Item - 2018.TE32.95

The Toronto and East York Community recommends that:

1.  City Council designate the northerly curb lane on Queens Quay East, from Yonge Street to a point 30.5 metres east, for westbound right turns only, buses excepted.

The westbound curb lane on Queens Quay East, east of Yonge Street currently operates as a combined through and right-turn lane.  However, motorists cannot proceed through the intersection from this lane as the curb lane west of Yonge Street is currently occupied by a designated Motorcoach Loading Zone, delineated by signage and hatched pavement markings.  Under the current lane designation, drivers using the westbound curb lane on Queens Quay East at Yonge Street to proceed through the intersection, must abruptly change lanes to merge back into the westbound through lane due to the Motorcoach Loading Zone present west of Yonge Street.  This causes driver confusion, resulting in abrupt lane changes and increasing the potential for vehicular conflicts at this intersection. The Toronto Transit Commission has also reported delays to their bus service on Queens Quay East at Yonge Street as a result, and requests that this lane be changed to operate as an exclusive right-turn lane, buses excepted.  

Transportation Services staff have recommended designating the westbound curb lane on Queens Quay East, at Yonge Street as "right turn only, buses excepted" which should clearly define lane usage, mitigate any potential vehicular conflicts, and improve operation of TTC buses along this route.