Traffic calming reduces speed, number of vehicles on Attlee Avenue

Traffic-calming measures on Attlee Avenue has led to a significant drop in both traffic volumes on the roadway, and the average speed of drivers who take the New Sudbury street.

Results from a city survey released last week showed that before the traffic calming measures were implemented, an average of 5,278 vehicles entered Attlee through Gemmell Street each day, and 6,139 accessed the street via Belfry Avenue. The average speed of drivers from Gemmell was 56.3 km/h, while from Belfry the average speed was 66 km/h.

After traffic calming measures were introduced in 2013, however, the number of vehicles taking Attlee from Gemmell dropped by 24 per cent, to 4,026 a day. There was a 12 per cent drop from Belfry, where the total vehicles entering the roadway each day dipped to 5,426.

Speeds also dropped – to an average of 51.5 km from Gemmell, a drop of 9 per cent, and 56.2 km/hr from Belfry, a drop of 15 per cent.

The traffic calming measures included ways to narrow the street, which studies have consistently shown reduces speeds. New bike lanes were installed in some areas, curbs were extended in other areas, and raised median islands were placed in strategic areas to slow drivers.

A series of public meetings were held in 2011 to explain to residents exactly what options they had to slow traffic. They were surveyed in 2011 to see which of the measures they preferred.

At one of the meetings in May 2011, residents said they no longer felt safe on the street. Area resident John Hood has lived on Attlee Avenue for about four years and said there is a "lot of fast traffic.

"It's a major problem," he said at the time. "(When I) walk my dog ... I'm telling you, crossing that street, I'm taking my life in my hands."

Hood said motorists speed around the corner and added that he's almost been hit a few times.

"I like the idea of pedestrian (median) islands," he said. "I don't like speed bumps. If there happens to be one in front of your house, every time somebody hits if you hear a bang."

Another resident, Betty Swanson, said while she didn't know what the best solution would be, she didn't like the idea of traffic circles, such as the one installed – and later removed – on Southview Drive.

"I've been on Southview and I don't like it," she said. "It's very confusing to everybody."

A total of 106 questionnaires were sent to residents, and 68 per cent responded, with a little more than two-thirds supporting the calming measures. They were installed last year at a cost of around $300,000.

In a news release, Ward 11 Coun. Terry Kett, whose ward includes Attlee, described the results “as a modest success.

“I think that the Attlee Street residents made a wise choice of which traffic calming devices to use,” said Kett. “It was a unique experience where the residents worked with city staff to decide exactly what they wanted for their street and then voted on the plan.”