@ Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Ic.
Concurrent Pedestrian Signal Phasing
Together with the share the road philosophy, the City should consider providing
concurrent pedestrian signal phasing at all study area intersection. Concurrent
pedestrian signal phasing allows pedestrians to cross an intersection at the same time
as in the same direction and at the same time (concurrently) with motor vehicles and
bicyclists traveling in the same direction. This type of signal phasing, as opposed to
exclusive pedestrian phasing that only allows pedestrians to cross when vehicles on
all approaches to the intersection are stopped, would provide enhance both
pedestrian and vehicular mobility.
Next Steps
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Glroulation Stuxtreports\Final ReportFinal
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This planning study identified a number of issues and potential solutions on a
conceptual basis. Some of the actions will require more detailed evaluation and
design and some may best be accomplished by, or in partnership with the
development community. However, there are steps that the City can begin to take
now to improve traffic circulation with the goal of enhancing the experience of those
who live, work, and visit the Downtown. These next steps are described as follows:
1. The City should maintain a consistent and continually reinforcing mullti-
model vision for the Downtown that will serve to guide decision makers
over the coming years.
2. Asan initial project, the City should consider converting Spring Street from
Hollis Street to East Pearl Street from its existing one-way northbound
operation to two-way flow. Doing so will necessitate modifications to the
East Hollis Street/Spring Street traffic signal at an estimated cost of
approximately $40,000.
3. The City should pursue the two-roundabout alternative at the Walnut Street
Oval. This action would serve to improve vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle
mobility while also maximizing developable land. The economic
development potential of the area is tremendous. However, the costs are
substantial. The roadway reconstruction cost alone (not including land costs)
are estimated at over $2 million. A creative public/private partnership with
the City working closely with the development community could stimulate
economic development within this important part of the Downtown.
4. Upon the completion and opening of the Broad Street Parkway, the City
(perhaps in partnership with the NRPC) should conduct updated traffic
volume counts throughout the Downtown. Previous studies have estimated
diversionary effects of the Parkway. However, prior to committing to any
substantial modifications to the Downtown street system, the City should
obtain actual post-Parkway traffic volumes. This is particularly important in
assessing the increase in traffic demand destined to Main Street from the
Parkway.
5. The City should consider converting West Pearl Street to two-way operation.
However, to maintain parking on both sides of the roadway, the City would
need to reduce the approximately 8’ wide sidewalk on the south side of the
west end of West Hollis Street by approximately 2 feet. This additional
Executive Summary
