Report to: Development Services Committee Date Report Authored: May 5, 2010
SUBJECT: Intersection Improvements at (1) Rodick Road & Macrill Road and (2) Carlton Road & Waterbridge Lane
PREPARED BY: David Porretta, Traffic Operations Supervisor, ext. 2040
Monday Iyamu, Traffic Coordinator, ext. 4020
RECOMMENDATION:
1) That the report entitled, “Intersection Improvements at (1) Rodick Road & Macrill Road and (2) Carlton Road & Waterbridge Lane”, be received;
2) And that a raised centre median be installed on Rodick Road at the northbound and southbound approaches to the intersection of Macrill Road, funded through Operations Department capital account # 083-5350-8312-005 at an estimated cost of $15,000;
3) And that a flashing red beacon be installed on the primary stop signs on Carlton Road at the eastbound and westbound approaches to the intersection of Waterbridge Lane, funded through Operations Department capital account # 083-5350-8312-005 at an estimated cost of $7,000;
4)
And that staff be authorized and directed to do
all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
1.
Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4.
Financial
5. Others (HR, Strategic, Affected Units) 6.
Attachment(s)
PURPOSE:
This report recommends that centre medians be installed on Rodick Road at Macrill Road and “flashing red” beacons be installed on the primary stop signs on Carlton Road at Waterbridge Lane. The intent of implementing these measures is to improve visibility of the existing “stop” signs, thereby reducing the risk of collisions within the intersection.
BACKGROUND:
Rodick Road & Macrill Road
Rodick Road (north of 16th Avenue, east of Woodbine Avenue), is a 4-lane north-south collector road with an average annual daily traffic (AADT) volume of 5,200. Rodick Road expands to 5-lanes to include a left-turn lane at the intersection of Macrill Road, which is all-way stop controlled. The significant size of this intersection has often been a concern for the local community, in particular the poor visibility of the “stop” signs and lack of driver compliance. Previous attempts to improve visibility, including the addition of advance warning signs and increasing the size of the “stop” signs, have failed to yield positive results.
Carlton Road & Waterbridge Lane
Carlton Road (east of Kennedy Road), is a 4-lane east-west collector road with an AADT volume of 9,500. The intersection of Carlton Road and Waterbridge Lane is all-way stop controlled and has repeatedly been a location of concern with respect to “stop” sign compliance. Previous attempts to improve visibility, including advance warning signs, providing supplemental “stop” signs on the opposing boulevard, have failed to yield positive results.
Less restrictive
approaches has proven ineffective
To mitigate concerns relating to stop sign visibility and compliance, it is common practice to first implement less restrictive approaches (improved signage, flashing beacons, raised medians). Should those measures prove unsuccessful, then more aggressive measures (geometric improvements, traffic signals, roundabouts) would need to be considered.
Traffic Operations staff has previously addressed ongoing concerns with the all-way stop control at the subject intersections. Previous measures, including increasing the size of the “stop” signs and providing advance warning signs has not been effective in mitigating operational issues at the intersection. Therefore, more assertive approaches need to be taken.
Centre medians recommended on Rodick Road at Macrill Road
An assessment of the existing intersection configuration has identified an opportunity to narrow the approaching lanes on Rodick Road to accommodate a 1.5-metre wide centre median, with supplemental “stop” sign. This would greatly improve visibility of the stop control while also narrowing intersection approach, further slowing traffic. A sample of a ‘centre median supplemental stop sign’ is shown in Attachment “B”.
“Flashing Red” beacons
recommended on Carlton Road at Waterbridge Lane
A similar assessment was also used for this intersection however, it was determined that the existing lane widths are already near minimum engineering standards and cannot be further narrowed to accommodate a centre median. Accommodating a raised median would require relocating existing curbs and catch basins at a significant capital cost, and is not recommended.
Instead, staff investigated the feasibility of a solar-powered “flashing red” beacon, to be mounted above the existing primary “stop” signs on Carlton Road. The flashing beacon would provide emphasis and visual assistance where “stop” signs are not easily visible. A sample of a “flashing red” beacon is shown in Attachment “B”.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The cost of labour and materials to implement two centre medians and two solar-powered “flashing red” beacons, exclusive of HST, is approximately $15,000 and $7,000, respectively. The cost of labour and materials for these measures are included in the Operations Department capital account # 083-5350-8312-005. On-going maintenance and replacement costs will be included in future Operations Department budgets.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
The recommendations contained within this report align with the community safety component of Council’s transportation/transit strategic priority.
________________________ ________________________
Paul Ingham, Peter Loukes,
General
Manager, Operations Director,
________________________ Brenda Librecz,
Commissioner, Community & Fire Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Location Map
Attachment B: Sample – Raised Centre Median and “Flashing red” Beacon