REPORT FOR ACTION
U-Turn Prohibition – Rexdale Boulevard and Humberwood Boulevard
Date: January 23, 2018 To: Etobicoke York Community Council From: Director, Transportation Services, Etobicoke York District Wards: Ward 2 – Etobicoke North
SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to propose the installation of a U-turn prohibition for westbound traffic on Rexdale Boulevard at Humberwood Boulevard.
This proposed U-turn prohibition will help to reduce vehicle conflicts on Rexdale Boulevard. Motorists have been observed performing U-turns at the subject location from a lane designated for through traffic.
As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on Rexdale Boulevard, City Council approval of this report is required.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Director, Transportation Services, Etobicoke York recommends that:
1. City Council prohibit U-turn movements at all times for westbound traffic on Rexdale Boulevard at Humberwood Boulevard.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The estimated financial cost of the supply and installation of signage is approximately $500.00. The funding for these signs is available in the Transportation Services Division's 2018 Operating Budget.
DECISION HISTORY
This report addresses a new initiative.
Staff Report for U-Turn Prohibition - Rexdale Boulevard and Humberwood Boulevard Page 1 of 4
COMMENTS
Transportation Services received a request from the local councillor, on behalf of an area resident, to have a westbound U-turn prohibition installed on Rexdale Boulevard at the intersection of Humberwood Boulevard. A map of the area is Attachment 1.
Rexdale Boulevard is classified as a major arterial road having four lanes in each direction in addition to an eastbound left turn lane. The legal speed limit on Rexdale Boulevard is 60 km/h. The roadway has an urban cross-section which includes curb and gutter. There is a sidewalk on north side of the street.
Site observations conducted during the morning peak period reveals that westbound motorists are completing westbound to eastbound U-turns. Since the westbound approach does not have a designated left turn lane, motorists are completing the U-turn from a lane in which traffic travels straight through the intersection. Although we did not observe any conflicts, given the speed limit and vehicle operating speed in the area, U- turns at this location are undesirable.
Our review of the collision history for the period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016 indicates no reported collisions involving U-turn manoeuvres.
To address safety concerns, staff recommends a 24-hour U-turn prohibition for westbound traffic on Rexdale Boulevard to the intersection of Humberwood Boulevard. This proposed prohibition will help deter U-turn manoeuvres, enhancing traffic safety on this portion of road.
Staff Report for U-Turn Prohibition - Rexdale Boulevard and Humberwood Boulevard Page 2 of 4
CONTACT
Kevin Akins, Engineering Technologist Traffic Operations, Etobicoke York District Phone: 416-394-6046; Fax: 416-394-8942 E-Mail: [email protected] AFS26261 P:\2018\Cluster B\TRA\EtobicokeYork\eycc180035-to
SIGNATURE
______Steven T. Kodama, P.Eng. Director, Transportation Services - Etobicoke York District
ATTACHMENT
1. Location Plan (Rexdale Boulevard and Humberwood Boulevard)
Staff Report for U-Turn Prohibition - Rexdale Boulevard and Humberwood Boulevard Page 3 of 4
Location Plan (Rexdale Boulvard and Humberwood Boulevard)
Staff Report for U-Turn Prohibition - Rexdale Boulevard and Humberwood Boulevard Page 4 of 4