Intersection Safety Improvements

Safety measures implemented:  

• No right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness. 

Why was the no right turn on red implemented at this intersection? 
This intersection ranked 5th in overall collision locations in Markham based on 2019 to 2021 collision statistics. York Regional Police collision data showed vehicles were not yielding right-of-way for pedestrians and cyclists which resulted in seven collisions between 2015 and 2022. Collision statistics show that right-turning vehicles account for 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions.

Why was the time-of-day feature added to the no right turn on red?
A commercial plaza is located nearby and students from nearby schools use this intersection daily, which was the basis for implementing the time-of-day no right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

When were these safety measures implemented?
No right turn on red signal has already been implemented at this intersection. No right turn on red signal based on time of day was implemented in June 2023.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, mailed postcards to the Markham community and promoted on social media.

Safety measures implemented:  

• No right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday 

An additional safety measure coming in 2025 includes:

• A fully protected left-turn signal for northbound and southbound drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness. 

Why was the no right turn on red implemented at this intersection? 
This intersection ranked 10th in overall collision locations in Markham based on 2019 to 2021 collision statistics. York Regional Police collision data showed vehicles were not yielding right-of-way for pedestrians and cyclists. Collision statistics show that right-turning vehicles account for 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions.

Why was the time-of-day feature added to the no right turn on red?
There was a high potential for pedestrian and cyclist collisions due to significant volumes during rush hours, which was the basis for implementing the time-of-day no right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday

When were these safety measures implemented?
No right turn on red signal was implemented in fall 2022. No right turn on red signal based on the time of day was implemented in June 2023.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, mailed postcards to the Markham community and promoted on social media.

Why will the new left-turn signal be added to this intersection in 2025?
To further protect pedestrians, students and cyclists from turning vehicles. Statistics show that left-turning vehicles account for 36% of pedestrian collisions and 14% of cyclist collisions.

Safety measures implemented: 

• Eastbound and westbound protected left turn signals at Green Lane East and 2nd Concession Road/Main Street North

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness.

Why were the protected left turn signals implemented at this intersection? 
From ongoing review of this intersection, we determined it was experiencing an increase in eastbound and westbound left turning collisions. During a five-year study period, a total of 21 turning movement collisions (14 Property Damage Only (PDO) and seven injury collisions) were reported at this intersection. Most of the turning movement collisions involved eastbound or westbound left turning vehicles (17 collisions in total).

The protected left turn signal eliminates conflicts with travellers at this intersection, allowing left turning motorists to safely cross three lanes of traffic.

When were these safety measures implemented?
The safety measures will be implemented by the end of December 2024.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, promoted on social media and signage around the intersection.

Safety measures implemented:  

• No right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday
• A fully protected left turn signal for westbound drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness. 

Why was the no right turn on red implemented at this intersection? 
This intersection ranked 7th in overall collision locations in Markham based on 2019 to 2021 collision statistics. York Regional Police collision data showed vehicles were not yielding right-of-way for pedestrians and cyclists which resulted in two collisions between 2019 and 2021. Statistics show that right-turning vehicles account for 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions.

Why was the time-of-day feature added to the no right turn on red?
There was a high potential for pedestrian and cyclist collisions due to significant volumes, which was the basis for implementing the time-of-day no right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

When were these safety measures implemented?
No right turn on red signal was implemented in fall 2022. No right turn on red signal based on the time of day was implemented in June 2023.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, mailed postcards to the Markham community and promoted on social media.

Why was the protected left turn signal implemented at this intersection?
The new signal gives motorists the right of way when making left turns and further protects pedestrians, students and cyclists when crossing the street from left turning vehicles. Statistics show that left turning vehicles account for 36% of pedestrian collisions and 14% of cyclist collisions.

Safety measures implemented:

• A fully protected left turn signal at Highway 7 and Martin Grove Road in all directions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness.

Why was the protected left turn signal implemented at this intersection? 
This intersection is ranked in the top 10 intersections in Vaughan involving pedestrian and cycling collisions. Since 2016, there have been 162 collisions, 47 injuries, one fatal and six collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists at this intersection. The protected left turn signal provides a safe opportunity for pedestrians to cross.

When were these safety measures implemented?
The safety measures will be implemented by the end of December 2024.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, promoted on social media and signage around the intersection.

Safety measures implemented:  

• No right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday 

An additional safety measure coming in 2025 includes:

• A fully protected left turn signal for drivers in all directions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness. 

Why was the no right turn on red implemented at this intersection? 
This intersection ranked first in overall collision locations in Markham based on 2019 to 2021 collision statistics. York Regional Police collision data showed vehicles were not yielding right-of-way for pedestrians and cyclists which resulted in four collisions between 2019 and 2021. Statistics show that right-turning vehicles account for 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions.

Why was the time-of-day feature added to the no right turn on red?
There was a high potential for pedestrian and cyclist collisions due to significant volumes, which was the basis for implementing the time-of-day no right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

When were these safety measures implemented?
No right turn on red signal was implemented in fall 2022. No right turn on red signal based on the time of day was implemented in June 2023.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, mailed postcards to the Markham community and promoted on social media.

Why will the new left-turn signal be added to this intersection in 2025?
To further protect pedestrians, students and cyclists from turning vehicles. Statistics show that left-turning vehicles account for 36% of pedestrian collisions and 14% of cyclist collisions.

Safety measures implemented:  

• No right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness. 

Why was the no right turn on red implemented at this intersection? 
This intersection ranked 76th in overall collision locations in Markham based on 2019 to 2021 collision statistics. York Regional Police collision data showed vehicles were not yielding right-of-way for pedestrians and cyclists, and collisions with vehicles were reported each year between 2019 and 2021. Statistics show that right-turning vehicles account for 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions.

Why was the time-of-day feature added to the no right turn on red?
There was a high potential for pedestrian and cyclist collisions due to significant volumes during rush hours, which was the basis for implementing the time-of-day no right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday 

When were these safety measures implemented?
No right turn on red signal was implemented in fall 2022. No right turn on red signal based on the time of day was implemented in June 2023. 

How will this safety measure be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community?
York Region provided information on york.ca, mailed postcards to the Markham community and promoted on social media.

Safety measures implemented:  

• No right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness. 

Why was the no right turn on red implemented at this intersection? 
This intersection ranked 64th in overall collision locations in Markham based on 2019 to 2021 collision statistics. York Regional Police collision data showed vehicles were not yielding right-of-way for pedestrians and cyclists which resulted in three collisions between 2019 and 2021. Statistics show that right-turning vehicles account for 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions.

Why was the time-of-day feature added to the no right turn on red?
Students from nearby schools use this intersection daily, which was the basis for implementing the time-of-day no right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

When were these safety measures implemented?
No right turn on red signal was implemented in fall 2022. No right turn on red signal based on the time of day will be implemented in June 2023. 

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, mailed postcards to the Markham community and promoted on social media.

Safety measures implemented:  

• No right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday 

A new left turn signal was implemented on January 16, 2024, to improve traffic safety and reduce collisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness. 

Why was the no right turn on red implemented at this intersection? 
This intersection ranked 63rd in overall collision locations in Markham based on 2019 to 2021 collision statistics. York Regional Police collision data showed vehicles were not yielding right-of-way for pedestrians and cyclists which resulted in four collisions between 2019 and 2021. Statistics show that right-turning vehicles account for 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions.

Why was the time-of-day feature added to the no right turn on red?
Students from nearby schools use this intersection daily, which was the basis for implementing the time-of-day no right turn on red signal for drivers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

Why was the new left-turn signal added to this intersection?
To further protect pedestrians, students and cyclists from turning vehicles. Statistics show that left-turning vehicles account for 36% of pedestrian collisions and 14% of cyclist collisions.

When were these safety measures implemented?
No right turn on red signal was implemented in fall 2022. No right turn on red signal based on the time of day was implemented in June 2023. No left turn signal was implemented in January 2024.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, mailed postcards to the Markham community and promoted on social media.

Safety measures implemented: 

• No right turn at Rutherford Road and Sherwood Park Drive, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for eastbound drivers
• No right turn at Rutherford Road and Wedgewood Place, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for eastbound drivers
• No left turn at Rutherford Road and Sherwood Park Drive, Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for northbound drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness.

Why were the turn restrictions implemented at this intersection? 
With more than 250 vehicles per day turning at this intersection during peak travel times, there were community safety concerns pertaining to aggressive driving and speeding. In addition, more than 85% of residents were in support of implementing turn restrictions at this intersection to improve community safety and traffic flow during peak travel times. 

Why was the time-of-day feature added to the restrictions?
There was a high potential for pedestrian and cyclist collisions due to significant volumes during rush hours, which was the basis for implementing the time-of-day restrictions for drivers from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.

When were these safety measures implemented?
The safety measures were implemented in November 2024.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, promoted on social media and signage around the intersections.

Safety measures implemented:

• New fully protected westbound left turn signals at: 
  • Rutherford Road and Sweet River Boulevard
  • Rutherford Road and Julliard Drive

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness.

Why were the protected left turn signals implemented at these intersections? 
These intersections are ranked in the top 10 for highest turning incidents in the City of Vaughan. The intersection of Rutherford Road and Sweet River Boulevard is ranked number 2, with 76 collisions, 17 injuries, with two cyclists involved over the past five years. The intersection of Rutherford Road and Julliard Drive is ranked number 8, with 47 collisions and seven injured, with one pedestrian and one cyclist involved.

When were these safety measures implemented?
The safety measures will be implemented in January 2025.  

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, promoted on social media and signage around the intersections.

Safety measures implemented:

• A fully protected westbound left turn signal at Teston Road and Cityview Boulevard 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these safety measures implemented?
One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. Safety information and data are reviewed annually, and based on the results, improvements are made across the Region. This could include making improvements to existing roads and intersections, improving the design of new roads, law enforcement and raising public awareness.

Why were double left turn lanes implemented at this intersection? 
The double left turn lanes were implemented at this intersection to reduce vehicles queues impacting the nearby highway interchange and will improve safety for left turning motorists. There are more than 4,600 vehicles per day turning left going westbound at this intersection. 

When were these safety measures implemented?
The safety measures will be implemented the week of December 9, 2024.

How will these safety measures be enforced? 
York Regional Police will enforce.

How was this plan shared with the community? 
York Region provided information on york.ca, mailed postcards to area residents, promoted on social media and signage around the intersections.

Safety measures to help protect pedestrians and cyclists were implemented in 2019 at four signalized intersections. 

In October 2021, York Region Staff provided Regional Council the Pedestrian and Cyclist Pilot Measures Report with results of the pedestrian and cyclist pilot measures implemented at the four pilot Regional intersections:

• Major Mackenzie Drive and Bayview Avenue in the City of Richmond Hill
• Yonge Street and Clark Avenue in the City of Markham
• Bathurst Street and Carrville/Rutherford Road in the City of Richmond Hill
• Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue in the City of Vaughan

Video data was collected before and after implementation of the measures to compare the results at each intersection. Overall, total collisions had reduced by more than 60%, and angle collisions, which typically result in serious injury, had reduced by 75%. These findings are comparable to industry reports prohibiting right turns at signalized intersections and implementing protected left turn movements may reduce pedestrian and cyclist collisions by more than 80%.

Collisions have been reduced at these four intersections. The performance of these enhancements was measured over one year. Based on the positive results, a recommendation to implement the measures at additional signalized intersections was included in the October 2021 Council Report. The safety measures have been implemented at the intersections listed below in the cities of Markham and Vaughan. 

• ​​​​​16th Avenue and Woodbine Avenue in the City of Markham 
• 16th Avenue and Main Street Markham/Highway 48 in the City of Markham 
• Highway 7 and Martin Grove Road in the City of Vaughan
• Highway 7 and McCowan Road in the City of Markham 
• Highway 7 and Kennedy Road in the City of Markham
• McCowan Road and Carlton Road/Raymerville Drive in the City of Markham
• Kennedy Road at The Bridle Trail in the City of Markham
• Kennedy Road at Carlton Road in the City of Markham

Why are these safety measures needed?
As York Region’s cities and towns evolve into urban centres, residents are choosing to walk and cycle more. Walking and cycling trips continue to increase at an average rate of 5% per year.

Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable travellers on the Regional transportation system. Almost all pedestrian collisions result in injury while cyclists sustain injury in almost 80% of all collisions. Pedestrians and cyclists lack personal protection compared to travellers in enclosed vehicles.

Past studies have indicated that pedestrian and cyclist collisions are not random events. Typically, these collisions result from mistakes made by one or more of the involved parties. These mistakes can be identified and counteracted through a combination of education, skill development, engineering and enforcement measures. Regional efforts are focused on ways to reduce the number of these occurrences.

The goal of the safety measures is to influence driver behaviour and create safer, more comfortable environments for pedestrians and cyclists.

Why were these four intersections selected for the pilot?
York Region conducted an extensive study over several months to prioritize intersections based on risk exposure to pedestrians and cyclists. The study also considered volumes of traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, and the number of collisions. The focus was on intersections that have traffic signals because the greatest risk for pedestrians and cyclists is when motorists are making turns at signalized intersections.

How many measures are being implemented?
During the study, many operational measures were evaluated based on effectiveness, applicability to Regional roads and time frame for implementation. The following safety features are proven to reduce pedestrian and cyclist collisions and are being implemented to suit the unique requirements of each of the four intersections.

• No right turn on red
• Protected left turns (left turns are only allowed during a dedicated green arrow)
• New signs to inform drivers that turning traffic must yield to pedestrians and cyclists
• A leading pedestrian phase (a head start for pedestrians crossing at an intersection)

What about other intersections in York Region?
York Region is committed to well-maintained, safe roads in all nine municipalities and continues to monitor the network and implement the following measures.

• Pedestrian-accessible intersections compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
• Tighter intersection curb radii in urban areas to slow turning vehicles and decrease the crossing distance for pedestrians
• More crossing time for pedestrians allocated at signalized intersections
• High visibility crossings to highlight potential pedestrians at intersections
• Pedestrian countdown signals to provide more awareness for pedestrians
• Leading pedestrian interval traffic signals to allow pedestrians a ‘head start’ when crossing
• Additional warning signage
• Separated bike facilities

How can residents play a role in enhancing road safety?
Road safety is not only engineering or police enforcement. It requires awareness and commitment among all travellers, for every trip. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists share the Regional road network, taking close to three million trips every day.

No right turn on red (NROR) during select times of the day: Reduces conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists who are crossing the road where vehicles are turning right, especially at locations with high pedestrian volumes and possible sight line restrictions. Implementing NROR only during select times of the day eliminates unnecessary delays, such as at night where there are no pedestrians, and focus on critical hours where traffic, pedestrian and cyclist volumes are the highest. This safety measure helps improve safety at intersections.

Pedestrian head start (also known as Leading Pedestrian Interval): An advanced walk signal for pedestrians to begin crossing the street before vehicles get a green signal. The purpose is to increase the visibility of pedestrians in the intersection and reinforce their right-of-way. Additionally, this measure is used to improve motorist yielding behaviour towards pedestrians where a crosswalk is present.

Fully protected left turn signal: A dedicated green left arrow signal where turning traffic can only enter the intersection and complete the turn when illuminated. This type of signal is required when there are insufficient sight lines, safety concerns and/or the intersection has a double left turn.

Additional warning signage: Informs motorists turning right that pedestrians and cyclists have the right-of-way within the intersection and must wait for the crosswalk to be clear. This safety measure increases motorists’ awareness and understanding of the pedestrian’s right-of-way within the intersection.