HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-16-089 - Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover Implementation Strategy
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: December 5, 2016
SUBMITTED BY: Ken Carmichael, Interim Director of Transportation Services,
519-741-2200, ext. 7372
PREPARED BY: Ken Carmichael, Interim Director of Transportation Services,
519-741-2200, ext. 7372
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards
DATE OF REPORT: November 3, 2016
REPORT NO.: INS-16-089
SUBJECT:Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) Implementation Strategy
___________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City of Kitchener, in conjunction with the Region of Waterloo’s Traffic
Engineering Section, conduct an educational outreach program to provide the
public with information related to the proper use of Level 2 Pedestrian
Crossovers; and further,
That Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) signing requirements be implemented at
all City of Kitchener roundabout locations through winter 2016/17; and further,
That staff monitor compliance and pedestrian safety at new Pedestrian Crossover
(PXO) locations in 2017; and further,
That staff develop an implementation priority list for midblock and non-
roundabout intersection related locations in 2017; and further,
That staff begin implementing midblock and non-roundabout intersection priority
locations in 2017, based on funding availability.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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BACKGROUND:
Effective January 1, 2016, the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario (MTO) issued a new
regulation (402/15) under the Highway Traffic Act which established a new traffic control
device Î Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover. This new traffic control device consists of new
roadside signs and pavement markings that serve to enhance the mobility of
pedestrians at mid-block locations and at intersections, including roundabouts. This new
traffic control device is intended for locations where pedestrian volumes are insufficient
to meet the warrants for a traffic control signal.
The new Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover device is an updated version of the traditional
pedestrian crossover (PXO), which is now referred to as a Level 1 Pedestrian
Crossover. Please refer to Appendices A and B providing graphic representations of the
Level 1 and Level 2 Pedestrian Crossovers.
The City of Kitchener has since been working with area municipalities within the Region
of Waterloo, including the Region of Waterloo, on an implementation strategy for this
new pedestrian control device.
This report will outline the recommended implementation plan for the new Level 2
Pedestrian Crossovers on City of Kitchener roadways.
REPORT:
With the advancement of Active Transportation within the Traffic Engineering field,
along with the City of Kitchener Master Transportation Plan, which places focus on all
modes of travel, walking plays a key role when providing appropriate traffic control on
public roadways.
In the City of Kitchener, a number of long stretches of roadway exist today without
convenient pedestrian crossing points. This deficiency can be attributed to the lack of
pedestrian traffic control devices to serve the various ranges of pedestrian crossing
demand.
Prior to January 1, 2016, pedestrian controls were limited to:
traffic control signal
crossing guard control
traditional pedestrian crossover (Level 1 Pedestrian Crossover).
Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover
The Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover provides right-of-way to pedestrians through the use
of ÐStop For PedestriansÑ signs, ÐPedestrian Crossing AheadÑ warning signs and
revised pavement markings reinforcing the requirement for vehicles to stop and provide
right-of-way to pedestrians. Additional measures (rectangular rapid flashing beacons
and overhead signs) are also included for locations that experience higher volumes of
vehicle traffic.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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This new legislation will provide municipalities with an additional option for pedestrian
control at locations that previously would not have met a warrant for the installation of
any type of pedestrian control.
Statutory Requirements
The Highway Traffic Act regulated the use of the Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover to
roadways with a posted speed limit at 60 km/h or under. Drivers approaching a Level 2
Pedestrian Crossover shall stop before entering a crossover when a pedestrian is
crossing on the roadway within a pedestrian crossover, shall not overtake another
vehicle already stopped at a crossover, and shall not proceed into the crossover until
the pedestrian is no longer on the roadway. The driver of any vehicle approaching
another vehicle from the rear shall not pass another vehicle within 30 metres of a
crossover. A pedestrian shall not leave the curb or other place of safety at a pedestrian
crossover and walk, run or move into the path if a vehicle that is so close that is
impractical for the driver to stop.
In summary, the legislation has been set up so that legal responsibility is assigned to
both the motorist and pedestrian.
Installation Warrants
The warrant to install a Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover is less stringent than the warrant
required for a traffic control signal or Level 1 Pedestrian Crossover. Accordingly, the
warrant requirements for a Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover, as outlined in Ontario Traffic
Manual Book 15, are as follows:
100 or more pedestrians (or equivalent) observed crossing over an 8 hour period
No other controlled crossing within 200 m
Adherence to Ontario Traffic Manual Book 15 lane configuration and traffic
volume conditions
Posted speed limit 60 km/h
All above subject to an assessment using engineering judgement.
It is essential that requests for Pedestrian Crossovers be considered through an
appropriate investigation and study to ensure that the warrant for its installation is met.
This ensures consistency in the application of this traffic control, creating reasonable
expectations for drivers, thereby increasing adherence to the control.
Roundabout Locations
Since 2009, the Region and all area municipalities have placed ÐYield To PedestriansÑ
signs at all roundabout crosswalk locations. This has established the expectation for
drivers to stop and provide right-of-way to pedestrians when crossing at a roundabout.
Accordingly, it is proposed to replace all ÐYield To PedestrianÑ signs at roundabout
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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crosswalks with Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover ÐStop For PedestrianÑ signs as outlined in
the Ontario Traffic Manual.
As well, additional pavement markings are required, including ÐsharkÓs teethÑ markings
indicating the location that drivers must stop in advance of a crossing pedestrian, as
well as crosswalk ladder markings, further reinforcing the existence of the pedestrian
crosswalks. A new ÐPedestrian Crossing AheadÑ warning sign is also recommended on
the approach to the roundabout.
The City of Kitchener currently has nine (9) roundabouts under their jurisdiction. Existing
roundabout locations are proposed to be retrofitted with the updated Level 2 Pedestrian
Crossover signs, while new roundabouts will include the new signing and markings as
outlined in the Ontario Traffic Manual.
It is proposed to implement the Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover at all City of Kitchener
roundabouts during the winter of 2016/17.
Monitoring and Studies
It is recommended that staff conduct studies and monitoring in 2017 at the roundabout
locations that have been updated with this new Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover to better
determine how the new control is operating, including adherence by the motoring public.
Intersection and Midblock Locations
As is the case with other traffic control devices, installation warrants (outlined above)
will be followed to determine when and where Level 2 Pedestrian Crossovers may be
considered.
A priority list for the implementation of Level 2 Pedestrian Crossovers at midblock and
non-roundabout intersection locations will be developed after conducting monitoring and
completing studies at pedestrian crossovers located at existing roundabouts.
Educational Outreach
Educating the motoring public on this new legislation is necessary to help ensure
adherence to this new pedestrian traffic control. Accordingly, in conjunction with the
Region of Waterloo, and working with our Communications Division, the following
avenues for public notification will be used:
Posted on City of Kitchener website
Posted on City of Kitchener social media
Article in community newspaper
Joint media release between City of Kitchener and Region of Waterloo
Posted on Region of Waterloo website
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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Posted on Ministry of Transportation, Ontario website
Educational pamphlet sent to all households in the Region of Waterloo
Article in the Region News.
The Region of Waterloo, along with other jurisdictions, has requested that the Ministry
of Transportation, Ontario provide more information to the public related to this new
Provincial legislation for Level 2 Pedestrian Crossovers.
Proposed Implementation Strategy
In working with the Region of Waterloo, area municipalities and Waterloo Region Police
Services, the following implementation strategy is recommended:
1. Educational Outreach (City and Region website, social media, pamphlet to
households, community newspaper, Region News) Î 2016
2. Implementation at all existing roundabouts Î Winter 2016/17
3. Monitor compliance and pedestrian safety at roundabout locations Î 2017
4. Develop an implementation priority list for midblock and non-roundabout
intersection related locations Î 2017
5. Begin implementing midblock and non-roundabout intersection priority locations
based on funding availability Î 2017 and beyond.
Pedestrian Controls
The introduction of the new Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover helps to provide
municipalities the ability to enhance pedestrian mobility in Ontario. This new device now
provides municipalities the opportunity to implement pedestrian right-of-way on
roadways where other devices are not suitable. A general summary and hierarchy of the
typical pedestrian crossing devices applicable to municipal roads, including the new
Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover, is included in Appendix C.
Summary
This new legislation provides municipalities with an additional traffic control device to
provide safer roadway crossing conditions for pedestrians. This is consistent with the
City of KitchenerÓs Transportation Master Plan which places equal importance on all
modes of travel, as well as being in support of the increased focus on Active
Transportation within the Traffic Engineering field.
A key aspect of the success of this new pedestrian traffic control is educating the
motoring public on the expectation for drivers to stop and provide right-of-way to
crossing pedestrians. Accordingly, the proposed implementation strategy will see this
new control initially installed at roundabouts, where the existing signing requires drivers
to provide right-of-way to crossing pedestrians. This will allow staff to monitor operations
to better measure the success of this new control. This monitoring will be used to best
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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consider a priority list for the installation of this device at midblock and non-roundabout
intersection locations.
This strategy is consistent with the Region of Waterloo and area municipalities.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the cityÓs strategic
vision through the delivery of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The approximate cost to update signing and markings at all 32 City of Kitchener
roundabouts is approximately $51,250. Funding for this legislated initiative has been
included in the 2017 capital budget.
Upon development of a priority list for Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover implementations at
midblock and non-roundabout intersection locations through 2017, staff will report back
on possible additional funding requirements.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM Î This report has been posted to the cityÓs website with the agenda in advance
of the council / committee meeting. The City of Kitchener, along with the Region of
Waterloo, will conduct an educational outreach program on this initiative through a
number of various communication outlets.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:Justin Readman, Interim Executive Director
Infrastructure Services Department
Appendix A Î Level 1 Pedestrian Crossover
Appendix B Î Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover
Appendix C Î Summary of Pedestrian Crossing Devices
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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Appendix A – Level 1 Pedestrian Crossover
(existing pedestrian control)
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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Appendix B – Level 2 Pedestrian Crossover
(new pedestrian control)
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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Appendix C – Summary of Pedestrian Crossing Devices
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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