HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-16-050 - 40kmh Speed Limit - Lancaster Street East
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: May 30, 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 10
DATE OF REPORT: May 16, 2016
REPORT NO.: INS-16-050
SUBJECT: 40 km/h Speed Limit Lancaster Street East
___________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That a speed limit of 40km/h be implemented on Lancaster Street East from
Victoria Street North to Krug Street; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly.
BACKGROUND:
Traffic volume, speeding and pedestrian safety concerns have been identified by
citizens on and around Lancaster Street East. In response, Transportation Services
staff has reviewed the existing traffic conditions on Lancaster Street East.
REPORT:
Lancaster Street East is considered a Major Collector roadway between Krug Street
and Victoria Street North. The intent of a major collector roadway is typically to
connect other collector and local roadways to the adjacent arterial network. Major
collector roadways are also intended to move people and goods, provide access to
properties and provide access to conventional transit service where applicable.
The currently regulatory speed limit is 50km/h, with the exception of a portion of
Lancaster Street between Krug Street and Frederick Street along the Suddaby Public
School boundary which is
pilot program. Further, parking is prohibited at any time, while stopping is prohibited
from 8:30am-4:30pm. Heavy truck traffic is also prohibited at all times.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
7 - 1
ROADWAY GEOMETRY
Lancaster Street East has a narrower than typical roadway cross section. The overall
right of way width is approximately 12.0m, significantly less than a typical major
collector roadway. Further, the effective roadway width is approximately 6.5m
throughout this corridor, which is approximately 1.9m less than what is anticipated on
a typical two lane major collector roadway.
The narrow right of way, coupled with the narrow effective roadway width has also led
to infrastructure, landscaping and residential dwellings being closer to the street,
contributing to the narrow overall feeling of the roadway.
There is curb face sidewalk, or minimal boulevards, along the majority of the corridor
which brings the pedestrian realm closer to vehicle traffic, which is particularly of
concern along the Lancaster Street East corridor. Additionally, intersections along
Lancaster Street East intersect at a skewed angle which can create visibility concerns
and difficulty for turning vehicles and impact overall pedestrian safety.
COLLISION HISTORY
A three year collision history was completed for Lancaster Street East between
Victoria Street North and Krug Street which shows a total of 8 reported collisions,
however an apparent correctable collision trend is not present. It should be noted that
this review does not include the intersections of Frederick Street or Victoria Street
North, as these roadways fall under Regional jurisdiction and preventative measures
would ultimately be the responsibility of the Region of Waterloo.It also does not
include the intersection of Krug Street/Cedar Street, as collision history at this
intersection would not be reflective of the overall condition of the roadway and should
be addressed separately.
TRAFFIC VOLUMES & SPEEDS
In 2014traffic volumes and vehicle speeds were collected on Lancaster Street East
between Victoria Street North and Frederick Street. The following data was recorded:
th
85
Location:CountAADTPercentile
AADT*
LANCASTER ST EDateCombinedSpeed
(km/h)**
between MayEastbound: 2936
581152
Mansion St & Clarence Pl2014Westbound: 2875
between MayEastbound: 3127
641448
Queen St &Luella St2014Westbound: 3287
between MayEastbound: 2236
447149
Chapel St &Hohner Ave2014Westbound: 2235
7 - 2
Traffic volumes on Lancaster Street east are generally consistent with volumes
anticipated on a major collector roadway. However, it should be noted that traffic
th
speeds are less than what is expected of a roadway of this type.The 85 percentile
speed is less than 50km/h along sections of the roadway. This is undoubtedly a
reflection of the roadway geometry and overall characteristics.
Sound engineering principles suggest that the posted speed limit should be reflective
of a safe operating along any roadway. Further, the posted speed limit is typically
10km/h less than the design speed to promote overall traffic safety. Transportation
Services is therefore recommending that the posted speed limit on Lancaster Street
East be changed to 40km/h.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
This initiative falls under the Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods strategic priority.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The appropriate cost to $800 and will be taken
from the existing sign maintenance budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM This report has been posted to the c
of the council / committee meeting..
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Justin Readman,Interim Executive Director
Infrastructure Services Department
Attached:
Appendix A Proposed 40 km/h speed limit map
7 - 3
7 - 4