HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-13-002 - On-Street Parking Regulations - Highland Rd EREPORT TO:
Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
January 28, 2013
SUBMITTED BY:
Ken Carmichael, Interim Director, Transportation Services
PREPARED BY: Danny Pimentel, Traffic Technologist (741-2371)
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
Ward 9
DATE OF REPORT:
January 16, 2013
REPORT NO.: INS-13-002
ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - HIGHLAND ROAD
SUBJECT:
EAST
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That parking be prohibited on both sides of Highland Road East from Stirling Avenue to a
point 60 meters west of Stirling Avenue; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly.
BACKGROUND:
Transportation Services has received requests from Operations staff along with a local resident,
to review the existing on-street parking regulations in the vicinity of the left-turn lane on Highland
Road near Stirling Avenue. The request cited concerns regarding the limited roadway width
when vehicles are parked along both sides of Highland Road in close proximity to Stirling
Avenue. It was cited that vehicles travelling eastbound on Highland Road are required to
encroach on the left turn lane when vehicles are parked on the south side. Additionally vehicles
travelling westbound on Highland Road are required to manoeuver around vehicles parking on
the north side, thus resulting in vehicles crossing the center line in this area. Furthermore, it was
cited that when vehicles are queued in the left turn lane, vehicles not turning left must wait until
left turning vehicles have completed their movement in order to proceed through the intersection
at Stirling Avenue.
In 2012, Highland Road underwent roadway improvements between Stirling Avenue and Queen
Street. This included the addition of an exclusive left-turn lane at the intersection of Stirling
Avenue. Furthermore, Highland Road between Stirling Avenue and Hoffman Street will be
reconstructed this year. Through this reconstruction, Transportation Services will be
implementing a left/through lane, along with a right turn lane, on the westbound approach of
Highland Road at Stirling Avenue. These lane designations will be put in place in order to
increase efficiency and safety of operations at this signalized intersection.
Due to the new markings placed on the westbound approach and the future lane designations
as a result of the reconstruction on the eastbound approach, we are required to ensure safe
roadway operations for both directions of vehicles travelling Highland Road near Stirling
Avenue.
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REPORT:
Currently, on-street parking is prohibited Monday - Saturday on the north side of Highland Road
from Stirling Avenue to a point 50 meters east of Spadina Road, as outlined in the City of
Kitchener Uniform Traffic By-law No. 2007-138.
Transportation Services has reviewed this issue including a field investigation, and has
concluded that the combination of on-street parking and the addition of an exclusive left-turn
lane at the intersection of Stirling Avenue can impede vehicles traversing both directions on
Highland Road as well as creating an unnecessary delay for vehicles that are not turning left
from Highland Road to Stirling Avenue.
In order to address this request, Transportation Services is recommending prohibiting parking at
any time along both sides of Highland Road from Stirling Avenue to a point 60 meters west of
Stirling Avenue. This proposed change will allow vehicles traversing Highland Road, in the
vicinity of Stirling Avenue, to manoeuvre around vehicles that are queued in the exclusive left-
turn lane as well manoeuvre safely around parked vehicles. It will also decrease the delay for
vehicles travelling straight through the intersection along with reducing the number of potential
vehicle conflicts in the vicinity of Stirling Avenue.
The new line painting and extension of the “No Parking” area will result in the loss of
approximately five (5) on-street parking spaces. On-street parking is still available on the south
side of Highland Road, west of the proposed “No Parking” area as well as other roadways in the
immediate area.
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
neighbourhood, traffic control concerns have been addressed.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The approximate cost for sign installation for the roadway is $300 and will be taken from the
existing sign maintenance budget.
COMMUNICATIONS:
In October 2012, affected residents on Highland Road East, in the vicinity of Stirling Avenue,
were notified regarding the proposed parking changes. City staff were contacted by a local
resident who required further information to the proposal, which was provided.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Jim Witmer, Interim Deputy CAO
Infrastructure Services Department
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Proposed Parking Prohibition
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