Relocation of Pedestrian Crossover -

Queen Street East and the North and South Branches

- Neville Park Boulevard (East Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (April12,1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 1:

Purpose:

To relocate the pedestrian crossover on Queen Street East from the west side of the north branch of Neville Park Boulevard to the east side of the south branch of Neville Park Boulevard to better serve the crossing requirements of pedestrians.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to undertake the necessary pavement markings and signage adjustments in the estimated amount of $10,000.00 are contained in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Current Budget request.

Recommendations:

(1) That the pedestrian crossover on Queen Street East at the west side of the north branch of Neville Park Boulevard be removed;

(2) That a pedestrian crossover be installed on Queen Street East at the east side of the south branch of Neville Park Boulevard; and

(3) That the appropriate City Officials be requested to take whatever action is necessary to give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that are required.

Comments:

At the request of area residents and in consultation with the Ward Councillor, staff of Transportation Services has investigated relocating the pedestrian crossover (PXO) on Queen Street East from the west side of the north branch of Neville Park Boulevard to the east side of the south branch of Neville Park Boulevard. This would move the PXO about 30 metres further west, better meeting the crossing requirements of transit users and would also address a problem of pedestrians sometimes being splashed by water ponding at a low point in the roadway near the current location of the PXO.

About three years ago at the request of City staff, the Toronto Transit Commission relocated the eastbound streetcar stop on Queen Street East from a point nearly opposite the north branch of Neville Park Boulevard to a point immediately west of the south branch of Neville Park Boulevard to resolve a minor traffic problem. The Toronto Transit Commission also installed a track lubricating system in the vicinity of the streetcar loop east of the north branch of Neville Park Boulevard to reduce wheel noise created by streetcars turning at the nearby loop. Water used to lubricate the track sometimes flows past a track drain and ponds in and near the current pedestrian crossover, raising complaints of pedestrians sometimes either being splashed by passing vehicles or having to walk through puddles when using the PXO.

Relocating the pedestrian crossover as outlined above will resolve the ponding complaint by moving it away from the low point of the road and will locate it closer to the new eastbound transit stop. The cost of relocating the pedestrian crossover will be approximately $10,000.00.

Councillor Tom Jakobek has advised staff that his informal poll of area residents indicates support for relocating the PXO to the above-noted location.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

David G. Dignard, 392-7771