SUPPORTS ITEM NO. 3
                                                VTC AGENDA
                                                JULY 13, 1995      



                             ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

                                                         Date: June 22,1995
                                               Dept. File No. 320 577(3500)
                                                                    611 231

   TO:       Vancouver Traffic Commission

   FROM:     General Manager of Engineering Services

   SUBJECT:  Installation  of  a  traffic   signal  at  Boundary  Road  and
             Kitchener Street


   RECOMMENDATION

        THAT  Council  approve the  installation  of  a traffic  signal  at
        Boundary Road  and Kitchener Street with all cost to be borne by BC
        Transit.


   COUNCIL POLICY

        Council approves traffic signal installations.

        Council's  transportation  policy places  the  highest  priority on
        pedestrians, bicycles and transit.


   PURPOSE

   This  report seeks Council's approval  of the installation  of a traffic
   signal at Boundary Road and Kitchener Street.


   BACKGROUND

   The  Burnaby Transit  Centre  is located  on  Kitchener Street  east  of
   Boundary Road.  Buses routed  out of the Transit Centre are  required to
   turn  left, westbound to southbound,  from Kitchener to  Boundary.  This
   can be a difficult manoeuvre for  BC Transit because of the high traffic
   volumes on Boundary Road.  BC Transit and its drivers are concerned with
   safety at the intersection. 

   PROPOSAL

   BC Transit has  requested that  a traffic signal  be installed to  solve
   this  problem.   Buses  would  actuate the  signal  to  stop traffic  on
   Boundary  Road and provide safe  access.  Burnaby  City Council approved
   this signal installation at its regular Council Meeting on May 15, 1995.
   The design and installation of the signal would be the responsibility of
   the City of Vancouver.


                                     - 2 -

   The  estimated cost of the signal is $80,000.   BC Transit has agreed to
   pay for the signal, should Council approve it.

   ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

   The installation of a traffic signal  can attract vehicles to the  minor
   street as motorists find it safer and less stressful to  enter the major
   street than at an  unsignalized intersection.  This will not  affect our
   residential street  system,  as Kitchener  Street does  not extend  into
   Vancouver.  Burnaby streets will be impacted somewhat, but these streets
   are mainly non-residential.  


   CONCLUSION

   In  conclusion,  the  installation of  a  signal  at  Boundary Road  and
   Kitchener  Street is  supported by  staff as  a solution to  the turning
   problem that exists  for BC Transit, noting that BC  Transit is prepared
   to pay the cost of installing the signal.



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