HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-12-088 - Lane Designation - Block Line Road at Westmount RdREPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
December 10, 2012
SUBMITTED BY: Ken Carmichael, Manager of Transportation Planning
PREPARED BY:
Danny Pimentel, Traffic Technologist (741-2371)
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 6
DATE OF REPORT: December 4, 2012
REPORT NO.:
INS-12-088
SUBJECT:
LANE DESIGNATION - BLOCK LINE ROAD AT
WESTMOUNT ROAD EAST
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the southbound curb lane on Block Line Road at Westmount Road East be
designated as a right turn only lane; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.
BACKGROUND:
Transportation Services has received a request from a local resident to review the signage of
the lane designations on Block Line Road at Westmount Road East; specifically the southbound
approach. The request cited concerns over vehicles travelling straight through the intersection
from the curb side right turn lane, resulting in near collisions as a result of confusion amongst
motorists travelling southbound through the intersection.
REPORT:
Currently, pavement markings in the curb side lane display a right arrow, while the adjacent lane
displays pavement markings with a left-through arrow. Lane designation signs are currently not
present for drivers travelling southbound on Block Line Road approaching Westmount Road
East.
In order to address this request, Transportation Services is recommending that lane designation
signs be installed on the southbound approach of the intersection. It is anticipated that the
installation of the lane designation signs, coupled with the existing pavement markings, will further
emphasize the appropriate manoeuvre for motorists, when approaching Westmount Road East.
Formalizing these lanes designations will also allow for proper enforcement of any potential lane
abuse.
ï ó ï
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 the
Region of Waterloo, motorists will be better assisted travelling southbound on Block Line Road,
while still maintaining a high level of service for the intersection.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The approximate cost for sign installations for the roadway is $200 and will be taken from the
existing sign maintenance budget.
COMMUNICATIONS:
In October 2012, City staff contacted Region of Waterloo staff, to gain their input on how the
existing lane configuration currently affects the capacity and level of service for the signalized
intersection. The Region of Waterloo has advised City staff to maintain the existing lane
configuration on the southbound approach.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Jim Witmer, Interim Deputy CAO
Infrastructure Services Department
ï ó î
Lane Designations
Block Line Road @ Westmount Road East
LEGEND
Right Turn Lane
Left - Through Lane
ï ó í