General Committee
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
	PREPARED BY:	Arup Mukherjee, Manager of Transportation
	DATE OF MEETING:	2005-Oct-17
	SUBJECT:	Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue Traffic Signals

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report entitled “Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue Traffic Signals” and dated October 17, 2005 be received;

And That the Region of York be requested to defer installation of the Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue signals until 2007 so that staff can review appropriate mitigation measures to address local infiltration issues;

And That the Town of Markham monitor traffic infiltration after the signal installation and work with Region of York staff to implement any additional measures required to reduce infiltration to the local community;

And That Brian Harrison, Director, Roads and Transportation be advised accordingly.

PURPOSE:

This report seeks Council endorsement to defer the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue to 2007.

BACKGROUND:

The Region undertakes traffic counts to monitor the status of traffic signal warrants at various intersections across the Region. Based on their studies, signal warrants are satisfied at the Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue intersection. Town staff have advised Regional staff about the issues related to traffic infiltration in the community east of Kennedy Road and north of Highglen Avenue. In response to these concerns, Regional staff have requested Council endorsement prior to implementation of traffic signals to ensure local concerns are satisfied (Attachment A).

OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:

Signals will improve access and safety for users in the area

The Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue intersection is a key access for the Milliken Mills Community Centre which includes the McDonald’s restaurant. During evenings and weekends, there is a significant amount of traffic associated with the many users of the community centre and the restaurant. Community Centre staff has requested traffic signals at this location to improve access and safety for motorists and pedestrians.

The Milliken Mills Secondary School shares the signalized access located across from Highglen Avenue with the community centre. Staff has been working with the school and the Region to reduce congestion at the Highglen Avenue/Kennedy Road intersection. A second signalized access will help to reduce the congestion and pressure at the Highglen Avenue/Kennedy Road signal.

There are several established businesses located on the east side of the Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue intersection. The installation of signals will improve access and safety for both motorists and pedestrians destined to and from these businesses.

Traffic infiltration in the local community

Traffic operational issues in the Hagerman community have been an ongoing issue dating back to the late 1980’s. Most recently, in 2000, the local community east of Kennedy Road raised concerns regarding traffic infiltration. Staff undertook several community meetings and various proposals were presented to the community such as turn restrictions at the intersections of 14^th Avenue/Noble Street, Brimley Road/Lee Avenue, Highglen Avenue/Noble Street. Ultimately, there was no consensus by the residents on the proposed solution and no further action was undertaken. The installation of traffic lights at the Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue intersection could increase infiltration in this community since it may offer an attractive by-pass of the Kennedy Road/14^th Avenue intersection. Based on the traffic patterns, the greatest concern is westbound motorists turning left from 14^th Avenue onto Noble Street and travelling through the local community (Lee Avenue) to avoid the busy left turn demand at the Kennedy Road/14^th Avenue intersection.

Given these concerns, it is recommended that westbound to southbound left turns be prohibited at the Kennedy Road/Lee Avenue intersection from 7-9 am, Monday to Friday upon installation of the signals. Additional information signs should also be placed along 14^th Avenue at Noble Street to provide advance warning to motorists that left turns are not allowed at the Kennedy Road/14^th Avenue intersection. This is similar to the signs in place at Highway 7/Conservation Avenue in the Southdale community.

Implementation Schedule

Regional staff have indicated that they will report to Regional Council to seek approval for signal installation. Given the local traffic infiltration issues, it is recommended that the Region be requested to defer installation until 2007. This will provide sufficient time for Town staff to work with Regional staff to develop an appropriate mitigation plan and undertake the design of the traffic signal.

INTERDEPARTMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Community Services staff are in support of the traffic signals since it will improve safety for motorists and pedestrians using the Milliken Mills Community Centre.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

There are no costs associated with the installation of signals to the Town.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A – Letter from Region

Attachment B – Context map

Alan Brown, C.E.T. Director of Engineering

Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Commissioner of Development Services

P:\Development\Engineering\REPORTS\2005\Oct\Kennedy_Lee signals.doc