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Improving Safety and Flow on Jarvis Street’s Reversible Lane

From "Post your proposal here for the consideration of Councillor Moise"

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The current design of the middle reversible lane on Jarvis Street is causing confusion for drivers and frustration for residents.

Poor visibility of the signs—both day and night—leads to misunderstandings, unnecessary honking, and traffic congestion. Many drivers mistakenly believe the lane is solely for left turns at intersections, which disrupts traffic flow and creates noise for neighbours.


Proposed Solutions:

1. Redesigned signage

I’ve attached mockups for potential new dynamic road signs. These designs are distinct from standard traffic lights and clearly indicate whether the reversible lane is open or closed, reducing ambiguity for drivers.

Reversible lane open:

Reversible lane open

Reversible lane closed:

Reversible lane closed


2. Increased Sign Placement

Additional signs should be installed after intersections and at mid-block points. This ensures drivers are consistently informed about the lane’s status before reaching the next intersection, preventing last-minute stops or incorrect lane usage.


Why this matters

A well-marked reversible lane will improve traffic flow, minimize noise, and enhance safety for everyone using Jarvis Street. If we’re committed to keeping the reversible lane, these changes are essential for making it work effectively.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or discuss alternative solutions!

Comments(12)

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Profile of David Bills
Posted by:David Bills
7 months ago
Great suggestion; and I think the City does need to seriously study and address the issues around traffic flow; specifically at the top of Jarvis Street where Jarvis Street intersects Charles Street; where it is very confusing regardless (pedestrian; cyclist and vehicles); but making the southbound Mount Pleasant Blvd left turn onto Jarvis southbound and drivers are immediately confused by reversible lane as they approach Isabella where there is very poor signage about the upcoming reversible lane and that sign is south of Isabella; I've seen many near-accidents in that small stretch at the top of Jarvis.
    I would recommend for the signs the arrow lanes be green still similar to traffic lights. Also, how large are these signs? I find the lights currently in place are small and too high at times - especially if you're behind a truck or when I'm making a left from Isabella onto Jarvis it's difficult to see.
    • 1 like
    Profile of Jerome B
    Posted by:Jerome B
    10 months ago
    @Stacey Semple Agreed—signs should be bigger. What I'm suggesting here is a mockup of a sign that brings more clarity to which lances you can drive on, not necessarily a final design. We could even have individual signs per lane, similar to the one we have now on the reversible lane. Regarding the height, I am not sure we can act on that as there is a minimum height for signs above roads so that trucks can drive by without any issues.
    • 2 likes
    @Jerome B Great, I like and prefer the idea of putting one for each lane. Oh yes, it does need to be a certain height so trucks can still drive through, got it.
    • 1 like
    Profile of Phil Boutin
    Posted by:Phil Boutin
    10 months ago
    In my view reversible lanes without movable barriers are just bad design full stop. Just asking for trouble.
      great idea, but it may not solve the underlying issue,Drives, pedestrians. bikers etc. will need to read them.. and understand them.
        Profile of Jerome B
        Posted by:Jerome B
        10 months ago
        @John McVicker Could you please expand on what you're referring to? Are there any issues with pedestrians and cyclists on Jarvis? I believe pedestrians cross the street for the most part at crossings and bikes haven't been really a problem, at least from what I saw.
          Profile of Jerome B
          Posted by:Jerome B
          10 months ago
          @John McVicker ? Would love to make amendments to the proposal if you have some time to provide more details. Or maybe even offer a proposal dedicated for pedestrians and cyclists?
            @Jerome B I know living at Jarvis and Maitland, there definitely needs to be a pedestrian walkway between Carlton and Maitland. That area is constant with pedestrians trying to cross there in between the two sets of lights. Also, the bike couriers in this neighbourhood are insane and do not follow traffic laws.
            • 1 like
            Profile of Jerome B
            Posted by:Jerome B
            10 months ago
            @Stacey Semple Gotcha yes, I agree with you, the stretch on Jarvis between Carlton and Maitland is too long. A walkway around the Blake House would be great. This should probably be part of a different project, unless you want me to add it to this proposal? Would be happy to work on it with you if so.
            • 1 like
            @Jerome B It is something I'd like to move forward, whether add to this proposal or make a new proposal I'm indifferent to. What about the bike couriers though? I see absolutely no enforcement on bike couriers following traffic laws

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              Profile of Jerome BJerome B on October 24, 2025

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              Tags

              Mobility
              Safety