HomeMy WebLinkAboutENG 06-13From: Richard W. Holborn
Director, Engineering & Public Works
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: ENG 06 -13
Date: July 2, 2013
Subject: Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road
- File: A -1440
Recommendation:
That Report ENG 06 -13 of the Director, Engineering & Public Works regarding
Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road, in response to
resident concerns and Resolution #156/12 be received;
2. That an all -way stop at Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane not be supported based
on previous traffic studies, results of the review of traffic operations, input from
Durham Regional Police, community consultation and staff recommendation;
3. That pedestrians ahead warning signage be installed for both the northbound and
southbound direction on Old Brock Road in the vicinity of the Claremont
Community Centre and Acorn Lane; and
4. That traffic calming measures on the entire limit of Old Brock Road be investigated
further with the participation with the Community as a whole and the Durham
Regional Police, and for staff to report back to Council by December 2013.
Executive Summary: In response to concerns presented by some residents in
Claremont and through Council Resolution #156/12 regarding traffic volume, speed and
safe opportunities to cross Old Brock Road between Regional Road #1 (Brock Road)
and Regional Road #5 (Central Street), Engineering. & Public Works staff completed a
review of Old Brock Road between Regional Road #1 (Brock Road) and Regional Road
#5 (Central Street). The review included collection of pedestrian and vehicle volumes,
completion of a municipal all -way stop warrant and community consultation regarding
the intersection of Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane. In addition, review of vehicular
gaps in traffic and review of vehicular speeds on Old Brock Road in the vicinity of the
Claremont Community Centre was completed.
Based the vehicle and pedestrian counts, vehicle gap study, and community
consultation an all -way stop is not recommended by staff at the intersection of Old
Brock Road and Acorn Lane at this time. The pedestrian volume count resulted in only
ten pedestrians crossing Old Brock Road at Acorn Lane over an eight -hour time frame.
The traffic count at Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane showed minimal traffic during the
peak times on Acorn Lane (less than 20 vehicles entering at Old Brock Road during the
Report ENG 06 -13 July 2, 2013
Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road Page 2
peak times). The vehicle gap study indicated that there was significant gaps in traffic to
cross safely throughout the day. The municipal all -way stop warrant was also not met
and community consultation resulted in only 18% of canvassed homes responding and
only 60% of those responding in support of an all -way stop.
Instead it is recommended that traffic calming measures be explored on Old Brock
Road, which would assist in reducing speed, discourage cut - through traffic along Old
Brock Road and meet the needs of the community.
The investigation of traffic calming measures on Old Brock Road would require more
involvement from the community as a whole and participation from the Durham
Regional Police and City of Pickering staff, which was out of the scope of this study.
The Durham Regional Police has stated that they will set up a portable speed board on
Old Brock Road and provide enforcement as required. According to the traffic study,
the 85th percentile speed of traffic, which is the speed of which 85 percent of the traffic
is travelling at or below, was measured at 62 km /h for northbound traffic and 69 km /h for
southbound traffic. The posted speed limit on Old Brock Road is 40 km /h. In addition to
this, City staff will install pedestrians ahead warning signage on Old Brock Road in
advance of the Claremont Community Centre and Acorn Lane in both the northbound
and southbound directions. These signs will make motorists more aware of pedestrians
potentially crossing Old Brock Road.
Financial Implications: The installation of pedestrians ahead warning signage and
posts can be accommodated within the 2013 Roads current budget.
Discussion: There have been concerns raised from a few residents in the
Hamlet of Claremont with regards to traffic volume, speed and safe opportunities to
cross Old Brock Road between Regional Road #1 (Brock Road) and Regional Road #5
(Central Street), specifically in the vicinity of Acorn Lane. Residents are concerned
about motorists using Old Brock Road as a cut - through to Brock Road from Central
Street and the effect it is having on pedestrians crossing Old Brock Road, as there is
the Claremont Public School, the Claremont Park, the Claremont Community Centre
and the Claremont Legion on Old Brock Road south of Central Street.
On December 14, 2012 Pickering City Council passed Resolution #156/12 (Attachment
#1) for staff to review Old Brock Road between Regional Road #1 (Brock Road) and
Regional Road #5 (Central Street), consult with the Durham Regional Police and
undertake community consultation to determine opportunities for safe crossing points
through the establishment of stop signs or other means, particularly at the intersection
of Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane.
Report ENG 06 -13 July 2, 2013
Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road Page 3
In response to Council Resolution #156/12 and the concerns presented by some of the
residents in Claremont, Engineering & Public Works staff completed a review of Old
Brock Road between Regional Road #1 (Brock Road) and Regional Road #5 (Central
Street). The review included the following:
• Collection of pedestrian volumes, vehicle volumes and vehicular speeds on in the
vicinity of the Claremont Community Centre
• Completion of a municipal all -way stop warrant at the intersection of Old Brock Road
and Acorn Lane
• Review of gaps in vehicular traffic on Old Brock Road
• Observations of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the vicinity of the Claremont
Community Centre
• Review of existing signs and pavement markings
The results of the review and recommendations are presented in the following sections.
Intersection Counts, Sightlines and Collision History indicate that an all -way stop
is not required for the intersection of Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane
Currently Old Brock Road has an all -way stop located at Old Brock Road and Central
Street and a stop located on Old Brock Road at Regional Road #1. There are no other
designated crossings on Old Brock Road between Regional Road #1 and Central
Street, a distance of approximately 780 metres. To determine if an all -way stop is
necessary on Old Brock Road at Acorn Lane staff completed a municipal all -way stop
warrant, which is part of the City's Safer Streets Traffic Management Strategy. The
City's all -way stop warrant calculates whether an all -way stop is required by taking
vehicle and pedestrian volumes, previous reported collision history and sightlines into
consideration.
An eight hour vehicle and pedestrian turning movement count was previously completed
on Wednesday October 19, 2011 for the intersection of Old Brock Road and Acorn
Lane. The specific time periods counted were lam to 9am, 11 am to 1 pm and 2pm to
6pm. Based on the turning movement count there were 10 pedestrians crossing Old
Brock Road during the entire 8 -hour count at Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane. Ten
pedestrians crossing over eight hours would not warrant a need for any additional traffic
control measures. Regardless of the pedestrian volumes, traffic volumes on Acorn
Lane are considered low with only 20 vehicles entering Old Brock Road from Acorn
Lane during the morning peak hour (7:15 AM to 8:15 AM), 9 vehicles during the mid -day
peak hour (11:45 AM to 12:45 PM) and 19 vehicles entering Old Brock Road from Acorn
Lane during the afternoon peak period (4:45 PM to 5:45 PM).
The reported collision history for Old Brock Road indicates that there were two reported
collisions on Old Brock Road during the previous five year period. Both of these
collisions were single motor vehicle accidents (only involving one vehicle) and would not
be correctable through the installation of an all -way stop.
Report ENG 06 -13 July 2, 2013
Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road Page 4
There are sufficient sightlines for a pedestrian to see oncoming vehicles on Old Brock
Road both northbound and southbound (greater than 100 metres) when standing on the
sidewalk on either side of Acorn Lane.
Overall, the all -way stop warrant requirements were not fulfilled for the intersection. The
municipal warrant for an all -way stop is shown in Attachment #2.
Gap Study Analysis indicates that there are sufficient gaps on Old Brock Road to
cross safely
An eight hour gap study on Old Brock Road at Acorn Lane was completed on February
21, 2013. The time period of the study was 7am to 9am, 11am'to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm.
The Canadian Capacity Guide for Signalized Intersections indicates a standard walking
speed range from 1.0 to 1.2 metres per second for pedestrians crossing roadways and
intersections. Old Brock Road has a pavement width of approximately 10 metres at
Acorn Lane. Based on the walking speed and the pavement width, an acceptable gap
on Old Brock Road could range from 8 seconds to 10 seconds to allow time for
pedestrians to cross safely from one side to the other. It should be noted that
pedestrians were observed crossing Old Brock Road in approximately 8 seconds.
However, for the purpose of this analysis gaps only gaps 10 seconds or greater will be
included.
The following summarizes the gap study for the larger acceptable gap of 10 seconds
(walking speed of 1.0 metres per second) Gaps refer to a gap in both the northbound
and southbound traffic on Old Brock Road at the same time.
It should be noted that not shown in the summary there were measured gaps in the
morning period up to 139 seconds, in the mid -day period up to 203 seconds and in the
afternoon period up to 160 seconds. The results of the gap study indicate that there is a
sufficient number of significant gaps in traffic well beyond what is required to cross
safely at this location.
Number of Acceptable
. Overall Average
Average number of
Gaps (greater than 10
Length of Gap
acceptable gaps per
seconds )
5 minute interval
Morning Period
7 AM to 9 AM
187
28 seconds
7.8
2 hours
Mid -day Period
11 AM tot PM
127
50 seconds
5.3
2 hours
Afternoon Period
2 PM to 6 PM
345
31 seconds
7.2
4 hours
It should be noted that not shown in the summary there were measured gaps in the
morning period up to 139 seconds, in the mid -day period up to 203 seconds and in the
afternoon period up to 160 seconds. The results of the gap study indicate that there is a
sufficient number of significant gaps in traffic well beyond what is required to cross
safely at this location.
Report ENG 06 -13 July 2, 2013
Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road Page 5
Community Consultation indicates a mixed result among area residents for an all -
way stop at the intersection of Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane
Community consultation commenced on March 28, 2013 and was completed on April
18, 2013. A letter from City staff was sent to every home in Claremont south of Central
Street for a total of 168 homes. The letter provided area residents with an opportunity
to review an all -way stop at the intersection of Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane and
invited them to submit comments and /or suggestions, as well as to indicate their support
or opposition.
The consultation generated 30 replies representing approximately 18% of the homes
canvassed. The results of the community consultation can be summarized as follows:
Total Letters Sent Out
Total Res onses
In Support
Opposed
168
30
18 60%
12 40%
It can be concluded that the proposal of an all -way stop at Old Brock Road and Acorn
Lane received mixed results from area residents. The majority of residents are
enthusiastically in favour of an all -way stop at Old Brock Road and Acorn Lane;
however, there are a number of residents extremely opposed to it as well.
With the intersection not meeting municipal warrants, there being a significant number
of acceptable gaps and a significant number of responding residents not in favour, staff
does not recommend an all -way stop at the intersection of Old Brock Road and Acorn
Lane at this time.
Speed and Vehicular Volume Data indicate that vehicles are travelling over the
posted speed limit on Old Brock Road
Speed and vehicular volume data was previously collected between October 18, 2011
and October 20, 2011 for Old Brock Road. Based on the traffic study, the 24 hour daily
traffic volume on Old Brock Road is 1,051 for northbound traffic, 972 for southbound
traffic, and 2023 for total traffic.
The 85th percentile speed of traffic, which is the speed at which 85 percent of the traffic
is travelling at or below, was measured at 62 km /h for northbound traffic and 69 km /h for
southbound traffic. The posted speed limit on Old Brock Road is 40 km /h.
Although the use of technically unwarranted all -way controls may address localized
speeding, they present additional challenges and operational difficulties such as:
• increased rear end conflicts /collisions due to driver uncertainty or inattention
• stop control non - compliance due to a lack of opposing traffic to justify a stop
• potential increased pedestrian /vehicular hazards due to failure to stop
• increased noise and air pollutants caused by the unnecessary stopping
• potentially increased speeds just beyond the stop as drivers make up for lost time
Report ENG 06 -13 July 2, 2013
Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road Page 6
The Durham Regional Police have stated that they will set up a portable speed board on
Old Brock Road and provide enforcement as required. The community volunteer group
ROAD WATCH could also occasionally provide a portable speed board on Old Brock
Road.
Staff recommends that traffic calming measures be explored on the entire limit of Old
Brock Road, from Regional Road #1 to Uxbridge Pickering Townline Road, which would
assist in reducing speed, discourage cut - through traffic and meet the needs of the
community. The investigation of traffic calming measures on the entire limit of Old
Brock Road would require more involvement from the community as a whole and
participation from the Durham Regional Police and City of Pickering staff, which was out
of the scope of this study.
Signage on Old Brock Road is adequate according to standards but can have an
immediate improvement with the addition of pedestrians ahead warning signage
The staff review concluded that the appropriate signs (in conformity with the
requirements of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act) are in place. There are sufficient 40
km /h speed signs on the roadway and advisory warning signage related to the curve at
the south end of Old Brock Road for southbound motorists.
In 2011 ROAD WATCH pavement marking decals and signage were added to Old
Brock Road at the north end by Uxbridge- Pickering Townline Road and the south end
by Regional Road #1 when entering the Hamlet of Claremont.
Signage in the area, however, can be improved on Old Brock Road with the addition of,
pedestrians ahead warning signs in advance of the Claremont Community Centre and
Acorn Lane in both the northbound and southbound directions. These signs will make
motorists more aware of pedestrians potentially crossing Old Brock Road. The existing
and proposed signage can be seen graphically in Attachment #3.
Attachments:
1. Notice of Motion dated December 10, 2012
2. Municipal Warrant for All -way Stop
3. Existing and Proposed Signage, Old Brock Road
Report ENG 06 -13 July 2, 2013
Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road Page 7
Prepared By:
- M'-4�z
Nathan Emery
Coordinator, Traffic Operations
'�-alato�
Darrel elsky C T, CMM III,
Manager, Capital Projects & Infrastructure
NE
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Popncil 1
Tony Prevedel, P. Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer
Approved /Endorsed By:
Richard olborn, P. Eng.
Direct , Engineering & Public Works
17 201,3
Legal and Legislative Services
Clerk's Office
Directive Memorandum
December 14, 2012
To: Everett Buntsma
Director, Community Services
From: Debbie Shields
City Clerk
Subject: Direction as per Minutes of the Special Meeting of City Council
held on December 10, 2012
Notice of Motion
Safe Pedestrian Crossings at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road
Council Decision
Resolution #156/12
Whereas some residents of Claremont have expressed safety concerns with traffic and
safe opportunities for pedestrians to cross Old Brock Road between Regional Road #1
(Brock Road) and Central Street, specifically in the vicinity of the Claremont Community
Centre and Acorn Lane; and
Whereas there are a number of amenities for pedestrians to access including, the
Claremont Public School, the Claremont Park, the Claremont Community Centre and
the Claremont Legion; and
Whereas there is presently no stop sign located between Brock Road and Central
Street, a distance of approximately 780 metres to allow for safe pedestrian crossings of
Old Brock Road; and
Now therefore be it resolved:
That staff be directed to review the matter regarding safe pedestrian
crossings on Old Brock Road between Regional Road #1 (Brock Road) and
Central Street and undertake community consultation to determine
opportunities for safe crossing points through the establishment of stop signs
or other means particularly at the intersection of Old Brock Road and Acorn
Lane.
2. That staff work with the Durham Regional Police and report back to Council
in early 2013 with a summary of their investigation, findings and
recommendations including, if appropriate, a proposed by -law for the
placement of an all way stop located at Acorn Lane and Old Brock Road.
ATTACHMENT# TOREPORT #643
of
Directive Memorandum Dec. 14, 2012
NOM — Safe Pedestrian Crossings . Page 2
Please take any action deemed necessary.
Debbie Shields
/Ir
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
AT TACHMENT #? T O REPORT# LNG 0(x'1)
of
All -Way Stop Warrant
;. (Local and Minor Collector Streets)
Warrant 3 Collision History
Occurance of 3 or more reportable right -angle collisions of a type correctible through the No
installation of an all -way stop in a 12 month period averaged over 3 years.
1 of 2
Based on separate 8 -Hour Intersection Count
Intersection Type: 3 -way
INTERSECTION COUNT DATA
Road
Legal
Road
Direction
Speed
Class
Major Road: Old Brock Road n/s
40
Local
Minor Road: Acorn Lane e/w
40
Local
Hour Major Minor Total Exceeds
Major
Minor Exceeds Exceeds
Ending Volume Volume Volume 245
%
% 75/25 split 65/35 split
8:00 158 15 173 No
91.3%
8.7% Yes
9:00 140 16 156 No
89.7%
10.3% Yes
12:00 81 12 93 No
87.1%
12.9% Yes
13:00 88 6 94 No
93.6%
6.4% Yes
15:00 90 6 96 No
93.8%
6.3% Yes
16:00 148 26 174 No
85.1%
14.9% Yes
17:00 151 16 167 No
90.4%
9.6% Yes
18:00 172 17 189 No
91.0%
9.0% Yes
Warrant Evaluation
Warrant 1 Traffic Control
Traffic control signals are warranted but cannot be implemented immediately
No
Warrant 2 Minimum Vehicle Volume
Total vehilce volume on all approaches exceeding 70% of
350 (245) for highest hour
No
recorded; and
3 -way intersection volume split.not exceeding 75/25 for highest hour recorded.
No
OR
4 -way intersection volume split ratio not exceeding 65/35 for
highest hour recorded.
N/A
Warrant 3 Collision History
Occurance of 3 or more reportable right -angle collisions of a type correctible through the No
installation of an all -way stop in a 12 month period averaged over 3 years.
1 of 2
ATTACHMENT# , TO REPORT #� 64-1�j
of Z
All -Way Stop Warrant
� (Local and Minor Collector Streets)
Warrant 4 Sightline Requirments
The minimum stopping sight distance at this intersection is less than the applicable criteria for No
wet pavement as specified in the Stopping Sight Distance table below
Design Speed (km /h) Stopping Sight Distance Required (m)
40 50
50 60 Sightlines are greater than 100m
60 85
70 110
Note: For the multi -way stop to be technically justified, any individual warrant must be satisfied.
All -Way Stop Warrants Met:
No
2of2
ATTACHMENT# 3 TO REPORT#
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Engineering and City 00
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SCALE DRAWNGAre:
N.T.S. May 2013 Old Brock Road