Study Corridor Engineering & Recommendations
Study Corridor Engineering & Recommendations The major outcome of this technical report will be the development of pedestrian and bicycle improvement recommendations along the targeted study corridor and other specifically identified areas of interest. These targeted sites are based on the original grant application, input from the various stakeholders, deficiencies noted through field visits, and public input gathered from presentation meetings and various survey techniques utilized. The main focus of the recommendations, and first priority of the recommended improvements, is providing a connection between the eastern and western portions of Voorhees Township’s Bicycle Network. Recommendations for this corridor include enhancing crossing locations and problem intersections, expanding the existing sidewalk network, introducing conceptual road‐diet striping configurations, and alternative routes. Additional recommendations focus on traffic calming techniques and potential solutions for identified problem areas for motorists and pedestrians, streetscaping concepts for Centennial Boulevard to complement the proposed Environmental Park with a pedestrian‐safe, aesthetically pleasing roadway design incorporating transportation and pedestrian needs. Improvement concepts are intended to be easily implementable, and will emphasize realistic, cost‐ and reality‐driven options to help the Township structure its capital funding and grant applications. The following sections are ordered according to their priority and the different areas impacted. Specific improvements are identified, and concepts and information to drive future improvements beyond the scope of this report are provided. Each section shows graphical improvements of the depicted improvements, along with an accompanying narrative. Cost estimates are summarized and ordered in terms of magnitude and short‐, mid‐, and long‐term goals of the study. Options considered both realistic and beneficial are given priority in discussion. The
cost estimates are based on standard unit prices based on historical bid data for similar projects received by CME Associates, and includes labor, materials, and contingency.
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Sidewalk Network Improvements
Through an investigation of the existing conditions of the study corridor, engineering judgment, and discussion with the various stakeholders, including the Township, it has been determined that the completion and expansion of the sidewalk network along Laurel Oak Road and Echelon Road is an integral facility for pedestrians traversing east‐west on the Township’s Bicycle Network. Despite the intermittent presence of sidewalk on both sides of the roadways, the existing conditions analysis has identified numerous gaps and missing portions that divide a smooth continuous bicycling/pedestrian surface. In some locations, adding sidewalk will require modification or reconfiguration of existing commercial driveways to accommodate curb ramps and pedestrian traffic. New sidewalk construction should provide a minimum width of 5 feet – optimally 8‐12 feet – to provide a minimum width that allow for side‐by‐side traffic and ease in passing. It should be noted that riding bicycles on a sidewalk is not supported by various regulatory and municipal agencies; separate facilities are preferred. A 4‐foot sidewalk width will be considered acceptable in areas restricted by limited right‐of‐way or physical impediments. The main limiting factor when considering new sidewalk construction is cost; the report contains recommendations that prioritize specific connections along the roadway, and provides suggestions to secure the funding, through grant applications and modifications to the Township’s land development ordinances. Using this comprehensive, phased approach, a two‐way sidewalk network along Laurel Oak/Echelon road can be provided in order to allow proper pedestrian conveyance along the study corridor. Figure 10 shows the missing gaps in the sidewalk network along the corridor.
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FIGURE | STUDY CORRIDOR SIDEWALK NETWORK
VOORHEES TOWNSHIP
Existing Sidewalk
Missing Sidewalk
Sidewalk/Pathway Improvements
Along the approximately 11,000 linear feet of Echelon Road and Laurel Oak Road between Somerdale Road and Haddonfield Berlin Road, per the attached Figure 10, there are gaps in the system (along either side of the road) of roughly 5,350 linear feet. While at least one side of the roadway generally has sidewalk (i.e. there are no spots where sidewalk gaps exist on both sides of the street), these conditions are generally unsafe for pedestrians, as they’re forced to travel on non‐paved surfaces, a roadway with no shoulder, or have to cross at an unsignalized location to
avoid the gaps in the system. These problems would be alleviated by completing the sidewalk network along the study path. The figure on this page shows the gaps in the sidewalk network along the studied corridor, and assigns each section a priority for installation based on utility and necessity for completing the sidewalk network.
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FIGURE | SIDEWALK CONTINUITY NEAR STUDY CORRIDOR
VOORHEES TOWNSHIP
Existing Sidewalk
Missing Sidewalk
Sidewalk Continuity Near Existing Study Corridor As mentioned in the existing conditions analysis, the sidewalk network in Voorhees Township is far from complete. The numerous gaps result from the inconsistent development (in timing) of portions of the Township, and a lack of a consistent requirement for the installation of pedestrian facilities along the frontage of new development. Improving the sidewalk network throughout the Township should be a long‐term goal of Voorhees, to improve complete facilities for all modes of users.
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The figure above shows the presence of sidewalk along all roadways connecting with the study corridor (Laurel Oak Road to Echelon Road), along a quarter mile of their intersection with the studied corridor. This map is intended to give future planners an idea of existing connections, both missing and there, from local neighborhoods and developments to the study corridor. The map can be used to drive decisions behind future capital improvements and decisions.
cost estimates are based on standard unit prices based on historical bid data for similar projects received by CME Associates, and includes labor, materials, and contingency.
22
Sidewalk Network Improvements
Through an investigation of the existing conditions of the study corridor, engineering judgment, and discussion with the various stakeholders, including the Township, it has been determined that the completion and expansion of the sidewalk network along Laurel Oak Road and Echelon Road is an integral facility for pedestrians traversing east‐west on the Township’s Bicycle Network. Despite the intermittent presence of sidewalk on both sides of the roadways, the existing conditions analysis has identified numerous gaps and missing portions that divide a smooth continuous bicycling/pedestrian surface. In some locations, adding sidewalk will require modification or reconfiguration of existing commercial driveways to accommodate curb ramps and pedestrian traffic. New sidewalk construction should provide a minimum width of 5 feet – optimally 8‐12 feet – to provide a minimum width that allow for side‐by‐side traffic and ease in passing. It should be noted that riding bicycles on a sidewalk is not supported by various regulatory and municipal agencies; separate facilities are preferred. A 4‐foot sidewalk width will be considered acceptable in areas restricted by limited right‐of‐way or physical impediments. The main limiting factor when considering new sidewalk construction is cost; the report contains recommendations that prioritize specific connections along the roadway, and provides suggestions to secure the funding, through grant applications and modifications to the Township’s land development ordinances. Using this comprehensive, phased approach, a two‐way sidewalk network along Laurel Oak/Echelon road can be provided in order to allow proper pedestrian conveyance along the study corridor. Figure 10 shows the missing gaps in the sidewalk network along the corridor.
23
FIGURE | STUDY CORRIDOR SIDEWALK NETWORK
VOORHEES TOWNSHIP
Existing Sidewalk
Missing Sidewalk
Sidewalk/Pathway Improvements
Along the approximately 11,000 linear feet of Echelon Road and Laurel Oak Road between Somerdale Road and Haddonfield Berlin Road, per the attached Figure 10, there are gaps in the system (along either side of the road) of roughly 5,350 linear feet. While at least one side of the roadway generally has sidewalk (i.e. there are no spots where sidewalk gaps exist on both sides of the street), these conditions are generally unsafe for pedestrians, as they’re forced to travel on non‐paved surfaces, a roadway with no shoulder, or have to cross at an unsignalized location to
avoid the gaps in the system. These problems would be alleviated by completing the sidewalk network along the study path. The figure on this page shows the gaps in the sidewalk network along the studied corridor, and assigns each section a priority for installation based on utility and necessity for completing the sidewalk network.
24
FIGURE | SIDEWALK CONTINUITY NEAR STUDY CORRIDOR
VOORHEES TOWNSHIP
Existing Sidewalk
Missing Sidewalk
Sidewalk Continuity Near Existing Study Corridor As mentioned in the existing conditions analysis, the sidewalk network in Voorhees Township is far from complete. The numerous gaps result from the inconsistent development (in timing) of portions of the Township, and a lack of a consistent requirement for the installation of pedestrian facilities along the frontage of new development. Improving the sidewalk network throughout the Township should be a long‐term goal of Voorhees, to improve complete facilities for all modes of users.
25
The figure above shows the presence of sidewalk along all roadways connecting with the study corridor (Laurel Oak Road to Echelon Road), along a quarter mile of their intersection with the studied corridor. This map is intended to give future planners an idea of existing connections, both missing and there, from local neighborhoods and developments to the study corridor. The map can be used to drive decisions behind future capital improvements and decisions.
