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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-10-92 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE File Date: JANUARY 20, 1992 Res. # Report#: WD-10-92 File #: C- 01 .29 .95 By-Law# Subject: SPEED CONCERNS EDWARD STREET, NEWCASTLE VILLAGE Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report WD-10-92 be received; 2 . THAT the request for an all-way stop to act as a speed control device at Edward Street and Foster Creek Drive, which is unwarranted based on provincial guidelines, be denied; 3. THAT the request for a regulatory speed reduction on Edward Street from 50 km/hour to 40 km/hour be denied; and 4 . That Durham Regional Police be provided with a copy of Report WD-10-92 and be requested to provide strict enforcement of the Maximum 50 km/hour speed zone on Edward Street; and 5 . THAT Mrs . Suzanne Schaffner be provided with a copy of Report WD-10-92 and be advised of Council's decision. ---------------------------------------------------------------- REPORT 1.0 ATTACHMENTS No. 1: Key Map No. 2 : Guidelines and Warrants for Stop Signs /2 ( 70 REPORT NO. : WD-10-92 PAGE 2 No. 3 : Correspondence received June 24, 1991 from Suzanne Schaffner No. 4 : Traffic Study results from September 25 & 26, 1991 2.0 BACKGROUND 2 . 1 Correspondence, received June 24, 1991, from Suzanne Schaffner and the residents who signed the petition requested that the Town of Newcastle install an all-way stop at the intersection of Edward Street and Foster Creek Drive and reduce the speed limit from 50 km/hour to 40 km/hour on Edward Street. 3.0 REVIEW AND COMMENT 3 . 1 Traffic After Completion of Construction of Bridge The residents were concerned that the completion of the construction of the bridge on Edward Street would result in: i) an increase in traffic on Edward Street created by commuter traffic using Edward Street as a through street rather than Mill Street to avoid the traffic signals at Mill Street (Regional Road 17) and Highway 2 . an increase in the speed of vehicles . In order to deal with their concerns, the residents have requested: i) The installation of an all-way stop at the Edward Street/Foster Creek Drive intersection. ii) The lowering of the regulatory speed limit on Edward Street from 50 km/hour to 40 km/hour. I i . . . /3 � 031 i REPORT NO. : WD-10-92 PAGE 3 3 .2 Provincial Guidelines for A11-way Stop Signs The guidelines for installation of all-way stop signs, listed in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and used by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, were followed to determine if an all-way stop was warranted. The All-way Stop Evaluation/Warrant Study indicates that the installation of an all-way stop at this low volume intersection is not warranted. The provincial guidelines for the installation of all-way stops recommends an intersection approach of 500 vehicles per hour or more; however, the peak hour volume on Edward Street was only 87 vehicles which is far below the volumes required. The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices outlines Criteria which states all-way stops should not be used i) As a speed control device. ii) As a means of detouring the movement of through traffic in a residential area. A report prepared by the Technical Committee of the Ontario Traffic Conference concluded that traffic speed is only reduced for a distance of 30 - 40 metres ( 100 - 130 feet) at the approach and exit to an all-way stop intersection. The installation of an all-way stop is not an effective way to reduce speed over a large area of roadway. I I 3 . 3 Consequences of Reducing Posted Speed from 50 km/hour to 40 km/hour j If Edward Street, which was designed as the collector road through this residential area with a pavement width of 10 metres (33 feet) and sidewalks on both sides, is lowered to 40 km/hour the residents on Sunset Boulevard would demand the . . . /4 REPORT NO. : WD-10-92 PAGE 4 same treatment. Subsequently, residents on all urban streets from Courtice to Newtonville would make the same request. This would require installation of numerous regulatory speed signs on every street before police enforcement could be requested. Under Chapter 198, Section 109 ( 1) (b) , of the Highway Traffic Act all urban areas are 50 km/hour. This is enforced by the police without the posting of regulatory speed signs. 3 .4 Traffic Volume and Speed Studs: The traffic study conducted on September 25 and 26 , 1991, on Edward Street indicated that the average annual daily traffic is approximately 770 vehicles . The study did not confirm that a major speeding problem existed. The results showed that: i) 85% of the motorists were travelling at 52 km/hour or less; and ii) on average only 6% (46 vehicles) were travelling over 55 km/hour, while 1/2% (4 vehicles) were travelling over 65 km/hour. This location will be monitored again at a future date and if the speed does increase the Durham Regional Police will be informed and requested to increase enforcement. 3 . 6 Commuter vs. Residential Traffic After the bridge was opened to traffic a study was performed to determine, as suggested by Mrs . Schaffner, the percentage of vehicles using Edward Street as an alternate route to avoid the business area. The study involved recording and comparing licence plate numbers of vehicles entering and leaving the study area during the hour between 4 : 30 to 5: 30 p.m. The . . . /5 � 0 33 REPORT NO. : WD-10-92 PAGE 5 results indicated that only 6 (13%) of the peak hour vehicles were outside commuters driving through this subdivision, while 41 (87%) were local residents . These figures do not indicate that commuters are creating problems for the local residents . The introduction of lower speeds or all-way stops would not reduce any of the residential traffic while the outside commuter traffic may use Sunset Boulevard to the south which is narrower with no sidewalks . 4.0 CONCLUSIONS 4 . 1 From the above, it is concluded that, based on Provincial Guidelines, an all-way stop is not warranted at the intersection of Edward Street and Foster Creek Drive and that a major speeding problem does not presently exist near this intersection. Strict police enforcement is required to remind drivers of the proper speed in urban areas . 4 .2 The introduction of a 40 km/hour speed zone on a designed collector type roadway is unwarranted and would result in widespread requests for reduced speed zones . Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation to the committee, Walter A. Evans, P.Eng. , Lawrence E Kotseff, Director of Public Works Chief A ' strative Officer RDB*WAE*ph January 13, 1992 ATTACHMENTS pc: Durham Regional Police Mrs . Suzanne Schaffner 77 Centre Street North 154 Edward Street West Oshawa, Ontario L1G 4B7 Newcastle, Ontario L1B 1E6 � r � l II W 11�or. I U y o CRES , 0 Z LL 3 0 cr m EDWARD i S z Y � • cr W ~ O W ti v W O w N O I REQUEST FOR ALL- WAY STOP 1 immSUBJEC T N, ® S/TE H y I �{ 8(4 CT f ° SvN`' MIYHWAY N• 401 tONON7o li. 7 DRAWN J.M. GATE DEC. 1991 .<.,, curron ST ATTACHMENT N0, 1 KEY MAP WD-10-92 i Part A Division 2 - Regulatory Section -° Ra-1101 (120 x 120)cm - — Ra-101 (75 x 75)cm Ra-1 (60 x 60)cm 41.25 25 20 37.5 25 20 h i p 41.25 25 20 . Blank No. 1 & M.T.C. B-16 Support-Steel Blank No.2& M.T.C. B-23 Support-Wood (10 x 10)cm Blank No. M.T.C, B-61 A 2.11 "STOP"SIGN Support-Wood (10 x 10)cm (Ra-1, Ra-1t) Guidelines and Warrants for STOP Signs Stop sign control results in delay to motorists and may 4. At intersections where the application of the normal increase the collision experience. Stop signs should, right hand rule would be unduly hazardous. therefore, not be used indiscriminately. Stop signs are 5. Where three or more right angle collisions per year not intended as speed control devices. Their usage is have occurred and methods of reducing the collision therefore limited to the control of right-of-way conflicts. experience such as improving sight lines, street light- Stop signs shall not be used on the same approach to in- Ing, parking prohibitions, enforcement and geometric tersections where traffic control signals are operating. revisions, or a Yield sign have been tried and found Portable or part-time Stop signs shall not be used except lacking. in emergency or temporary situations, such as in con- A 2,11.01 One and Two-Way STOP Sign Controls junction with flagmen or at intersections where traffic signals are no longer working. When two major streets or highways intersect, and there is no priority to determine which direction should be As a general rule, Stop signs should only be used where stopped, a traffic study should be conducted. traffic engineering studies considering such aspects as traffic speeds, traffic volumes, restricted sight lines and A 2.11.02 Ail-Way STOP Sign Controls collision experience, indicate that the usage of Stop The following guidelines and warrants for All-Way Stop signs is warranted. sign controls are recommended for use at rural or urban The following guidelines and warrants for Stop Sign Con—intersections. All-Way Stop sign controls may be used: trol are recommended for use at rural or urban intersec- 1.a) At two like roadways. Each approach should con- tions: tain the same number of lanes and have preferably 1. Intersection of a county road, city street, township four non-skewed approaches. road with a King's Highway. b) As an interim measure where traffic control signals 2. On a minor street or road entering a through street or are warranted but cannot be implemented im- highway. mediately. 3. At unsignalized.intersections in a signalized area ex- cept where they would interfere with traffic signal progression. December, 1985 7 ATTACHMENT•N0. 2 WD-10-92 I Part A Division 2 - Regulatory Section c) At locations having a high accident frequency where ped vehicle on the right will obscure the Stop sign. less restrictive measures have been tried and found 9. Where traffic would be required to stop on grades. Inadequate. For the purpose of this warrant, a high 10. As a means of deterring the movement of through accident frequency is an average of four accidents traffic in a residential area. per year for a three year period and only those ac 11• Where visibility of the sign is hampered by curves or cidents susceptible to relief through multi-way stop control will be considered (i.e. right angle and'turn- grades and a safe stopping distance of less than ing type collisions). Included in this warrant are 100 m exists. those locations where visibility problems exist which 12. Where any other traffic device controlling right-of- limit the safe approach speed to less than 15 kilo- way is permanently in place within 250 m with the metres per hour, thereby creating an unreasonable exception of a Yield sign. accident potential. Special Advance warning or overhead flashing lights may be necessary to aug- ment the control if vertical or horizontal alignment is a factor. d) As a means of,providing an introductory period to . accustom drivers to a reversal of intersection con- trol. Installation under this warrant will be for a period not to exceed three months. 2. On arterial roads and major collector streets the fol- lowing volume warrant may be used: a) a total vehicle volume on all intersection approaches, exceeding 500 vehicles.per hour for any eight hours of the day and, b) a combined vehicular and pedestrian volume on the minor street exceeding 200 units per hour for the For legal reference and requirements of Stop signs see same eight hours with an average delay to traffic on Section 117(a)(b) of the Highway Traffic Act and also the minor street of greater than thirty seconds and, Regulation 486, Sections 7 and 8. c) a volume split does not exceed 70/30. The minimum size Stop sign (Ra-1) shall be erected on 3. On roads and streets not considered to be either ar- municipal streets and/or minor low speed gravel roads in- terial or major collector streets. tersecting designated local through roads in urban or a) a total vehicle volume on all intersection ap- rural areas. proaches exceeding 350 for the highest hour recorded and, b) a volume split does not exceed 75/25 for three-way control or 65/35 for a four-way control. All-Way Stop sign controls should not be used under the following conditions: 1. Where pedestrian protection, in particular school children, is a prime concern as the concern can usually be addressed by other means. 2. As a speed control device. 3. On roadways on which,progressive signal timing ex- Ists, 4. On roadways within urban areas having a posted speed limit in excess of 60 km/h. 5. At intersections having less than three or more than four approaches. 6. At offset or poorly defined intersections. 7. On truck or bus routes unless in an industrial area or where two such routes cross. i 8. On multi-laned approaches where a parked or stop- ( December, 1985 �� .`� j Mrs. Suzanne Schaffner 154 Edward Sreet West. Newcastle, Ontario MB 1E6 Ulephone: (416) June 9,x1991 , Mr. Walter Evans - - Director of Public Works J UN 24 ',. � y w,% t 40 Temperence Street Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3A6 � z3S�,AFF M�.rr'iN6 .R6ENar9 — Re: Four-way Stop Sign at the Intersection of Edward Street and Foster Creek Drw Dear Mr. Evans: Further to a telephone conversation I had with your office when I spoke with Mr. Ron Baker, I would like to submit to you the concerns of a group of residents, taxpayers and most importantly parents who live in the area of Edward Street and Foster Creek Drive. We moved into this area because of the country setting where we could live in a quiet, peaceful and safe environment. As we all know, children can be told many times about the dangers of streets and cars but, unfortunately, they forget and we are obligated as adults to protect these children to the best of our ability. It is very disturbing to us and we cannot be expected to sit back and watch while Edward Street turns into a thoroughfare; a thoroughfare which is conducive to speeding and careless driving. We feel that once the bridge is finished the traffic coming through here will increase significantly. The traffic now is already travelling at a rate of between 60-,80 km per hour,with no regard for the stop sign presently there. The same is true at the intersection of Edward Street and Chestnut Street;They squeal their tires when they drive around the corners,with absolutely no regard for anyone walking or playing on the sidewalks or riding their bikes on the streets. We are very upset with this traffic problem now and extremely concerned about the traffic conditions once the bridge is complete. It is felt that the speeding will get worse and the volume will certainly increase. We understand that the plans are for a two-way stop sign. We feel that this will give the cars a free thoroughfare from Edward and Rudell all the way to Edward and Church Streets. We would therefore,like to see the speed limit on Edward Street reduced to 40km and to have a four-way stop installed at the intersection of Edward Street and Foster Creek. This will discourage traffic from using Edward Street when Highway#2 is only .3km to the north, and it will obviously slow the traffic down. Enclosed please find a map clearly showing exactly what traffic control there is on Edward Street presently, and what the resident's feel is required for the safety and peace of mind of everyone who lives in this area, whether they have children or not. Attached you will find the signatures of many concerned citizens who live in and around the area in question who support the opinions stated above. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration with this matter and we look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Yours truly, Suzanne Schaffner 0 7U ATTACHMENT N0, 3 WD-10-92 Highway#2 CL Co _ ° n CD CD m 0 n CD W I • Edward • • Requested speed limit reduction to 40km Requested four—way STOP° Present speed limit 50km • Existing Stop sign Resident's requested speed limit 40km Resident's requested Stop signs We the undersigned &.pport the installation f it-way stop signs at the intersection of Edward Street and in Ne wcastle. c We also support the reduction of the speed limit on Edward Street to 40km from the present 50km. Name Address Phone # /S/- kl--C\ e-4 9 ,v Ir r 9 -1,19 AA 20 040 1-79 i `15Z 3 We the' undersigned support the installation of ft r-way stop signs at the intersection of Edward Street and C fG1 r'T,-,aa-in Newcastle. i We also support the reduction of the speed limit on Edward Street to 40km from the present 50km. Name Address Phone # 1 qLq a�4j-1 /Z,3:!S- (3 7 r� Q u i - 1n 1 W e the undersigned s, .,-)port the installation of "it-way stop signs at the intersection of Edward Street and E- Affe'' & @ in Newcastle. We also support the reduction of the speed limit on Edward Street to 40km from the present 50km. Name Address Phone # cwl �/2�Lj 1 � �1 G i i i 1042 TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC SECTION TRAFFIC STUDY RESULTS FROM TBAFFICOMP IZZ 241 CLASSIFIER Volume by Speed by Type by Lane Report ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Start date: September 25, 1991 Start Time: 00, 00 Stop date: September 25, 1991 Stop time: 24 . 00 City/Town: Newcastle Village County: ^ �uo : �em�aotle/Durbam Location: Edmazc�� Street, West of Foster ��z�ee}c Drive � ______________________________________________________________________________________________ AM/PM Peak Hour Totals --~ -�� Speed I-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66-75 76-85 86-95 Total AM Hour 8- 9 27 23 12 2 0 O D 63 PM Hour I5-I6 30 33 17 5 O l O 85 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Speed S >65� � / F-3 825 38.36 18, 98 41.43 52 . 34 52 6 ,3 3 0 .2 2 0 .2 � o ' TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC SECTION TRAFFIC STUDY RESULTS FROM TRQFI7ICOMP IZZ 241 CLASSIFIER Volume by Speed by Type by Lane Report ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Start date: September 26' 1991 Start Time: U UO` 00 Gto ? date: September �6v l99l Stop time: 24 ^ 00 Cit] /Tmwo: Newcastle Village C ouoty� Newca stle/Durham otle/Durlam Iooatloz: Edward Street, at of Foster Creek Dzlma ______________________________________________________________________________________________ AM/PM Peak Hour Totals -^ c-� -_� Speed 1-35 36-45 45-55 56-65 56-75 76-85 86-95 Total AM Hour 8- 9 14 28 12 0 O 0 O 54 PM Hooz. 15-16 23 37 25 l I O 0 87 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Speed Summary Avg SDd 15%ile 50%ile 85%i=le >55 %>55 >60 %>60 >65 %>6 729 37 .99 18. 96 40 . 99 51,82 39 5 .3 S 0 .8 6 0 , 8