Flexible In-Road Traffic Calming Sign Pilot

Flexible in-road traffic calming signs are signs that are installed in the centre of the road, between opposing traffic lanes and designed to withstand impacts from, and avert damage to, vehicles if struck by collapsing and rebounding. The signs can have a narrowing effect on the lane or roadway which can give drivers’ the perception of the need to slow down. These signs are not traffic control devices. Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way to cross the street where these signs are installed.

For the purposes of the pilot:

  • Signs will be installed in front of up to 12 schools across the City;
  • Up to 2 signs will be installed in advance of each school, with one sign in each direction where feasible;
  • Signs will be installed between driveways and spaced apart so as not to impede access to adjacent properties;
  • A yellow centreline will be painted, if one does not already exist;
  • Installation is anticipated to begin end of March or early April, weather permitting;
  • Pilot locations were selected based on requests and suggestions from District Traffic Operations. Locations must also conform to technical design guidelines (such as roadwidth and minimum spacing from driveways).

These signs will remain in operation at least until Transportation Services has completed the evaluation of the pilot and determined potential plans for expansion based on the findings.

The first 10 schools where the signs will be installed are as follows:

School Name Street Name
Milne Valley Middle School Underhill Drive
Sloane Public School Sloane Avenue
John McCrae Public School McCowan Road
Sunnylea Junior School Prince Edward Drive South
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Glenholme Avenue
Oakwood Collegiate Institute Oakwood Avenue
Blake Street Junior Public School Boultbee Avenue
Hodgson Senior Public School Davisville Avenue
Melody Village Junior Public School Silverstone Drive
Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School Bay Mills Boulevard

Over the course of the pilot, staff will be collecting data to compare traffic speeds before and after the installations in order to determine their effectiveness in calming traffic. Staff will also be assessing costs associated with implementation and maintenance over the course of the pilot. Pending the outcome of the evaluation, staff will review other applications for the use of these signs outside of school zones.