Abstract Manager

This presentation outlines the City of Toronto’s expansion of application criteria for the raised treatments and Challenges faced. The first section delves into the extensive criteria for installing raised crosswalks. The subsequent part concentrates on the challenges faced by the City during the implementation of raised treatments, encompassing design, construction, policy, and cultural aspects.

In 2020, the City of Toronto established its own set of guidelines for raised crosswalks and intersections. This initiative aimed to offer comprehensive direction within an urban context, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and alignment with broader Vision Zero objectives of the city. The guideline resulted from a broader review initiated in 2014, aligning Toronto's transportation practices with those of other North American cities.

The first section delves into the extensive criteria for installing raised crosswalks, initially focusing on STOP-controlled crossings within 200m of schools. Over time, this expanded to include STOP-controlled crossings along Arterial roads, with a pilot program introducing raised crosswalks at six signalized intersections. The presentation also outlines Toronto's strategy and operational procedures for the anticipated expansion of criteria to mid-block raised crosswalks, especially at school crossings and Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs).

The second part concentrates on the challenges faced by the City during the implementation of raised treatments, encompassing design, construction, policy, and cultural aspects. Design and construction challenges highlight deficiencies and solutions, addressing issues during road reconstruction or retrofitted raised treatment as part of road resurfacing. This includes design challenges within the urban context, considering existing conditions, land use, underground utilities, and drainage. The construction aspect focuses on constructability, construction methodology, and contractor education.

Policy challenges emphasize the city's existing traffic calming policy and measures taken to position raised crosswalks as pedestrian safety measures as opposed to traffic calming measures.

Despite Toronto's complete street hierarchy prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and then cars, passenger vehicles still dominate transportation in suburban wards. Implementing raised crosswalks may encounter resistance from local communities and concerns from councillors regarding traffic flow, winter maintenance, and visibility of raised treatments. This section discusses the City's approach to community engagement and education, aiming to secure acceptance and support for these measures.

Continued efforts to address challenges as they arise contribute to achieving the city's Vision Zero goals, ultimately enhancing safety for pedestrians across all capital works programs.