Reduction of Speed Limit from 60 km/h to 50 km/h on Scarlett Road between the Bridge and West (Ward 2 - Etobicoke North and Ward 4 - Etobicoke Centre)

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (August 20, 2002) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 2:

Purpose:

To obtain approval to reduce the legal speed limit on Scarlett Road, between the Humber River Bridge and Lawrence Avenue West, from 60 km/h to 50 km/h.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The funds associated with the introduction of the appropriate regulatory signage are contained in the Transportation Services Division Operating Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the speed limit on Scarlett Road, between the Humber River and Lawrence Avenue West, be reduced from 60 km/h to 50 km/h; and

(2) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto, including the introduction in Council of any bills that may be required.

Background:

At the request of Councillor Rob Ford, on behalf of a constituent, Transportation Services staff investigated the feasibility of reducing the speed limit on Scarlett Road between the Humber River Bridge and Lawrence Avenue West from 60 km/h to 50 km/h. Also investigated was the feasibility of converting the existing split pedestrian crossovers at the intersections of Scarlett Road and Raymore Drive as well as Scarlett Road and Alma Drive/Scarlettwood Court to traffic control signals. A map of the area is Attachment No. 1.

Comments:

Scarlett Road is classified as a major arterial road between Lawrence Avenue West and and a minor arterial road south of Eglinton Avenue. The speed limit on Scarlett Road between the Humber River and Lawrence Avenue West is 60 km/h. North of Lawrence Avenue West and south of the Humber River the speed limit is 50 km/h. On Scarlett Road between Lawrence Avenue West and Eglinton Avenue, traffic control signals exist at La Rose Avenue with split pedestrian crossovers (PXO) at Raymore Drive and at Alma Drive/Scarlettwood Court.

The volume of traffic on Scarlett Road in this area is approximately 19,000 vehicles per day. Direct driveway access from single family homes is provided onto both sides of Scarlett Road.

The current speed limit on Scarlett Road changes from 50 km/h to 60 km/h and back to 50 km/h over a 2.5 kilometre section of road. Speed studies conducted on Scarlett Road, in the area posted as 60 km/h, revealed an average speed of 62 km/h with an 85th percentile speed of 66 km/h. The 85th percentile is the speed at or below which the majority of reasonable motorists feel comfortable travelling, based on the existing traffic volumes and surrounding conditions. Although these speeds are consistent with a 60 km/h speed limit, staff feel that a reduction in the speed limit on Scarlett Road between the Humber River and Lawrence Avenue West to 50 km/h is appropriate given that this 60 km/h speed limit is for a relatively short section of road. The resultant speed limit change may lead to more consistent vehicular speeds on this section of road.

This speed limit reduction will also be more consistent with the 50 km/h speed limit on other roads in the Etobicoke Community Council area that have direct access from numerous residential driveways onto the road such as the residential sections of and Islington Avenue.

The results of our traffic control signal warrant studies reveal that the minimum warrant requirements for signal installation are not achieved at either intersection. Our signal warrant results are as follows:

Scarlett Road and Raymore Drive -

(a) Minimum Vehicular Volume: 12 percent; and (b) Delay to Cross Traffic: 13 percent; and

Scarlett Road and Alma Drive/Scarlettwood Court:

(a) Minimum Vehicular Volume: 22 percent; and (b) Delay to Cross Traffic: 42 percent.

In order to meet the warrants, 100 percent compliance is required in one of the two categories or 80 percent in both.

During our 8-hour studies, 26 pedestrians were recorded crossing Scarlett Road at Raymore Drive and 127 were recorded crossing Scarlett Road at Alma Drive/Scarlettwood Road.

Although the warrants are not achieved for traffic control signals, we will be upgrading some of the warning signs at, and in advance of, the split pedestrians crossovers to make them more visible and advise motorists of the presence of pedestrians crossing in the area. Conclusions:

It is recommended that the speed limit on Scarlett Road between the Humber River Bridge and Lawrence Avenue West be reduced from 50 km/h to 60 km/h. This speed limit reduction will provide a consistent speed limit for the entire length of the road.

Contact:

Bruce Clayton, Supervisor, Traffic Engineering-District 2 Tel: (416)394-8408; Fax: (416)394-8942 E-mail: clayton@city..on.ca ______

Charles Roy Murray appeared before the Etobicoke Community Council in connection with the foregoing report.

(A copy of Attachment No. 1, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of the Etobicoke Community Council with the agenda for its meeting on October 16, 2002, and a copy is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, Etobicoke Civic Centre.)