REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: February 26, 2018 Report No. EPW-18-016
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 1287 that existing “Yield” sign on Beatty Street at Grafton Street be replaced with a “Stop” sign and road markings at the same location, and rescind Traffic Order 511.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2017, No. 2898
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 proactively plan for replacement needs.
BACKGROUND:
In early 2016, the Township received a 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.
This is a three legged intersection with no traffic controls on the Grafton Street legs and a yield sign on Beatty Street. It was identified to have a medium priority for action in the ICBC report. The recommendation is that the existing yield sign located on Beatty Street be changed to a stop sign. See Attachment A for location map and Traffic Order.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The use of yield signs at an intersection is to allow drivers to coast through an intersection unless there is another vehicle. If there is another vehicle, the driver with the yield sign is required to stop. The design guidelines from the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) specifies the use of yield signs are most appropriate at intersections with low traffic volumes, low frequency of collisions and adequate sight lines.
The Report’s recommendation and Staff’s opinion is that the yield sign located on Beatty Street be changed to a stop sign.
The sightline on North West corner of the intersection is adequate; however the sightline on the South West corner is impacted by vegetation. The grades on Grafton Street are fairly flat while the Beatty Street leg has a more significant grade. Due to the sightline and grades, drivers on the Beatty Street leg would benefit from coming to a full stop before entering the intersection and assessing it before entering the intersection.
2. Organizational Implications
The proposed Traffic Order has been prepared and is attached. Should Council approve the Order, it would then be signed by the Corporate Officer and the Director of Engineering and Public Works. Public Works would then install the stop sign and road markings on Beatty Street. 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 Traffic Order. 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 1287 that existing “Yield” sign on Beatty Street at Grafton Street be replaced with a “Stop” sign and road markings at the same location, and rescind Traffic Order 511.
2. That Council not approve Traffic Order 1287 that existing “Yield” sign on Beatty Street at Grafton Street be replaced with a “Stop” sign and road markings at the same location, and rescind Traffic Order 511.