn-on-red prohibition be introduced from Bathurst Street to Robinson Street;

(4)pedestrian crossings of Bathurst Street be prohibited from the north curb line of Robinson Street to a point 30.5 metres south thereof; and

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

Background:

At the request of Councillor Joe Pantalone, Transportation Division staff investigated traffic operations at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Robinson Street/Carr Street.

Discussion:

Currently, there is a pedestrian crossover on Bathurst Street adjacent to the north curb line of Carr Street. A traffic study was conducted to determine the degree to which this intersection satisfies the minimum technical requirements for the installation of traffic control signals. Observations revealed that the pedestrian and vehicle volumes and delays are currently sufficient to warrant the installation of traffic control signals at both Carr Street and at Robinson Street.

A review of the Toronto Police Service collision records for the five year period ending December 31, 1996 disclosed a total of 29 collisions at this intersection. Seven of these were of the type considered potentially preventable by the installation of traffic control signals. Further, two of these collisions involved pedestrians.

Robinson Street is located on the west side of Bathurst Street, approximately 17 metres south of Carr Street. Carr Street intersects Bathurst Street on the east side. Together, these two streets form a "far-right offset" intersection with Bathurst Street. Normally, from a safety perspective, we do not support the creation of a fully signalized offset intersection. However, in some cases (such as the location in question), the optimal operation is a modified fully signalized offset intersection. Therefore, to accompany this installation, we propose measures which will mitigate pedestrian and vehicle conflicts caused by the offset intersection geometry. Specifically, we would operate these traffic control signals in a manner which would allow Robinson Street and Carr Street traffic to proceed on separate green phases. This would significantly enhance pedestrian and motorist safety within this intersection, while resulting in only minor increases in delay for these side streets.

For the added safety of both pedestrians and motorists at this offset intersection, northbound and southbound right-turn-on-red movements would be prohibited. This would prevent these right-turning motorists from entering the large offset intersection on a red traffic signal indication, thereby reducing the potential for conflicts with east-west pedestrians and vehicles.

Adjacent traffic control signals on Bathurst Street are located 200 metres to the south of Robinson Street at Queen Street West. The adjacent control to the north is a pedestrian crossover located 250 metres to the north of Carr Street at Scadding Court. This spacing between traffic control devices is suitable with respect to the roadway geometry and prevailing traffic conditions in this area.

The estimated cost of the installation of the proposed traffic control signals and removal of the PXO is $81,000.00.

The installation of traffic control signals will result in the loss of curb side parking areas for approximately four vehicles on Carr Street because of the standard parking prohibition within 30.5 metres of a signalized intersection. No parking spaces will be lost on Bathurst Street or Robinson Street.

Conclusions:

Traffic control signals are warranted and should replace the existing PXO at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Robinson Street/Carr Street to improve the operational safety of this intersection.

Contact Name:

Ms. Jacqueline White, Acting Manager, Central Traffic Region, 397-5021.

(Copy of map attached, is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)