Installation of Speed Humps -

Morningside Avenue between Rambert Crescent

and Windermere Avenue (High Park)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (April20,1999) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 1:

Purpose:

To reduce the speed of traffic on Morningside Avenue between Rambert Crescent and Windermere Avenue by the introduction of speed humps.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds to cover the cost of this work in the estimated amount of $3000.00 can be accommodated in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Capital Budget.

Recommendations:

(1)That approval be given to alter the roadway on Morningside Avenue between Rambert Crescent and Windermere Avenue for traffic calming purposes as described below, with implementation subject to favourable results of the polling of affected residents pursuant to the policy related to speed hump installation as adopted by the former City of Toronto Council:

"The construction of speed humps on Morningside Avenue between Rambert Crescent and Windermere Avenue, generally as shown on the attached print of Drawing No. 421F-5338, dated February 25, 1999";

(2)That the speed limit be reduced from 40 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour on Morningside Avenue between Rambert Crescent and Windermere Avenue coincident with the implementation of speed humps; and

(3)That the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take whatever action is necessary to implement the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that might be required.

Comments:

At the request of Councillor David Miller, Works staff conducted an investigation of excessive speeding on Morningside Avenue between South Kingsway and Windermere Avenue.

Morningside Avenue between South Kingsway and Windermere Avenue operates two-way with a pavement width of 8.5 metres and a maximum speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour.

Works staff conducted 24-hour speed and volume counts on the subject section of Morningside Avenue and found that on average the street carried 1700 vehicles per day. On a daily basis, approximately 4 percent of vehicular traffic travelled in excess of 55 kilometres per hour. The operating speed (the speed at which 85 percent of motorists travelled at or below) recorded was 48 kilometres per hour.

The subject section of Morningside Avenue has been evaluated against the primary criteria for speed hump installation contained in the Speed Hump Policy adopted by the former City of Toronto Council at its meeting on August 21, 1997 (Clause 28 of Report No. 10 of the City Services Committee) and it has been determined that the segment between Rambert Crescent and Windermere Avenue satisfies these criteria. The portion of Morningside Avenue between South Kingsway and Rambert Crescent has a grade of 9.8 percent which is substantially greater than the maximum grade of 5 percent allowed under the criteria.

In accordance with the above noted Speed Hump Policy, once it has been determined that the primary criteria for speed hump installation has been satisfied, a formal poll must be conducted of adults, 18 years of age and older, whose residence directly abuts the subject section of Morningside Avenue or whose sole access to their residence is from Morningside Avenue. Further, at least 60% of returned ballots must be in favour of the installation of speed humps in order to proceed with the proposal. Accordingly, staff will conduct this poll and report on the results at a deputation meeting for the project.

The speed hump proposal, as illustrated on the attached copy of Drawing No. 421F-5338 dated February 25, 1999, consists of two speed humps. A speed limit reduction from the present 40 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour on this segment of Morningside Avenue concurrent with the installation of the speed humps would be appropriate. No alterations to the parking regulations are required nor will the number of on-street parking spaces be affected.

The intent of Council to enact a by-law to install speed humps on Morningside Avenue constitutes an alteration to a public highway pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Act. Consequently, the proposed changes to the roadway must be advertised and be subject to a public hearing. In the interim, consultations with emergency service agencies will be undertaken to ensure that the design and layout of speed humps does not adversely affect their operations.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Erin Holl, Transportation Operations Co-ordinator, 392-7771

Insert Table/Map No. 1

Morningside Avenue - Speed Humps