The Local Chorus lead by several of our politicians (Councilmen Doug & Richard, Mayor Morrison, MPP Sylvia Jones) has recently had some success in their dire request for an upgrade of the 20 year old lights now situated at the corner of Olde Base Line and Highway 10.
Sadly, these last few years, despite repeated pleas initiated by the staff at Accurate Appraisals to the appropriate governing authorities (MTO), the citizens of western Caledon have paid a heavy and sad testimony to a growing inventory of preventable accidents occurring at our local intersections, notably Olde Base Line and Highway 10. Tragically, several recent collisions have resulted in a multitude of severe injuries and numerous deaths. These fatalities have been a catalyst in focusing further support towards an upgrade of these decades old traffic lights (+50,000 cars and trucks run through this intersection daily). The simple request for an advanced green, in either direction, particularly during rush hours, seems almost elementary in its scope. Realizing that it has taken the loss of loved ones for it to reach the eyes and ears of the MTO is heart rendering.
Whether the MTO believes that fatalities at this particular intersection fall within the acceptable limits for deaths on the King’s Highway System is clearly morally and ethically derelict behavior. Please feel free to read some of the below correspondence, which bears testimony to this prevailing attitude. Contacting your local village association, supporting our local politicians in this campaign, and emailing the MTO with your thoughts about their tardy Orwellian demeanor are your prerogatives.
We all wish to make Caledon a better, safer, and more enjoyable place to live. Here is a simple opportunity to do just that by pressing a few letters on your keyboard. Bonne Chance! To paraphrase an old poet, “Fortune favours the bold.”
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Dear Councillors Beffort and Paterak:
Thank you for your emails requesting the ministry review the following issues raised by local residents with respect to the signalized intersection of Highway 10 at Olde Base Line Road:
- Request for a Highway 10 northbound advance left turn phase
- Request for a reduced regulatory speed limit on Highway 10 approaching the intersection
- Request for southbound left turn lane visibility review
- Heavy trucks violating red signal indications and excessive truck speeds
The ministry has completed a detailed traffic operational review of Highway 10 in the vicinity of Olde Base Line Road and we offer the following comments:
Hwy 10 Northbound Advance Left Turn Phase
Traffic volume counts conducted at the intersection on July 18th 2012 resulted in 27 and 56 northbound left turning vehicles per hour in the AM and PM peak hours, respectively. Based on these low turning volumes, it was concluded that the northbound left turn lane movement currently operates efficiently with minimal delay to motorists.
Advance left turn phases may also be considered when there is a significant number of collisions at the intersection involving left turn movements. Our most recent 6 year collision records (2006 to 2011) indicate there have been 7 southbound left turn and 2 northbound left turn collisions at the intersection. In addition, there were no northbound or southbound left turning collisions between February 2009 and December 2011. Furthermore, the 5 year average collision rate on this section of Highway 10 between 2006 to 2010 was equivalent to the provincial average for similar type Kings highways.
Based on the above review, an advance northbound or southbound left turn phase is not warranted at this time. Left turning traffic in the northbound and southbound direction have sufficient gaps in opposing traffic to complete their turn. No vehicle was found to wait longer than one signal cycle to complete the turn. The collision history also suggests that an advance left turn phase is not required based on the relatively low number of turning movement collisions over a 6 year period.
Posted Speed Limit
In reviewing the appropriateness of the regulatory posted speed limit on a highway, the ministry uses commonly accepted traffic engineering methods which include the consideration of road characteristics and operating speeds. The operating speed is typically defined as the speed at which 85% of the free-flowing vehicles travel at or below (also referred to as the 85th percentile speed).
It has been found that drivers generally drive at a speed they consider reasonable given their perception of existing roadway characteristics such as road geometry (road width, vertical and horizontal curvature, etc.), the extent of roadside development (number of driveways, business and pedestrian activity, etc.) and other environmental conditions. It has been found that posting speed limits that are not consistent with drivers’ perception of what is reasonable is usually not effective in reducing operating speeds.
In reviewing the posted speed limit on Highway 10, ministry staff conducted a radar speed study and field review of existing conditions. Spot speed measurements were taken near the intersection of Highway 10 and Olde Base Line Road. The results of the speed studies indicate operating speeds along Highway 10 northbound and southbound are 93 km/h and 89 km/h, respectively. These results very much fall within the expected range for this type of highway. A speed limit reduction in this area would be inappropriate given the existing conditions, which is considered rural with little development. Posted speed limits that are unrealistically low can lead to speed differentials among motorists and can cause an increase in collisions by encouraging following too closely and unsafe passing manoeuvres.
Visibility
Visibility aspects were reviewed at Highway 10 and Olde Base Line Road to confirm the visibility of the traffic control signals from a distance. It was concluded that the traffic control signals can be seen in both Highway 10 northbound and southbound directions from a distance which substantially exceeds current ministry standards. The existing signing with respect to the operation of the traffic control signals was reviewed and we have concluded that all required signing is in place.
Northbound and southbound left turn visibility was also reviewed at the intersection to confirm that opposing vehicles can be seen from the left turn lanes. Our field investigation concluded that the intersection provides sufficient sightlines for both northbound and southbound left turn movements. In the event that passenger vehicles are present at both northbound and southbound left turn lanes simultaneously, field observations confirmed adequate visibility for left turning motorists to see opposing vehicles travelling through the intersection.
Heavy Trucks
In partnership with the trucking industry and other ministry road safety partners, we are working to improve overall truck safety and truck driver behaviour through a combination of initiatives. These initiatives include public education, legislation and supporting enforcement efforts by Ontario’s police services. Speed studies conducted near the intersection confirm these initiatives are making a difference as operating truck speeds recorded on July 17, 2012 along Highway 10 northbound and southbound were 90 km/h and 84 km/h, respectively. It is also evident that the Ontario Provincial Police are serious about speed enforcement as I personally observed officers conducting speed enforcement just north of the Highway 10 and Olde Base Line Road intersection.
The intersection was observed for red traffic signal violations for 4 hours on August 7th, 2012 between 7am and 11 am. It was found that 5 violations occurred, 1 of which involved a dump truck. The amber signal duration was reviewed. It was concluded that the duration of the amber signal indication adheres to current ministry policy, and provides sufficient time for motorists to come to come to a stop at the stop bar prior to the onset of the red signal indication. I have forwarded our observations to the local Ontario Provincial Police detachment and requested an increase in enforcement at the intersection. The Region of Peel may install a red light camera along with corresponding signing at this location. The ministry has a sign detail and can work with the Region with regards to the mounting location of the signs. The region would be responsible for the cost of the equipment, signs, installation and maintenance.
Ontario has comprehensive guidelines and policies with respect to design, installation and operation of traffic control signals on provincial highways. These guidelines have been developed over time to ensure a consistent approach across the province to meet the needs of motorists. These guidelines have contributed to Ontario being recognized as the safest road jurisdiction in all of North America.
Thank you once again for taking the time to bring your concerns and suggestions to our attention. I assure you that the ministry is committed to providing a safe and efficient highway network for all motorists.
Sincerely,
Ned Ivosevic
Project Manager – Peel/Halton
Ministry of Transportation
Tel (416) 235-4462
Fax (416) 235-4097
ned.ivosevic@ontario.ca