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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-7-86U1. 0) TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT File # Res. # By -Law # hEFTING: THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE DATE: JANUARY 6, 1986. REPORT #: WD -7 -86 FILE #: SUB,ECT: CONCESSION STREET /ELGIN STREET INTERSECTION, BOWMANUILLE RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended: 1. That this report be received; and, 2. That it be recommended to Council as follows: a)That no alterations to traffic control devices at the Concession Street /Elgin Street intersection in Bowmanville be undertaken; and, OR b)That funds be included in the 1986 Current budget for operations for the installation of steel beam guide rail on the east side of Elgin Street south of Concession Street to prevent traffic from leaving the travelled road,' and, 3. That Edwin G. Mann, D.C. be advised of Council's decision and be provided a copy of this report. .....2 Page 2 Report No. WD -7 -86 Attached is Report WD -75 -85 which provides background to this matter. In short, a request was received from Edwin G. Mann for installation of a 4 -Way Stop at the subject intersection, as a result of recent accidents at that location. Report WD -75 -85 recommended consultation with Regional Traffic staff for their input. The review has taken place with the Region and various alternatives, as follows, were considered: a) Install 4 -Way Stop - while installing a 4 -Way Stop would place a legal barrier to southbound traffic on Elgin Street, it would not deter those who ignore the law and would not necessarily resolve the accident problem. Furthermore, 4 -Way Stops are intended to alleviate traffic problems at intersections where opposing volumes are approximately equal and where warrants for traffic signals are not met. b) Reverse the Stop Signs - traffic counts and observations at the intersections indicate that the Elgin Street volumes of traffic far exceed those on Concession Street. Thus, the existing signing is appropriate for traffic conditions. To reverse the signs would in effect interfere with the heavier Elgin Street volumes, create delays which aggravate drivers, increase energy consumption, and ultimately result in drivers ignoring the stop signs and not coming to a full stop. With respect to the above two alternatives, the Region advises that good traffic management dictates that modifying one form of traffic control to compensate for problems of a different nature is not appropriate. Thus, to use or change stop signs to attempt to correct poor driving habits or ignorance of the rules of the road, or to compensate for poor road geometries, is inappropriate. It will be perceived that this type of arrangement can be made to solve all manner of traffic problems. .....3 ui. Page 3 Report No. WD -7 -86 Upon discussion of the problem certain other points come to light. Firstly, the problem is traffic leaving the road and damaging private property. The solution to this problem lies not in signing, but in placing a barrier to the occurrence. This can be achieved by placement of steel beam guide rail about 100 - 200 feet, at a cost of $3,000 - $4,000. Such an installation may, however, be perceived by area residents as a visual intrusion. These residents could be consulted prior to installation, with it being pointed out to them that safety to vehicles, private property, and the large number of pedestrians, especially school children, would result. It is obvious that the problem at this location has existed for some time and that various methods have been considered for improvement. Presently a flashing overhead warning light exists, however, its effectiveness is questionable. Council members may wish to direct either of the traffic sign modifications, however, they are really not appropriate. Doing nothing is still an option, however, this would result in no compensation for poor driver performance and a safety problem would persist. It seems that if any action is taken, it should be that which deals directly with the problem, i.e., placement of a physical barrier to traffic leaving the road. Respectfully submitted, .G. Dupuis, P ng., Director of Public Works. RGD: jco December 30, 1985. TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT MEETING: THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE DATE: November 18, 1985. REPORT #: WD -75 -85 FILE #: SMUT: TRAFFIC CONTROL AT THE CONCESSION STREET/ ELGIN STREET INTERSECTION, BOWMANVILLE. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended: 1. That this report be received; and, File_ Res. H By -Law # 2. That the Traffic Division of the Durham Region Works Department be requested to provide technical input into actions which can be taken to improve 'safety at the intersection of Concession Street and Elgin Street in Bowmanville. 3. That Edwin G. Mann, D.C. be advised accordingly and provided a copy of this report. ....2 u1 GCs) Page 2 - -- Report No. WD -75 -85 REPORT: Attached is a letter from Edwin G. Mann of 15 Elgin Street, BowmanviIIe, providing details of an accident which recently occurred on Elgin Street, south of Concession Street. There is also mention of a similar incident which occurred during the last two years, of which we are also aware. After the previous accident it was felt that the intersection could be reviewed during update of the Through Highway By -law, however, it has been impossible to schedule a thorough review of that by -law. Thus, as was done recently, serious problems at specific locations are being considered as they arise. A review of the intersection indicates that it is substandard with respect to horizontal and vertical alignment on Elgin Street and has visibility problems on the west side of the north approach from Elgin Street. Three solutions come readily to mind, including that posed by Dr. Mann, namely: 1. Reconstruct the intersection; 2. Reverse the stop signs so that Elgin Street becomes the stop condition; 3. Install 4 -Way stop control. Option 1 would require a major realignment to the west which would damage private property and would be very costly to construct. Owing to the fact that the accidents which have occurred are related to speeding or ignoring the rules of the road, it is doubtful whether improvements made would be substantial enough to solve the problem. Option 2, in staff's opinion, provides the most logical remedy, however, the north approach on Elgin Street is on a grade, and could provide problems for stopping. It does, however, recognize Concession Street as predominant, being a through street from Prospect to Liberty Street. This option also eliminates another 4 -Way stop, which is envisaged by many to be a cure -all for traffic problems. ....3 - Page 3 Report No. WD -75 -85 Option 3, the 4 -Way stop option would deal with the problem, but would create an unnecessary stop for one direction of traffic. The grade problem on Elgin Street would exist similar to that described in Option 2, and there would still be those who ignore the law. From our review, staff feel confident that reversal of the stop signs to make Elgin Street the stop street and Concession Street the through street would help solve the problem, especially if there is complementary signing and a proper education period, which would include a temporary 4 -Way stop. Our experience is, however, limited, and some input from the Region's traffic experts would be desirable. Upon completion of such a review, which could be achieved in a short time, the necessary by -law could be presented for Council's consideration. RGD:jco November 13, 1985. Attachment Respectfully submitted, R.G. Dupuis, P. Eng., Director of Public Works. TELEPHONE 623.5509 QU_ �ibfuizi 'Afilliit, P.0 15 ELGIN STREET 80WMANVILLE, ONTARIO LIC 3C7 November 1, 1985. Mr. Ivan Hobbs, Local Councillor Town of Newcastle. Dear Ivan: My writing to you has been initiated by an auto - accident which occurred last evening (October 31). A vehicle which was coming south on Elgin Street at an apparent high rate of speed, lost control as it rounded the bend at Concession St. It crossed the driveway (culvert - ditch) between 27 and 23 Elgin St., onto the lawn of 21 Elgin St. where two trees were removed. From here it went through our hedge and came to a stop when it hit three birch trees on our front lawn. Fortunately the property damage, although cosmetically disfiguring, was relatively light. What concerns me however is that only a few minutes earlier I had observed a group of young people gathered at exactly the spot where this car crossed the sidewalk. What might have happened defies description. Futhermore this is not an isolated incident. At least twice within the last two years there has been a similar occurrence in front of 27 Elgin. In one accident the vehicle belonging to Gerrit Vandemeent and which was parked in his driveway was completely destroyed. I strongly feel that before an unnecessary tragedy occurs, Four -Way Stop Signs should be installed at the corners of Elgin and Concession Streets. This would be a particularly appropri- ate time to do this in view of the increased traffic Elgin St. is going to experience with the completion of the new subdivision off High St. I know Mr. Vandemeent requested that this be done two years ago. I do urge you to take whatever steps are needed to have this done immediately. Yours sinrlerely, 'G. Edwin Mann D.C. i TELEPHONE 623.5508 15 ELGIN STREET ©OWMANVILLE, ONTARIO LIC 3C7 November 1, 1985. Mrs. Marie Hubbard, Regional Councillor Town of Newcastle. Dear Marie: My writing to you has been initiated by an auto - accident which occurred last evening (October 31). A vehicle which was coming south on Elgin Street at an apparent high rate of speed, lost control as it rounded the bend at Concession St. It crossed the driveway (culvert - ditch) between 27 and 23 Elgin St., onto the lawn of 21 Elgin St. where two trees were removed. From here it went through our hedge and came to a stop when it hit three birch trees on our front lawn. Fortunately the property damage, although cosmetically disfiguring, was relativley light. What concerns me however is that only a few minutes earlier I had observed a group of young people gathered at exactly the spot where this car crossed the sidewalk. What might have happended defies description. Futhermore this is not an isolated incident. At least twice within the last two years there has been a similar occurrence in front of 27 Elgin. In one accident the vehicle belonging to Gerrit Vandemeent and which was parked in his driveway was completely destroyed. I strongly feel that before an unnecessary tragedy occurs, Four -Way Stop Signs should be installed at the corners of Elgin and Concession Streets. This would be a particularly appropri- ate time to do this in view of the increased traffic Elgin St. is going to experience with the completion of the new subdivision off High St. I know Mr. Vandemeent requested that this be done two years ago. I do urge you to take whatever steps are needed to have this done immediately. Yours sincerely, ` G . Edw n -i4&�. C .