REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: April 24, 2017 Report No. EPW-17-012
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
SUBJECT:
Title
Implementation of Traffic Control Review Project Recommendations - Traffic Order 1242
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve Traffic Order 1242, that “Stop” signs and road markings be installed on Highrock Place (north leg) and Highrock Place (south leg) at the intersection of Highrock Avenue.
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RELEVANT POLICY:
Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2005, No. 2607
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 (see Staff 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 Highrock Place at Highrock Avenue. This is a four legged intersection with no traffic controls on the Highrock Place and Highrock Avenue legs. It was identified in the Report to have a high priority for action. The recommendation is that stop signs and road markings be installed on Highrock Place (north leg) and Highrock Place (south leg). See Attachment A for location map and Traffic Order.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The four leg intersection of Highrock Place at Highrock Avenue is currently uncontrolled. This can lead drivers traveling in both directions assuming 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, intersection geometry, 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 Highrock Place (north/south) 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 Highrock Place (north leg) and Highrock Place (south leg). 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 1242 that “Stop” signs and road markings be installed on Highrock Place (north leg) and Highrock Place (south leg) at the intersection of Highrock Avenue.
2. That Council not approve Traffic Order 1242 that “Stop” signs and road markings be installed on Highrock Place (north leg) and Highrock Place (south leg) at the intersection of Highrock Avenue.