REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: May 16, 2016 Report No. EPW-16-015
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
SUBJECT:
Title
Implementation of Traffic Control Review Project Recommendations
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve Traffic Order 1232 that “Stop” signs and road markings be installed on Uganda Avenue at the intersection of Uganda Avenue and McNaughton Avenue.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Street and Traffic Bylaw, 2005, No. 2607
The Township Guide to Traffic Calming
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Healthy and Liveable Community - ensure multi-modal traffic strategies consider and reflect business and residential growth and development
Well Managed and Maintained Infrastructure - identify infrastructure repair and proactive plan for replacement needs
BACKGROUND:
In early 2016 the Township has received the Traffic Control Review report (EPW-16-001). This report was sponsored by ICBC and the Township with the work being completed by a professional engineer/traffic engineer with an external consultant. The objective of the Project was to undertake a comprehensive review of traffic signs and road markings within the Township of Esquimalt.
The location in question is the intersection of Uganda Avenue and McNaughton Avenue. It was identified to have a very high priority for action and recommendations that traffic control be added to it.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The four leg intersection of Uganda Avenue and McNaughton Avenue is currently uncontrolled. This can lead drivers traveling in both directions to assume that they are travelling on a continuous through road and that they have the right of way in the intersection. This assumption also invites drivers to operate vehicles at higher speeds through the intersections. At this location due to the surrounding streetscape, foliage and buildings, sight lines are reduced for a driver which diminishes a driver’s ability to observe and react to other vehicles and pedestrians.
The Report’s recommendation and Staff’s opinion is that addition of two stops signs on the Uganda Avenue legs of the intersection is the appropriate traffic control for this location. It is anticipated that the addition of the stop signs at this intersection will provide drivers with visual information as to who has the right of way, lower the speed of vehicles and thus increase the overall safety of the intersection.
2. Organizational Implications
The proposed Traffic Order would be prepared by Engineering and signed by the Corporate Officer and the Director of Engineering and Public Works. Public Works would then install the stop signage and road markings on Uganda Avenue. The traffic order would also be forwarded to Victoria Police Department (Vic PD). These activities will not impose any significant organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
The Traffic Order and implementation can be accommodated within the current operational budgets for the various departments that will be involved in the issuing of the Traffic Order.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications to the TO. An increased level of safety will be achieved due to the traffic control.
5. Communication & Engagement
Once a Traffic Order has been approved, this information will be posted to the Township’s website and other social media forums. At the locations “new” tabs will be installed on the traffic control devices where it is appropriate. These tabs will remain for approximately 6 months to assist residents to adjust to the new traffic control devices. The change in traffic control would also be forwarded to Vic PD.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council approve Traffic Order 1232 that “Stop” signs and road markings be installed on Uganda Avenue at the intersection of Uganda Avenue and McNaughton Avenue.
2. That Council not approve Traffic Order 1232 that “Stop” signs and road markings be installed on Uganda Avenue at the intersection of Uganda Avenue and McNaughton Avenue.