Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-16-003- Southbound Right Turn on Red Prohibition - Joseph Street and Water Street South REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: February 8, 2016 SUBMITTED BY: Ken Carmichael, Interim Director of Transportation Services, 519-741-2200, ext. 7372 PREPARED BY: Michael Turco, Traffic Technologist, 519-741-2200, ext. 7153 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 9 DATE OF REPORT: January 18, 2016 REPORT NO.: INS-16-003 SUBJECT:Southbound Right Turn on Red Prohibition – Joseph Street and Water Street South ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATIONS: That right turns on a red traffic signal indication be prohibited at all times for southbound traffic on Water Street South at the intersection of Joseph Street and Water Street South; and further, That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly. BACKGROUND: Transportation Services received a request from Grand River Transit to prohibit southbound vehicles from turning right on a red signal indication at the intersection of Joseph Street and Water Street South. The request cited concerns with southbound vehicles, attempting to turn right onto Joseph Street, encroaching into the bicycle box during the red signal phase. This effectively impedes on the turning radius of Grand River Transit vehicles attempting to turn left from Joseph Street to Water Street South, thus creating a safety concern for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. REPORT: At present, as per the Highway Traffic Act, vehicles are permitted to turn right from Water Street South onto Joseph Street, as long as the vehicle comes to a complete stop and right-of-way is provided to Joseph Street. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 8 - 1 The southbound approach at this intersection has one shared all movements lane and a bicycle lane. Water Street South is classified as a local street and, therefore, the intersection has sufficient capacity to serve all right turns during the green signal phase only, without the need for right turns on the red signal phase. Prohibiting right turns from Water Street South to Joseph Street on a red signal indication will address the concerns raised by Grand River Transit, and furthermore, increase the overall safety at the intersection. It is recommended that southbound right turns on the red signal be prohibited at all times at the intersection of Joseph Street and Water Street South. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: This recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the city’s strategic vision through the delivery of core service. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The approximate cost for signage will be covered by the Region of Waterloo, as they manage all signalized intersections. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM – This report has been posted to the city’s website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman, Interim Executive Director Infrastructure Services Department Attached: Appendix A – Location of Proposed Right Turn Prohibition 8 - 2 8 - 3