Item - 2008.PW17.9

The purpose of this report is to obtain authority to install bicycle lanes on Stanley Avenue, Royal York Road, Simcoe Street, and Birchmount Road.  This report is the third of several reports to obtain approval for installing bicycle lanes as part of the Toronto Bike Plan - 2008 Bikeway Network Program.

The implementation of the proposed bicycle lanes will result in an increase in the length of bicycle lanes in the City by 4.4 km.  This will increase the total length of bicycle lanes approved and constructed from 96.4 km to 100.8 km of the total 495 km of bicycle lanes in the Toronto Bike Plan.

The affected Ward Councillors have been consulted and support the bicycle lanes proposed in their respective Wards.

Funds to implement the bicycle lanes contained in this report are provided for within the Transportation Services Division 2008 Capital Budget in the Cycling Infrastructure Account CTP 808-05.

The estimated cost for installing traffic control signals at the intersection of Bremner Boulevard and Simcoe Street/Lower Simcoe Street will be approximately $140,000.00, including application of pavement markings and removal of existing signs.  Funds for the installation of new traffic control signals are contained in the Transportation  Services Capital Program requests under Project No. CTP708-01.  In 2008, $1.94 million has been approved for new traffic control signal installations.  Installation of traffic control signals at this location will be subject to availability of funds and similar competing priorities.  The added annual operating and maintenance costs associated with this installation are $5,000.00, which includes all communication costs.  These funds would come from the Transportation Services operating budget.