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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-12-071 - U-Turn Prohibiton - Baxter Pl and Pioneer Tower RdREPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: September 10, 2012 SUBMITTED BY: John McBride, Director of Transportation Services PREPARED BY: Justin Mishko, Traffic Technologist, extension 3203 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 3 DATE OF REPORT: August 22, 2012 REPORT NO.: INS-12-071 U-TURN PROHIBITION – BAXTER PLACE AND PIONEER SUBJECT: TOWER ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS: That u-turns be prohibited at any time for the southbound approach to Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly. BACKGROUND : Both Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road retain residential development on both sides of the right-of-way and connect into the intersection of Sportsworld Drive and King Street East. In response to an identifiable operational concern related to u-turn movements at the intersection of Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road, turning movements will have to be reviewed. REPORT : Currently the intersection of Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road allows all turning movements for every approach, with stop control on the northbound and eastbound approach. Transportation Services has received a request from the Region of Waterloo to review the existing allowable turning movements at Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road. Due to significant delays, vehicles are bypassing the southbound left turn from Sportsworld Drive to King Street East by driving through to Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Drive and completing a u-turn; ultimately turning right to travel eastbound on King Street East. ì ó ï Regional staff has conducted a review of this signalized intersection and have attempted to address this issue by allocating additional green time for the southbound protected left turn movement from Sportsworld Drive on to King Street East. This review is complete and signal time optimization has been implemented, however, delays still exist and u- turns are still occurring. As a result, in order to properly address traffic safety at this location, it is recommended that u-turns be prohibited at all times on Baxter Place at the King Street East signalized intersection. Transportation Services has reviewed this issue including a field investigation, and has concluded that a southbound u-turn movement at Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road can result in unsafe conditions and can have an adverse affect on the level of service of the intersection of Sportsworld Drive and King Street East as well as Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN : This initiative falls under the Community Priority of Quality of Life. “Work with partners, including all orders of government, to create a culture of safety in our community.” By working with Regional staff, operational and safety concerns have been addressed. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS : The approximate cost for sign installations for the roadway is $500 and will be taken from the existing sign maintenance budget. COMMUNICATIONS : None. Jim Witmer, Interim Deputy CAO ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Infrastructure Services Department ì ó î Proposed “No U-turns” Baxter Place and Pioneer Tower Road LEGEND: Proposed prohibited u-turn movement ì ó í