@
Vanasse Hangen Brusilin, Inc.
2.4 Existing Conditions Summary
\\Whb\pro/\Bedion?\§2700.00 Nashua
Circulation StudyireportsiFinal RaportiFinal
Raportdocx
26
A review of existing conditions revealed a vibrant and thriving Downtown. Traffic
volume demand is high, not only during the peak commuter hours, but throughout
the day. Traffic flow is controlled along the major arterials of Main Street, West
Hollis Street, and East Hollis Street by a total of nine traffic signal controlled
intersections. Additionally, as part of the Broad Street Parkway project, two new
traffic signals will be installed at the Central Street/Pine Street and Central
Street/Palm Street intersections.
The results of the operational analyses, with the Broad Street Parkway in place,
indicate that each of the signalized intersections are expected to operate acceptably
(LOS D or better). Similarly, the results of the evaluation show acceptable operating
conditions at the unsignalized study area intersections with the exception of the
Walnut Street Oval which revealed an LOS F operation during the weekday evening
peak hour.
The most dominating feature of the Downtown’s existing roadway network is the
presence of numerous one-way streets. Factory Street and Temple Street form a one-
way east-west couplet with East Pearl Street and West Pearl Street. Similarly, West
Hollis Street forms a one-way east-west couplet with Kinsley Street. There are also
numerous north-south one-way couplets such as Pine Street with Palm Street, Ash
Street with Vine Street, and Chestnut Street with Walnut Street. Other one-way
streets include School Street, Cedar Street, Eldridge Street, Spring Street, Foundry
Street, South Street, Cottage Avenue, Court Street, and Park Street.
The Downtown is well served by public transportation with the Nashua Transit
Center located on Elm Street in the heart of the Downtown. The Nashua Transit
System runs Citybus (a daytime fixed route service); After 7 (an evening fixed route
service); and City Lift (a paratransit senior citizen service, with routes throughout the
Downtown.
Pedestrian mobility is accommodated primarily with the presence of sidewalks,
crosswalks, pedestrian phase actuation at traffic signal controlled intersections, and
off-road facilities such as the Nashua Heritage Rail Trail and the Nashua Riverwalk.
Sidewalks are provided along nearly all streets within the study area with only
minor exceptions. Crosswalks are present at major roadway intersections while
midblock crossings are present along East Pearl Street, Main Street, Temple Street,
Pine Street, and Palm Street.
The Nashua Heritage Rail Trail, which runs parallel to West Hollis Street, provides
access to both pedestrians and bicyclists. While the trail has some roadway crossings,
it provides an important alternative to the high traffic volume route of West Hollis
Street.
Other than the Nashua Heritage Rail Trail, there are few defined bicycle facilities
within the study area. Defined bicycle lanes are provided on Temple Street, between
Spring Street and East Pearl Street, and on East Pearl Street, between Spring Street
and Temple Street. Bicycle lanes are marked and include both diamond and bicycle
shaped identification markings. Bicycle shoulders are also provided along Pine
Existing Conditions
