Recently a member of HMBCA had raised some safety concerns about the intersection of Cambrian Rd. & Kilbirnie Dr., and Kilbirnie Dr. itself. Requested were oversized stop signs, pavement markings, a reduced speed limit, and "Children at Play" signs. The City of Ottawa has provided responses to the concerns below. If you have questions about this, or other safety concerns in the community, please contact HMBCA's Director of Safety and Security Danny Shoeman at safety@hmbca.ca.
Speed Limit
Kilbirnie Road is designated as a collector roadways as per the City of Ottawa Transportation Master Plan. The roadway has an unposted speed limit of 50km/h. A recent speed survey on Kilbirnie Road determined the average and 85th percentile vehicle travelling speeds on Kilbirnie Road. The 85th percentile speed is the speed at which eighty-five percent of vehicles are travelling at or below. The survey revealed an average and 85th percentile travelling speed of 49 km/h and 56 km/h, respectively. The speed data indicates that an unposted speed limit of 50km/h is appropriate for Kilbirnie Drive. However, we have requested that a ‘Speed Display Board’ be deployed on Kilbirnie Drive, facing southbound traffic. Speed Display Boards have proven an effective tool to reduce vehicle speeds and help remind motorists to drive in a respectful manner on City roads.
Signage
We found standard sized stop signs at each corner of the intersection. Our investigation determined that the installation of oversize stop signs is appropriate at this location. Our existing practice for the use of ‘oversize’ stop signs uses the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) guidelines. As such, we have issued a work order for their installation of the oversized signs at the intersection of Cambrian Road and Kilbirnie Road.
We also investigated the request for ‘children at play’ signs on Kilbirnie Drive. The City does not have ‘children at play’ signs in its sign inventory. As such, we have reviewed the locations of the ‘playground ahead’ signs on Kilbirnie Drive. Our current practice for the installation of the ‘playground ahead’ sign is done in accordance with the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM). The OTM is used by traffic practitioners to promote uniformity of treatment in the design, application and operation of traffic control devices and systems. The purpose of the ‘playground ahead’ sign is to provide advanced warning of a locally designated playground that is located adjacent to a downstream section of roadway. Our site investigation determined that the existing ‘Playground Ahead’ signs are mounted in accordance with the OTM.
Pavement Markings
The existing pavement markings on Cambrian Road and Kilbirnie Road were investigated to determine if modifications are required. The pavement markings in the section of Cambrian Road will be completed as part of the construction project previously identified. This includes stop bars at the intersection with Kilbirnie Road. The installation of the pavement markings is tentatively scheduled for early September. We also determined that the pavement markings on Kilbirnie Road should be reinstated. We have issued a work order for the existing centreline and edge lines to be reinstated.