REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: June 26, 2017 Report No. EPW-17-029
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
SUBJECT:
Title
Implementation of Traffic Control Review Project Recommendation
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve Traffic Order 1253 that “Stop” sign and road markings be removed from Drake Avenue (north) at the intersection of Effingham Street, and rescind Traffic Order 863.
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.
The location in question is the intersection of Drake Avenue and Effingham Street. This is a “T” intersection with traffic controls on the Effingham Street and Drake Avenue (north) legs. It was identified to have a high priority for action in the ICBC report. The recommendation is that a stop sign and road markings either be removed from the north leg Drake Avenue or installed on the south leg of Drake Avenue. See Attachment A for location map and Traffic Order.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The “T” intersection of Drake Avenue and Effingham Street is currently controlled on two of its legs. This signage has created a situation where there is no clear definition to the major and minor legs of the intersection. This situation can lead to the assumption that this is three way stop intersection and confusion/frustration to drivers on the controlled legs as to why the uncontrolled leg does not have a stop sign.
It is the staff recommendation that the stop sign on the Drake Avenue (north) leg of the intersection has its traffic control removed (rescind Traffic Order 863). This will create an intersection with clearly defined major and minor legs and will provide drivers with visual information as to who has the right of way, thus increasing the overall safety of 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 and Traffic Order 863 be rescinded. Public Works would then remove the stop signage and road markings on Drake Avenue (north). 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 is 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. The change in traffic control would also be forwarded to Vic PD.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council approve Traffic Order 1253 that “Stop” sign and road markings be removed from Drake Avenue (north) at the intersection of Effingham Street, and rescind Traffic Order 863.
2. That Council not approve Traffic Order 1253 that “Stop” sign and road markings be removed from Drake Avenue (north) at the intersection of Effingham Street, and not rescind Traffic Order 863.
3. That Council not rescinds Traffic Order 863, (Stop sign and road markings) on Drake Avenue (north) at the intersection of Effingham Avenue and approves Traffic Order 1253 that “Stop” sign and road markings be installed on Drake Avenue (south) at the intersection of Effingham Avenue.