STAFF REPORT

October 19, 1999

To: Chairman and Members of the Scarborough Community Council

From: Gary H. Welsh, Director, Transportation Services, Works and Emergency

Services, District 4

Subject: Speed Limit on McCowan Road

Scarborough Bluffs

Purpose:

To extend the 50 kilometre per hour speed limit on McCowan Road.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The $300.00 (approximate) funds associated with the installation of speed limit signs is available in the Transportation Services 1999 budget, Cost Centre No. TP0226.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the 60 kilometre per hour speed limit identified in Appendix 1 of this report be rescinded;

(2) the 60 kilometre per hour speed limit identified in Appendix 2 of this report be adopted; and

(3) the appropriate by-law be amended accordingly.

Background:

As a result of a request from a resident of McCowan Road, Transportation Services investigated the location of the transition between the 50 kilometre per hour speed limit and the 60 kilometre per hour speed limit on McCowan Road north of Kingston Road. We have also discussed this issue with the Toronto Police Service, 41 Division traffic officers.

Comments:

In May 1999, a 60 kilometre per hour speed limit was replaced with a 50 kilometre per hour speed limit on McCowan Road from Kingston Road to Halbert Place. This speed limit modification was made because of the characteristics of the roadway environment south of Halbert Place. A daycare centre is operated out of the Cliffcrest Community Centre, H.A. Halbert Junior Public School is located north of this daycare centre at Halbert Place and a pedestrian crossover assists pedestrians crossing in this area. Cliffcrest church is on the same parcel of land as the daycare centre. These facilities not only generate parking but also children crossing activity in the area.

Also, a 50 kilometre per hour speed limit in this area provides a transition as the speed limit south of Kingston Road, on Cathedral Bluffs, is 40 kilometres per hour and immediately north of Halbert Place the speed limit changes to 60 kilometres per hour.

Based on the request of the resident, and our discussions with the police, we do agree that the signs would be more effective if placed slightly north of their existing location. It is important that these signs be placed so motorists see the speed limit change and have time to react in advance of H.A. Halbert Junior Public School. Therefore, we are recommending that the signs be moved to a point just north of Horfield Avenue, approximately 100 metres north of the existing location. This longer 50 kilometre per hour zone also assists the police by providing more opportunities for effective enforcement.

Conclusions:

Transportation Services staff recommends that the 50 kilometre per hour zone on McCowan Road be extended approximately 100 metres further north to Horfield Avenue.

Contact:

Bruce D. Clayton

Supervisor, Traffic Engineering, Works and Emergency Services

Tel: 396-7844

Fax: 396-5681

E-mail: clayton@city.scarborough.on.ca

Gary H. Welsh

Director

Transportation Services

Works and Emergency Services

District 4

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List of Attachments:

1. Appendix 1

2. Appendix 2

3. Plan (Proposed 50 Km/h Speed Limit Extension on McCowan Road)

Appendix 1

60 Kilometre Per Hour Speed Limit

Regulation to be Rescinded

Highway From To

McCowan Halbert Eglinton

Road Place Avenue

Appendix 2

60 Kilometre Per Hour Speed Limit

Regulation to be Enacted

Highway From To

McCowan Horfield Eglinton

Road Avenue Avenue