REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: June 26, 2017 Report No. EPW-17-030
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 1254 that a zebra crosswalk and its associated signage be installed on the east leg of the Colville Road and Phoenix Street intersection.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Streets and Traffic Regulation Bylaw, 2017, No. 2898
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Health 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 Phoenix Street and Colville Road. This is a four legged intersection with the Phoenix Street legs being offset. The major street is Colville Road with Phoenix Street being the minor street with a stop sign and road markings. It was identified to have a high priority for action in the ICBC report. The recommendation is that a crosswalk be installed on the east leg of Colville Road. See Attachment A for location map and Traffic Order.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The intersection of Colville Road and Phoenix Street is one of the gateway intersections to Esquimalt High School. This intersection however does not have a designated crosswalk. The installation of a crosswalk will facilitate the movement of pedestrians to and from the school.
It is the staff recommendation that a zebra stripped crosswalk along with associated signage be installed on the east leg of Colville Road. A Zebra strip crosswalk is typically used where there is need for a greater emphasis or visibility is needed. These crosswalks are generally free-flowing as well. This design makes the crosswalk easier to be seen on roads that are unimpeded by traffic controls.
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 zebra crosswalk and associated signage on the east leg of Colville Road. 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. Esquimalt High School will also be informed of the new intersection designation. The change in traffic control would also be forwarded to Vic PD.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council approve Traffic Order 1254 that a zebra crosswalk and its associated signage be installed on the east leg of the Colville Road and Phoenix Street intersection.
2. That Council not approve Traffic Order 1254 that a zebra crosswalk and its associated signage be installed on the east leg of the Colville Road and Phoenix Street intersection.