REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: February 26, 2018 Report No. EPW-18-017
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 1288 that existing “Yield” sign on Park Place at Carlisle Avenue be replaced with a “Stop” sign and road markings at the same location, and rescind Traffic Order 586.
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 Carlisle Avenue legs and a yield sign on Park Place. It was identified to have a medium priority for action in the ICBC report. The recommendation is that the existing yield sign located on Park Place 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 on Park Place at the intersection of Carlisle Avenue be replaced with a stop sign.
At this time the intersection does not experience significant traffic volumes. This will change with the construction of the Esquimalt Town Square. The main entrance way from the underground parkade exits onto Park Place. This will increase the traffic volumes on Park Place and Carlisle Avenue. Carlisle Avenue legs are the major legs and Park Place the minor leg. The use of a stop sign would communicate with the driver their responsibilities for the intersection and allow them to better assess the intersection before entering it.
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 Park Place. 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 1288 that existing “Yield” sign on Park Place at Carlisle Avenue be replaced with a “Stop” sign and road markings at the same location, and rescind Traffic Order 586.
2. That Council not approve Traffic Order 1288 that existing “Yield” sign on Park Place at Carlisle Avenue be replaced with a “Stop” sign and road markings at the same location, and rescind Traffic Order 586.