ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: February 23, 2000
Author/Local: W. Pledger/7346
RTS No. 01311
CC File No. 5808

Council: March 28, 2000

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Minor Curb Adjustment on 12th Avenue at Sophia Street

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council approves the adjustment of the south curb of 12th Avenue, west of Sophia, with funding of $55,000 provided from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 30000160 - Arterial Improvements.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council approves all proposed street curb modifications.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to recommend a minor curb adjustment on 12^th Avenue at Sophia Street.

DISCUSSION

Prince Edward Street, in the vicinity of 12^th Avenue and Kingsway, is the division between two City "District Lots". The creation of the District Lots and subsequent original subdivisions, resulted in a misalignment of 12^th Avenue in this area. As a result, a "kink" in 12^th Avenue was necessary to connect 12^th Avenue between Sophia and Kingsway.

This kink creates a visibility obstruction to local traffic on Sophia Street, which was identified by the Mount Pleasant local planning committee as a safety hazard. It also requires a rather abrupt steering manoeuvre in the eastbound direction, particularly to manoeuvre into the right turn lane to go eastbound on Kingsway. This may be contributing to the unusually high number of rear end accidents at this intersection.

A recent rezoning of the property on the southwest corner of 12^th Avenue and Sophia Street has enabled the City to acquire, at no cost to the City, a small portion of the property to allow a minor widening of the curb lane of 12^th Avenue west of Sophia. This widening will reduce the view obstruction and allow an easier transition through the kink.

The change in curb work is shown in Figure 1. The cost of the work is estimated at $55,000. Funds are available from the Streets Basic Capital account set aside for improvements on Arterial Streets.

Staff recommends Council approve the proposed work.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver