Item - 2024.SC16.19
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on October 9 and 10, 2024 without amendments and without debate.
- This item was considered by the Scarborough Community Council on September 19, 2024 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on October 9 and 10, 2024.
- See also By-law 645-2026
SC16.19 - McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive - Traffic Control Signals
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted on Consent
- Ward:
- 23 - Scarborough North
City Council Decision
City Council on October 9 and 10, 2024, adopted the following:
1. City Council authorize the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive.
2. City Council authorize the removal of the pedestrian refuge island on McCowan Road at a point approximately 50 metres north of the intersection of McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive, in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive, as set out in Part 1 above.
Background Information (Community Council)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/sc/bgrd/backgroundfile-248401.pdf
SC16.19 - McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive - Traffic Control Signals
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Ward:
- 23 - Scarborough North
Community Council Recommendations
The Scarborough Community Council recommends that:
1. City Council authorize the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive.
2. City Council authorize the removal of the pedestrian refuge island on McCowan Road at a point approximately 50 metres north of the intersection of McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive, in conjunction with the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive, as set out in Recommendation 1 above.
Origin
Summary
As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on McCowan Road, City Council approval of this report is required.
Transportation Services investigated the feasibility of removing the pedestrian refuge island (PRI) on McCowan Road, approximately 50 metres north of Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive and replacing it with traffic control signals at the intersection of McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive.
While our analysis indicates that based on the current motor vehicle volumes, delays and collisions, the installation of traffic control signals is not technically warranted, we are recommending the installation at McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive due to several factors:
- Pedestrian Refuge Island's do not provide right-of-way for pedestrians and are not considered an enhanced form of pedestrian crossing protection.
- The heavy traffic on the four/five lane cross-section of McCowan Road poses potential safety concerns for pedestrians crossing at the pedestrian refuge island to access the Toronto Transit Commission bus shelters located on either side of McCowan Road in the vicinity of the pedestrian refuge island.
- The distance between the nearest protected pedestrian crossings (traffic control signals) on McCowan Road is approximately 730 metres.
Additionally, staff recommend relocating the Toronto Transit Commission bus shelters on both sides of McCowan Road, approximately 50 metres north of Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive, to the intersection of McCowan Road and Big Red Avenue/Bridley Drive in conjunction with the installation of new traffic control signals and removal of the pedestrian refuge island.
The above recommendation will provide a safer and more convenient crossing of McCowan Avenue for all road users, including Toronto Transit Commission passengers.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/sc/bgrd/backgroundfile-248401.pdf