HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-47-95 �
TBE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
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Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE File# �
Date:
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� OCTOBER 2, 1985 �
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N0-47-95 8,01 .09.07 By-Law# -------- �
Report#: File#: �
REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT ENTRANCE TO
Subject: BKWMANVILLE MALL AND GA00RAITH COURT, BO00A0VIL0E
Recommendations:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration
Committee recommend to Council the following:
1 . THAT Report N0-47'96 be received;
2. THAT the request for traffio lights be denied;
8. THAT pedestrian safety be improved with the installation of a pedestrian
refuge island on King Street in the centre turn lane between the
8owmanviIle Moll and Gtrathaven Lifaomre Centre;
4. THAT two (2) park benches be purchased to assist the pedestrians near the
Bowmonvillm Mall;
6. THAT the pork benches and pedestrian refuge island be included, for
Council's consideration, in the 1898 Budget; and
6. THAT Jane Noble, Administrator of Gtrothaven Lifmcare Centro, be provided
with a copy of Report W0-47-96 and be advised of Council's decision.
REPORT
1 .0 ATTACHMENTS
No. 1 : Key Mop
No. 8: Correspondence from Jane Noble, Administrator of Gtrathoven
L1feoare Centre, received January 27/ 1995
No. O: Correspondence from the Region of Durham dated August 20,
1992
No. 4: Correspondence from the Regio / of Durham dated April 4, 1985
. . � �7
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REPORT NO. : WD-47-95 PAGE 2
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No. 5: Report WD-9-92
No. 6: Correspondence from the Region dated May 8, 1995
No. 7: Correspondence from Totten Sims Hubicki dated May 24, 1995
No. 8: Proposed Preliminary Design for Pedestrian Refuge Island
2.0 BACKGROUND
2.1 At a regular meeting held on February 13, 1995, Council passed the
following Resolution #C-97-95:
"THAT the correspondence received from Jane Noble,
Administrator, Strathaven Lifecare Centre requesting
the installation of traffic lights at the entrance to
the Bowmanville Mall and Galbraith Court, be received;
THAT the correspondence be referred to the Director of
Public Works for review and preparation of a report to
be submitted to the General Purpose and Administration
Committee; and
THAT Jane Noble be advised of Council's decision. "
3.0 REVIEW AND COMMENT
3.1 The operation and maintenance of the Municipality's traffic signals is
contracted to the Regional Municipality of Durham who have the equipment
and expertise to ensure safe operating conditions at the signalized
intersections.
3.2 Strathaven Lifecare Centre made a similar request during 1992 for traffic
signals. The matter was referred to the Region of Durham who provided a
written response (Attachment No. 3) which noted the Region could not
support the request due to the close proximity of the signalized
intersection at Simpson Avenue. An earlier request from 1991 for a
pedestrian crossover was also refused due to the close proximity of the
existing signals and submitted to Council as Report WD-9-92 (Attachment
No. 5) .
3.3 The 1995 request was referred to the Region of Durham whose response dated
April 4, 1995 (Attachment No. 4) , again does not support the request for
traffic signals due to the distance of only 88 metres to the signals at
Simpson Avenue.
i
REPORT NO. : WD-47-95
PAGE 3
3.4 During 1995, a number of steps were taken to assist the seniors. The
Municipality installed additional signing on King Street stating "Caution
Seniors Crossing" with an advisory speed tab of "40 km/hr" below the
existing "Watch for Pedestrian" signs. The Region of Durham also
installed signs at Simpson Avenue advising pedestrians that they must
press the pedestrian button to obtain the maximum walk signal.
3.5 A meeting was held at Strathaven Lifecare Centre on September 13, 1995,
to discuss various options. The meeting group consisted of Jane Noble -
Strathaven Lifecare Centre, Bob Szwarz - Region of Durham, Stephen Vokes -
Director of Public Works, Clarington, and Ron Baker - Traffic
Co-ordinator, Clarington.
3.6 Option 1 - Traffic Controls (Traffic Signals/Pedestrian Crossover)
With reference to the Region of Durham's letter of May 8, 1995 (Attachment
No. 6) , Regional staff pointed out that pedestrian signals are working
properly. Timing of traffic signals is set for the lowest walking speed,
i.e. 15 second "Walk" , 5 second flashing "Don't Walk" , 5 second solid
"Don't Walk" , for a total of 25 seconds. Sixteen (16) seconds is the
normal setting. It should also be noted that the maximum walk time is
only displayed when pedestrians press the walk button.
Regional staff continue to advise against considering either traffic
signals or a pedestrian crossover, as it is their opinion that they would
interfere with the traffic signals and would add to driver confusion.
Such installations are unwarranted and would increase the potential for
accidents. Although cost was not the major consideration, this
unwarranted location would not be subsidized by the Province, would cost
the Municipality approximately $80,000 to install, and would cost $4,400
annually to maintain.
Option 2 - Physical Deterrent to Prevent Crossings
A concrete barrier was given consideration in order to stop the seniors
from crossing King Street. This option would restrict access and turning
movements at a number of entrances and at the King Street/Galbraith Court
intersection. This option is not recommended.
Option 3 - Pedestrian Refuge Island
A pedestrian refuge island in the centre turn lane was reviewed by Totten
Sims Hubicki in their report dated May 24, 1995 (Attachment No. 7) .
409 -
REPORT NO. : WD-47-95 PAGE 4
Another version is shown as Attachment No. 8. The cost of the island
would be between $18,000 and $22,000, dependent upon the final design
i
(flowers or low shrubs could be included) .
The purpose of a pedestrian refuge island is to assist pedestrians by:
a) Allowing them to concentrate on fewer lanes of traffic approaching
from only one (1) direction; and
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b) Providing a safe resting area before crossing to the other side.
3.7 Resting Areas
Irregardless of the Option chosen, a bench on the southeast corner of King
Street and Simpson Avenue would benefit both GO bus passengers and seniors
choosing to use the traffic signals. Another bench across from the
proposed Pedestrian Refuge Island would assist seniors choosing that
crossing. Benches are available at an approximate cost of $400 each.
3.8 Education
Strathaven Lifecare Centre agreed to participate in a program sponsored
by Durham Regional Police called "Safety for Seniors" . This program is
specifically designed to assist seniors in a form of street proofing and
awareness.
i
Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by,
Stephen A. Vokes, P.Eng. W. N. Stockwell
Director of Public Works Chief Administrative Officer
RDB*ph
September 27, 1995
Enclosures
PC: Mrs. Jane Noble
Administrator
Strathaven Lifecare Centre
264 King Street East
Bowmanville, Ontario
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ATTACHMENT NO, t
WD-47-95 1033
KEY MAP.
41 1 .
i
COUNCIL DIRECTION D-1
STRATHAVEN LIFECARE CENTRE
264 KING STREET EAST, DOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO LIC iP9 (905)623-2553
FAX (905)623-1374
The Town of C:l ar i ngton AGENDA
_
40 Temperance Street .
Bowmanville, ON
LIC 3A6
Dear Mayer HamrA.
I would like to male a suggestion regarding the safety of
residents, visitors and staff of Strathaven Li.fecare Centre in
regards to crossing of Highway #l2.
Would it be possible for a set of lights to be installed at
the mall entrance and Galbraith CoLtrt?
I do realize that there are lights at Simpson Avenue,
unfor turnaLely it is still a long wall; for a person in the elgfl�th
dec=ade of life to get there in order to. g=ross the read.
In ;Port Perry they have placed traffic liUhLs a few mete'-
apart to enable their mall traffic to flow safely - surely it
would be wise to do the 'same on Highway #2 in Bowmanville,• in
order to prevent a mortal accident'
Yours Sincerely,
Jane Noble,
Administrator
ATTACHMENT N0 . 2
JN/sf WD-47-95
ATTACHMEN T NO. 1
DURHAM
REGION August 20 , 1992
The Regional
Municipality
of Durham
Works Department The Corporation of the Town of Newcastle
sox sea Public Works Department
105 consumers Dr. 40 Temperance Street
Whitby.Ontario
Canada,L1 6A3 Bowmanville, Ontario
(416)6e8-7721 L1C 3A6
Fax(416)666-2051
VA SiLGJLIS,P.Enp. Attn: Mr. R. Baker
Commissioner of Works
Dear Sir:
Please quote our ref:
TRA-NEW-SIG We are in receipt of your facsimile of August 13, 1992
requesting our comments on the petition for the
installation - of 'traffic control signals at the
intersection of Ring Street and Galbraith Court in the
Town of Newcastle. -
As you are aware, the Region operates and maintains the
traffic control signals- on King Street on behalf of the
Town of Newcastle . who, have jurisdiction over the
installations with' the exception of Regional Road 14
(Liberty Street) .• As such, *we are particularly concerned
with the request to install an additional signal on King
Street, 88 m east of the existing signalized intersection
located at Simpson Avenue.
Traffic signals exert 'a major influence on motorist and
pedestrians with respect to such factors as safety, delay
and transportation costs . The installation of traffic
signals at this site is not compatible with existing
signal operation and roadway capacity and will negatively
impact on east/west traffic flow increasing overall stops
and delays.
Intersection spacing less than 200 m will not permit
minimum lengths of back-to-back storage for left turning
vehicles and -is generally only applicable in areas of
intense existing development or restrictive physical
controls where feasible alternatives do not exist and
where optimizing traffic mobility is not as important as
along major' arterials .'
ATTACHMENT N0 . 3
WD-47-95 / . . .2
` J�_
This paper contains recycled material. -
4°13
The change in traffic operations ori this section of Mill Street would solve the potential .:.
problems at-the Main Street intersection;-but as NO Street is an off ramp for southbound
Mighway 35/115;the volume diverted onto the local streets-(Dickson-and Church streets.
may not be desirable. Traffic volume studies would have for be conducted to'determine
'the amount of traffic entering Orono-via the.Mill Street off ramp in order to assess the
impact a change-in traff c_pattern would create.
PedestriafiNehicle Volume
= Ffistoric vehicle volume on the.-section of Regional Road.17 through Orono has.remained
..relatively,stable since.1987 'with a'two=way average annual.daily volume of 2,000
vehicles. .Obsecvations of pedestrian.vQluni ' indicate that the number of crossing is also
very light.: The low*volume of vehicles provide sufficient gaps to allow pedestrians.to .
cross the 8.8 metre-wide driving.lanes without prolonged waiting:.The.combination of
vebigjdpedestrian volume do not warrant the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk any ..
where within the business section of Orono.
Parking—
During obseivatiQn studies, it.was%noted that illegal parking(within.corner restrictions)
is quite prevalent:. This may,be'due to the.condensed business section and the absence
of off-street paddng facilities. 'T-he permitted parking area on the ea&side ofM�in Street
between Mill Street and Centre Streetdoes not impedesigli%:c�iaWic:ce for�vehicles e)dting_
-..,MU-Street.-The-installation of a pedestrian cross-over within the business section.would'
further reduce:ahe availableMaiii'Stree't parking as:"no stopping .zones; totalling 45
metres, would be required on each.side.of the street within the.area of the cross-over:
Intersection'Controls
The suggestion of an additional stop sign to control southbound Main Street traffic at the
Mill Street iniersection.or the installation of traffic control signals*are neither warranted..
nor desirable at-this location.
Operating Speed
Speed samples obtained by the use of radar equipment of southbound Main Street traffic.
approaching Mill Street and the north end.of the business section-.show-that speeds are
well within the accepted range considering the horizontal alignment at this location. The
average recorded speed was 42 km/h with the highest•recorded speed being 53 km/h in
the 50 km/h speed zone.
3 '
- 3 -
kesolUtlon No C-97-95
The Region's position• on •installing 'traffic, control signals at:the Bowmanville
MalUGalbraith Court intersection has not changed from that as stated in a letter to the
-Municipality of Clarington .dated August 20, 1992..A copy of that letter is attached for
Your-review{Attachment No.-1).
The requested signal.location at Kirig Street/Galbraith Court and the Highway 7. A/plaza.-
shopping centrein Port Perry:is>not-a comparable.situaton:
The requested signal'in Bbwiiiarivilie would be'only*88 metres from an existing signal.
There are a total of three'accesses to the Bowmanville Mall, two of which access King
Street.
The Port Perry plaza signal is located app
ro
ximately 200 metres from-ari adjacent signal.
The signal-installation was funded by the plaza owners and installed by the Ministry of
Transportation of Ontario. The.signal installation was.designed and approved by the
Ministry on the basis of a large retail development' slated for .the opposite side of
Highway 7A The Port Perry pl?za owners funded'the installation in lieu of paying an
arinaal fee of:.$25,000:00 for paid duty.OntarioPolice Officers:�to direct tiaffc at the
Plaza entrance on weekends. Tlie Port.Perry-plaza has-one access only .
1-trust this inforination is satisfactory for your f Lure report:
...Yours.truly,
R.McMullen
ALrJm Managef; Traffic'Operations
-Encl.
cc: M:Lenters
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417
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THE CORPORATION OF.THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
REPORT
PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE File #
Me+g:
GENERAL Res. #
JANUARY 20, 1992 By-Law# _---- ---
Date�l �
B.01.09 .07 T
Report#: ION
WD-9-92 Fife#: INSTALLA
LIFECARE CENTRE FOR THE
REQUEST FROM STRATHAVEN
Subject: OF A CROSSWALK
Fiecgmmendations: Purpose and
y
Xt
recommended that the General
oAministra
tion Committee recommend to Council the folllowiOwi
ng
is respectfull
1. THAT Report WD-9-92 be received;
crossover at 264 King Street
THAT the request for a
-pedestrian which does not
Bowmanville,
East, Strathaven Lifecare Centre, be denied; and
comply with Provincial Guidelines,
Administrator, Strathaven Lifecare
THAT Catherine Rilge. decision .and be
Centre, be advised of provided with
council's
-
Centre,
copy of Report WD-9-92.
-----------------
NEPORT
i1.0 AT ' 1991, from M.
No. 1: Correspondence dated October 3,
MacGregor
No. 2: Key Map .
;2.0 BACKGROUND' ber 15, 1991, Council passed
-2A At a regular meeting held on Octo
Resolution #C-620-91:
ATTACHMENT N0 . 5
WD-47-95
. . . /2
418
REPORT NO. : WD-9=92 PAGE 2
"THAT the correspondence dated October 3,
1991, from M. MacGregor, Secretary, Strathaven
Lifecare Centre, requesting the installation
of a crosswalk in front of Strathaven Lifecare
Centre, 264 King Street East, be received;
THAT the correspondence be referred to the
Director of Public Works for the preparation
of a review and recommendation to the General
Purpose and Administration Committee; and
THAT M. MacGregor be advised of Council's decision. "
3.0 REVIEW AND COMMENT
3 . 1 Provincial Guidelines for Pedestrian Crossovers P%O
To provide uniformity in the installation of pedestrian
crossovers in Ontario, installation criteria (including
warrant requirements) , ground mounted and overhead signage
(including pedestrian activated flashing .amber beacons) , and
pavement marking requirements have been developed as a result
of an extensive study done by the Ministry of Transportation
of Ontario in co-operation with the Ontario Traffic Conference
and Municipalities in Ontario. Under Part A of the
Installation Criteria the following sections which pertain to
I
this request x4ere considered and checked for compliance:
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"6) - No visibility problems should exist for
either pedestrians or motorists. due to
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horizontal or vertical roadway
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alignment. "
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. . . /3
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. 419
PAGE 3
PORT NO. : wD-9-92
The sight distance at the requested location directly in
�. front of Strathaven Lifecare Centre is acceptable despite the
grade change to the east.
r.
419) The pedestrian crossover location should
be greater than 215 metres (705 feet)
` from another pedestrian crossover,
traffic signal installation,
flashing amber light, or school
crossing. "
The proposed crossing location is 163 metres (535 feet) from
the traffic signal controlled intersection at Simpson Avenue
which is less than the Provincial guideline. If. a pedestrian
scrossover with flashing beacons was installed in close
proximity to'a signalized intersection it would result in the
driver's attention being directed to the next traffic control
signal, which would place pedestrians at greater risk.
"14) Pedestrian crossovers should be installed
only when the warrant for pedestrian
crossovers is met. "
A pedestrian crossover study was reviewed and noted that an
adjusted eight hour pedestrian volume of less than 200 should
not normally require consideration of a crossover. The staff
of Strathaven Lifecare Centre estimates that use by 20
residents would result in a total of 40 crossings during an
eight hour period. This estimate of 40 crossings is
considerably less than the. 200 figure required under the
provincial guidelines .
4 ' 0
ROpORT NO. : WD-9-92 PACE 5
3 .:4 Special Consideration for Senior Citizens
The warrant analysis states:
"There may be certain . locations where the
installation of a pedestrian crossover will
result in an undesirable operation. An
example would be where the pedestrian flow is
rather steady causing unnecessarily long
vehicular delays, such as near schools and
shopping'` malls. Another example would be
where extra guidance is needed for pedestrians
to cross the road such as near senior citizen
complexes, playgrounds, hospitals, _ and
anywhere pedestrian and/or vehicular volumes
are extremely high. At these locations
consideration should be given to the
installation of a traffic signal control
system. "
The familiar three coloured traffic signal provides more
. safety for seniors than a standard pedestrian crossover. As
an alternative suggestion, further assistance could be
provided by Strathaven Lifecare Centre to residents with the
implementation of a shuttle bus service for residents who are
not able to walk the short distance to the traffic signal at
Simpson Avenue.
.5 Cost of Traffic Control Devices
Pedestrian Crossover
A pedestrian activated flashing amber overhead warning system
would cost approximately $20,000.
Traffic Control Signal System
i
A pedestrian activated, traffic signal system would cost
approximately $22,000. and may be linked to the traffic
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422
REPORT NO. : WD-9-92 PAGE 6
signal at Simpson Avenue to reduce delays to traffic.
In this situation, the traffic control signal system is
preferred to the pedestrian crossover.
Subsidy
The Ministry of Transportation will not subsidize either of
these traffic control devices because the warrants have not
been met in accordance with the provincial guidelines.
4.0 CONCLUSIONS
4 . 1 From the above, it is concluded that a pedestrian crossover
at the requested location would be detrimental to traffic
flow, reduce the effectiveness of the traffic signal control
system on the King Street corridor and increase motor vehicle
accidents . A pedestrian crossover would place the seniors at
greater risk than if they were to use the existing traffic
signal controlled crossing at Simpson Avenue.
4 .2 Strathaven Lifecare Centre should direct .all their residents
to use the traffic signal controlled crossing at Simpson
Avenue for their continued safety and/or consider a shuttle
bus type of service for residents in poor health.
Respectfully submitted, Rebommendefy 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. 9, 1992
Attachments
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EXISTING TRAFFIC SIGNAL/
CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSStfJG
EXISTING SIDEWALK
STRATHAVEN
a f- IFECARE
CD D
CD CENTRE z
J
KING STREET a
w Q
z 163m 219m-
0 J U
(n w J Q t—
o. > �X
` to z W
W
PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN
CROSS WALK
FUTURE
TRAFFIC
SIGNALS
altl
O � c
„ QIUK
DRAWN J.M. DATE: OEC. 1991
ATTACHMENT NO, 2
RAY MAP WD- 9-92
424
t COUNCIL DIRECTION D-1
STRATHAVEN_LIF_ECARE-C_EN_TRE ------
264 KING STREET EAST, DOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO LiC 1P9, (416) 623-2553
October 3, 1991
To Town Clerk E. Bar.rid
Dear Madam:
I have been instructed to apply through you for a cross walk in
front of Strathaven Lifecare- Centre, 26„1 King St. E.
It is too much for residents to walk to *the step light, cross
over and down to the Rowmanville shoppiiq mall.
It would be a great help to residents a.nd we would appreciate
your help in sec"rinq this convenience.
Yours truly,
M. MacGreoor
Secretary
DIST UTI
CLERK. ...
ACK. BY
ORIGINAL
CO I S T0: :
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FILE.IQ. ._
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ATTACIDIENT N0. 1
WD-9-92 j
0 :)
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:r
S
May 8, 1995
Director of Public Works
The Regional MUIt1C1 all Of
Municipality p ty Clarington
of.Durham 40 Temperance Street
Works Bowmanville, Ontario
Department L1C 3A6
Box 623
105 Consumers Dr. Dear Sir:
Whitby,Ontario
Canada L1 N 6A3
(905)'.668-7721 RE: KING STREET AND SEWPSON AVENUE-
Fax:(965) 668-2051 SIGNAL TE�I NGS'
v,A. Silgailis, P.Eng. ' YOUR FILE B.01.09.07
Commissioner
of Works
Please quote our ref Thi you for your enquiry of March 16, 1995, concerning the length of the pedestrian
clearance timings at King Street and Simpson Avenue in the Town of Bowmanville.
TRA-BOW SIG This intersection operates in a semi actuated mode which means that pedestrians must .
press the button in order for the signals to cycle to north/sotzth pedestrian walk.and
vehicle green indications. Having reviewed the intersection, we noted the following and
plan'to take remedial action to help.ease the crossing of pedestrians: . : .
• Results of Tnv sti atinn '. � . :
• north/south-pedestrian .Walk' and Don't Walk' clearance fimiiigs have .been
calculated using the slowest walking speed
• pedestrian push buttons are working properly.
pedestrian crossing•tirtles are more than adequate
•: . seniors crossing from'Strathaven Care Centre are not pushing the pedestrian button
Planned Action
The specific actions we are planning are:
• insta1124`x 24" Pedestrian must push button signs'on.the signal poles above the
pedestrian.heads
install.Pedestrian must use other crosswalk' signs ori the signal poles on the west .
approach.
A.TTACHMENT N0 . 6 „2
WD-47-9.5
100%Post co,sume_ = 426
�_
- 2 -
I trust that you concur with the aforementioned: Thank you again for bringing your
concerns to our attention.
Yours truly
T..Preyedel, P.Eng.
Director of Transportation
rt/ps
cc: R. Baker, Traffic Co=ordinator- .
R. Szwarz.
F . •427
513 DIVISION STREET, P.O. BOX 910, COBOURG
ONTARIO,CANADA K9A 4W4
totten sims hubicki associates (905)372-2121 FAX(905)372-3621
Mr. W.A. Evans, P.Eng., Director of Public Works
Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
Municipal Administration Centre, 40 Temperance Street
BOWMANVILLE, Ontario LIC 3A6
May 24, 1995
Dear Sir:
Re: Municipality of Clarington, King Street East, (Adjacent to Bowmanville Mall),
Report on Pedestrian Crossing
We provide herewith two (2) copies of the Report dated May 23, 1995, authored by our Mr. Garry Pappin
concerning the subject matter. The provided background details of the current problem at the site
including the recommendations for improvement are clear and will assist you in the preparation of your
report. --
Kindly call the undersigned should additional details be required.
Yours truly,
totten sims hubicki associates
. ,
D.R. Bourne
Projects Manager
DRB/ag
7888E/8/5/10463/C
i
encl.
PC: A.S. Cannella, CET, Manager of Engineering
Ron Baker, Municipality of Clarington (+encl.)
ATTACHMENT N0 . 7
WD-47-95
ENGINEERS ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS
428 ..
MEMORANDUM
TO: Don Bourne
FROM: Garry Pappin
DATE: May 23, 1995
RE: King Street Pedestrian Crossings (Strathaven Lifecare Centre)
Bowmanville
File No. 12-10463
As requested, we have examined the pedestrian crossing issues along King Street in the vicinity of
the Strathaven Lifecare Centre (seniors residence) and the Bowmanville Mall. This memorandum
documents the traffic studies undertaken and the resultant findings.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ISSUES
In the Study Area, King Street has recently been improved from a two lane cross section to a five
lane cross section including a two-way left turn lane. With the increased road width, concerns
have been raised regarding pedestrian safety, and particularly the safety of elderly residents of the
Strathaven Lifecare Centre who must cross King Street to reach the Bowmanville Mall.
At present, pedestrians from the seniors residence have three basic options for accessing the
Bowmanville Mall:
1) Cross King Street mid-block between the Strathaven main entrance and Bowmanville mall
and utilize the two-way left turn lane as a refuge area.
2) Walk west to the intersection of King Street/Galbraith Court-Bowmanville Mall central
access (some 70 m west of the seniors building central entrance), and cross at this
unsignalized intersection.
3) Walk west to the intersection of King Street/Simpson Avenue(some 170 m west of the
seniors building central entrance), and cross with the assistance of the traffic signals at this
location.
Since options 1 and 2 require the least distance to walk between the seniors residence and the
mall, they result in pedestrian crossings at a number of uncontrolled locations along King Street.
This situation is the basis for the pedestrian safety concerns.
I
totten rims hubicki associates
. � i
Memorandum of May 23, 1995 Page 2
TRAFFIC STUDIES
A count of pedestrians crossing King Street in the vicinity of the Strathaven Lifecare Centre was
conducted on Thursday, May 18, 1995 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30
p.m. The section of King Street observed was from the east leg of the King Street/Galbraith
Court-Bowmanville Mall access intersection to the easternmost access (main entrance)to
Strathaven. The time periods were chosen to reflect peak lunchtime pedestrian activity and peak-
afternoon
eakafternoon traffic activity.
Pedestrians were classified by age group to determine the composition of pedestrian traffic. A
summary of the counted pedestrian volumes is provided in Table 1.
TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF PEDESTRIAN VOLUMES CROSSING KING STREET
(Strathaven Lifecare Centre to/from Bowmanville Mall)
Volume of Pedestrian Traffic By Age Group
Time Period 0 - 10 yrs. 10- 20 yrs. 20 - 50 yrs. 50- 70 yrs. 70 yrs. + [Total
11:30 a.m. to - 4* 11 3 --
12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. to - 8 17 5 _ - -_30
1:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m. to - - 3 3** _ 6
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. to - - - 2 - 2
5:30 p.m.
Notes:
*includes two bikes
**includes one wheelchair and one pedestrian with a cane
According to field observations, the majority of pedestrians crossing during the lunchtime period
appeared to be staff from the Strathaven Lifecare Centre. Also, pedestrians recorded in the 50 to
70 year age category were generally closer to 50 years of age than 70 years of age. j
i
In addition to the pedestrian count, vehicle traffic was also recorded for the following turning
movements:
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Memorandum of May 23, 1995 Page 3
• westbound left turn, from King Street to the Bowmanville Mall central access;
• southbound left turn, from the Strathaven westernmost access (main exit) to King Street;
and
• eastbound left turn, from King Street to the Strathaven easternmost access(main
entrance).
These turning movements were selected since, depending on their volume, they could limit the
possible improvement strategies for pedestrian facilities on King Street.
It was found that each of the counted turning movements had very low hourly volumes. The
westbound left turn from King Street to the Bowmanville Mall centre access was less than 25
vehicles in each hour counted, while the turning movements to and from Strathaven were less
than 10 vehicles per hour. No significant delays were observed for any of these turning
movements and vehicle queues were a maximum of two vehicles at any time.
To supplement the field studies, and to assess roadway operating conditions on this section of
King Street, an August 1994 traffic count for the adjacent King Street/Simpson Avenue
intersection was also reviewed. Based on that count, and observations of 1995 traffic, it was
determined that the subject section of King Street operates at a very good level of service and is
well .within the capacity of an arterial road with a five-lane cross section.
ANALYSIS
The traffic data that has been collected indicates that there is a relatively low number of pedestrian
crossings, in all age categories, between the Strathaven Lifecare Centre and the Bowmanville
Mall. Further, with the good operating conditions along King Street, and the gaps in through
traffic created by the traffic signals located to the west at King Street/Simpson Avenue and to the
east at King Street/Mearns Avenue, adequate opportunities for pedestrians crossings should
result.
Some potential safety issues still remain, however, and several options have been considered for
possible improvements to the existing situation. These are discussed in the points below:
1. Traffic Control
Due to the proximity of the existing traffic signals at King Street/Simpson Avenue and
King Street/Mearns Avenue, the option of signalizing the King Street/Galbraith Court- !
Bowmanville Mall access is precluded.
An official pedestrian crossover to the east of King Street/Galbraith Court-Bowmanville
Mall access is another traffic control measure to assist pedestrian crossings. With the
relatively low volume of pedestrian movements between Strathaven and the Bowmanville
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Memorandum of May 23, 1995 Page 4
Mall, however, the Provincial warrants for a pedestrian crossover would not be satisfied.
Therefore, this measure is not recommended.
The last traffic control measure considered was to reinforce the 50 km/h speed limit on
this section of King Street for westbound traffic. At present, there is a speed zone change
from 80 km/h to 50 km/h just east of Mearns Avenue. An additional speed limit sign
located on the north side of King Street to the west of Mearns Avenue would be beneficial
in reminding motorists of the change from a rural to an urban driving environment.
2. Warning Signs
Standard pedestrian crossing warning signs have been posted on the subject section of
King Street, and are located just east of the Strathaven entrance driveway and just east of
the King Street/Simpson Avenue intersection. To acknowledge the seniors residence land
use on the north side of King Street, consideration could be given to replacing these signs
with "Seniors Crossing" signs. Although not currently shown in the Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices, this sign is now in use on Highway 2 in Whitby in the vicinity of
the Fairview Lodge seniors residence. Photographs of this sign are shown in Exhibit 1.
3. Pedestrian Refuge Island
In many mid-block locations on arterial roads in Metropolitan Toronto, pedestrian refuge
islands have been-constructed to facilitate pedestrian crossings. These.are raised median
islands of approximately 2.0 in in width and 20.0 m in length that have side railings to both
protect and channelize pedestrian movements. Curb cuts on the median ensure that these
islands are wheelchair and bicycle accessible.
In addition to providing a safety refuge at the mid-way point of a roadway, the placement
of railing openings at opposite ends of the island forces pedestrians to focus on one
direction of traffic at a time in making their crossing. Exhibit 2 includes photographs of a
pedestrian refuge island located on Leslie Street in the City of North York. This particular
island includes a landscaping treatment at both ends, however, this feature has been
excluded from future refuge islands in Metropolitan Toronto to reduce maintenance and
cost.
A pedestrian refuge island could be constructed in the two-way left turn median area on
King Street opposite the main doors to the Strathaven Lifecare Centre. With the low
turning volumes to both Strathaven and the Bowmanville Mall central access, adequate
storage distance would remain in the two-way left turn lane both west and east of the
pedestrian refuge island location.
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Memorandum of May 23, 1995 Page 5
Should a pedestrian refuge island be considered for this location on King Street, it would
also be necessary to improve pedestrian (and wheelchair) access to the Bowmanville Mall
parking lot at the point where pedestrians would cross. Currently, there is a small
elevation difference and a landscaped (grass) area between the King Street south sidewalk
and the Bowmanville Mall parking lot. A formal pedestrian access would be required at
this point, and it is likely that one parking space along the northern perimeter of the site
would be lost.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the review of existing conditions along King Street in the vicinity of the Strathaven
Lifecare Centre and the Bowmanville Mall, the following conclusions are reached:
a) For peak weekday lunchtime and afternoon peak hours, a good vehicular level of service is
provided along the subject section of King Street, and traffic volumes are well within the
capacity provided by the recently constructed five lane cross section.
b) Mid-block pedestrian crossings at the times observed are relatively low, and adequate gaps
in eastbound and westbound traffic along King Street are available for pedestrian
movements.
c) In view of the walking distance required to reach the nearest intersections that would
serve the pedestrian demand between.the Strathaven Lifecare Centre and the Bowmanville
Mall, it is concluded that mid-block pedestrian crossings at uncontrolled locations along
this section of King Street will continue to be a common occurrence.
d) Options for enhancing the safety of mid-block crossings at this location include the
following:
• an additional 50 km/h speed limit sign to be located on the north side of King
Street (facing westbound traffic)just west of Mearns Avenue;
• replacing the existing standard pedestrian crossing warning signs with similar
"Seniors Crossing" warning signs; and
• the installation of a pedestrian refuge island in the centre median area of King
Street east of the King Street/Galbraith Court-Bowmanville Mall access
intersection and approximately opposite the main doors to the Strathaven Lifecare
Centre. The latter improvement would also require some additional work to
improve pedestrian access between the King Street south side sidewalk and the
Bowmanville Mall parking lot.
With the existing low volume of pedestrian crossings and good operating conditions along
King Street, the signage improvements could be undertaken in the short term. Continued
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Memorandum of May 23, 1995 Page 6
monitoring of traffic and pedestrian conditions would be required to determine the future
necessity of installing the pedestrian refuge island.
If you have any questions or comments on the above, please call.
/U-1 prw
Garry F. Pappin, B.E.S., C.E.T.
Senior Project Manager
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TRAFFIC ---�.--
ATTACHMENT N0 . 8
WD-47-95
METROT NSPORTATION
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