Complete Streets Workshop
Complete Streets Workshop Technical Memorandum May 2013
Prepared for: Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission
Second Street, Manchester, NH 3
Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
1. INTRODUCTION The Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission (SNHPC) contracted with GP RED, a national non-profit, and T.Y. Lin International to conduct a Complete Streets Workshop to assess the Second Street Corridor for strategies that could improve mobility for all users in the corridor. The workshop was funded by the Healthy New Hampshire Foundation, and included a presentation introducing Complete Streets, a guided walking tour of the Second Street corridor, and a strategic visioning session with SNHPC staff and attendees. Participants included community leaders from Manchester and Bedford, and Second Street business owners. The Complete Streets Workshop is one component of the Second Street Corridor Project, which focuses on developing an access management plan and mixed use overlay zone along the Second Street corridor from Granite Street to the Bedford town line. The intent of the project is to promote new growth and redevelopment, including mixed use and infill development, that will help revitalize this heavily used corridor. The first of several public workshops was held in February 2013 to seek input from corridor residents and business owners regarding what the area’s needs are and how the corridor and its existing zoning can be improved. In addition, SNHPC will be leading a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the zoning and access management strategies developed for Second Street through this project. This memorandum describes the Complete Streets Workshop held on April 25 - 26, 2013, and focuses on the next steps that SNHPC might take as a result of this technical assistance. Transportation Engineer Tom Errico, PE of T.Y. Lin International and Cindy Heath, Executive Director of GP RED co-led the workshop. 2. WORKSHOP EVENTS On day one, a screening of the film, “The Weight of the Nation”, hosted by the Healthy NH Foundation and the Manchester Health Department, was used as a kick off to the workshop. The workshop facilitators presented a one hour overview of national Complete Streets policy guidance, and led a 3 hour guided walking tour of the Second Street corridor. On day two, a four hour visioning session was held on tools and models to explore Complete Streets implementation strategies for the Second Street Corridor. About 20 participants from the Manchester region participated in the workshop over the two days, including business owners, staff from city and regional agencies, and community leaders from the public health, parks and recreation, transportation, and public works sectors. Complete Streets Workshop – GP RED, TY Lin International |
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Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
3. CONTEXT The Second Street Corridor Project context includes the following activities:
Between February 2008 and January 2013, several traffic impact and engineering studies were conducted on Second Street Corridor businesses.
In October 2010, SNHPC assisted the City of Manchester Public Works Department to determine the feasibility of implementing roadway striping improvements on Second Street near the I-293 Exit 4 northbound and southbound off-ramps and the Second Street/Queen City Avenue intersection. The improvements were being considered as a response to traffic concerns expressed by business owners in the area.
In September of 2011, a public hearing was held in Manchester with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to receive public comment on bridge reconstruction in the Second Street corridor area.
In February of 2013, the SNHPC and the City of Manchester hosted a public listening session and workshop to identify issues related to traffic safety and road conditions, residential and commercial activities, zoning, parking, and pedestrian and bicycle safety.
SNHPC will be leading a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the zoning and access management strategies developed for Second Street through this project.
4. KEY ISSUES & OBSERVATIONS Key issues and observations along the Second Street corridor were identified during the walking tour, technical review, and visioning session to address opportunities to implement Complete Streets strategies:
Second Street has experienced approximately 750 accidents over the last 10 years, averaging 75 per year.
There are two distinct traffic patterns along the corridor, with the northern, more residential section experiencing approximately 7,000 vehicles per day, while the southern, more commercial section experiences approximately 20,000 vehicles per day. The speed limit along the corridor is 30 mph.
Wide curb radii are prolific throughout the corridor, making pedestrian crossing difficult, and inhibiting visibility. Complete Streets Workshop – GP RED, TY Lin International |
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Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
Current bus route turns NW on Woodbury Street (and back, turning right onto Second Street). Buses do not run in the North section of the corridor from Woodbury Street to Granite Street.
Issues exist for handicap accessibility at certain transit stops. The stop at McDonald’s was noted in particular for lack of handicap accessibility from the stop to other parts of the corridor.
Directional signage indicating access to key destinations and the popular Piscataquog trail is lacking.
Bicycle storage issues exist for residential property owners.
Excessive driveway widths, number of driveways, and other access management deficiencies contribute to poor conditions for motorized and non-motorized modes of transportation.
Lack of street crossings connecting residential areas and commercial destinations make pedestrian travel unsafe. The sidewalk thins and disappears at 649 Second Street. Telephone poles and other obstacles exist in the pedestrian travel ways.
Opportunities exist for shared bike lanes along adjacent low traffic volume residential streets as well as on street cycle tracks, landscape improvements, traffic calming roundabouts, and road diets along the Second Street Corridor.
Multiple solutions are needed for the corridor encompassing education, engineering and policy changes.
Community leaders in Bedford are amenable to coordinating improvements to include Complete Streets implementation strategies where the corridor enters the Town of Bedford.
5. OVERVIEW OF COMPLETE STREETS & ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIES Community streets can evolve into Complete Streets that provide safe, inviting, and convenient travel for all users of all ages and abilities including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation riders, as well as the non-driving population – senior citizens, children and people with disabilities. When combined with other active transportation strategies, a Complete Streets approach is a viable tool for providing individuals with the choice for safe, active, and independent travel throughout a community. Some supporting strategies pertaining to infrastructure, policy and engagement include: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Bicycle and walk friendly audits for businesses, communities, and universities Sidewalk improvements and safe street crossings Traffic calming measures, road diets, cycle tracks, bicycle boulevards, and landscape improvements Safe Routes to School and Safe Routes to Play – youth focused planning Bicycle/pedestrian specific signage, road markings, and traffic signals Policy changes to support active transportation, promotion of active transportation success stories Complete Streets Workshop – GP RED, TY Lin International |
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Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
6. RECOMMENDATIONS Workshop attendees considered Complete Street elements that could be improved along the Second Street Corridor during the walking tour and subsequent visioning session. The recommendations are organized under the broad headings of engagement, infrastructure, and policy changes. The implementation of these recommendations is ideally accomplished through a collaborative effort involving government, non-profit, and private partners. Recommendation
Purpose
Lead Agency
Timeframe
Establish and strengthen partnerships with local, regional and state bicycle/pedestrian advocacy organizations; consider an ‘active transportation coalition’ model
Create a comprehensive network of support for policy and infrastructure improvements
SNHPC Departments of Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Planning, and Public Health
2-3 months
Identify city agency and Supporting organizations roles/responsibilities
Clearly define which organizations are responsible for planning and implementing the elements of complete street projects.
Publicly promote progress on Complete Streets and related active transportation initiatives; institute bike/ped safety campaign
Raise awareness of accomplishments and engage citizen advocates; educate corridor users, business owners, and residents
Inventory community destinations and evaluate safe and convenient connectivity design options
Identified Market Basket, Goodwill Store, Bass Island Park, Dog Park, Families in Transition, Family Dollar
A. Engagement
Local, regional, state partners SNHPC Departments of Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Planning, Public Health Identified Partners SNHPC City of Manchester City of Bedford Non-profit advocates Business community
3-6 months
SNHPC City of Manchester City of Bedford Non-profit advocates Business community Residents
3-6 months
Ongoing throughout project planning, design and implementation
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Complete Streets Workshop â—? Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
Recommendation
Purpose
Lead Agency
Timeframe
Develop process for planning and implementing Complete Streets
Coordinated effort to integrate Complete Streets improvements and clear internal process
Departments of Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Planning, and Public Health Local, regional, state partners
3-6 months
Install rectangular rapid flash beacons at mid-block or uncontrolled crossings and at intersections; install countdown pedestrian signal heads and ADA compliant push buttons
Facilitates safe pedestrian crossings
Departments of Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Planning
12 months
Implement signage and access improvements to Piscataquog Trail; consider paved walkway from Turner Street Consider thermoplastic paint for bicycle and pedestrian markings
Safe and convenient connection to heavily used active transportation corridor
Departments of Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Planning
3-6 months
Longevity (4-5 years) compared to traditional paint markings (6 months)
Departments of Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Planning
3-6 months
Reconfigure intersections at Hancock Street and Queen City Avenue on the east side at entrance to Everett Turnpike; explore roundabouts at Queen City Avenue and Harvel Street; evaluate need for right turn lane from Woodbury Street to Second Street
Improved accommodation for bicycle and pedestrian travel
Departments of Public Works, Planning
Ongoing CIP
Fill gaps in sidewalk infrastructure and remove barriers to handicap accessibility; implement a road diet where feasible
Improved accommodation for wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian travel
Departments of Public Works, Planning
Ongoing CIP
B. Infrastructure
Complete Streets Workshop – GP RED, TY Lin International |
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Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
Recommendation
Purpose
Lead Agency
Timeframe
Create a bicycle boulevard along Third Street, continue into Wolf’s Park, cross Second Street at Master Street, continue down Hill Street
Connect to Second Street at School Street and Cleveland; increase safe travel for recreational and commuter use
Departments of Public Works, Planning
2-3 months
Create a ‘gateway’ at the northern end near Granite Street, improve sidewalk and landscaping on both sides of street, add archway entrance
Improve attractiveness of corridor entry; traffic calming
Departments of Public Works, Planning Business community
Ongoing CIP
Eliminate second southbound through lane south of Woodbury Street; consider protected cycle track within right-of-way constraints Create a landscaped median boulevard from Queen City Avenue to the south (right turn only); improve landscaping throughout the corridor
Allows for creation of expanded sidewalk, landscaping and cycle track or bicycle lane
Departments of Public Works, Planning
Ongoing CIP
Provide for U-turns and entrance to businesses; increase attractiveness and livability
Departments of Public Works, Planning Business community
Ongoing CIP
Evaluate crosswalks at Granite, Schiller Streets; consider not allowing on street parking where feasible to accommodate bicycle lane or cycle track
Improved accommodation for wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian travel
Departments of Public Works, Planning
Ongoing CIP
Consider curb extensions, a round-about, bicycle boxes and road diet treatments at Hancock Street Eliminate high speed free flow channelized lanes
Improved accommodation for wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian travel
Departments of Public Works, Planning
Ongoing CIP
Traffic calming; improved safety and experience for wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian travel
Departments of Public Works, Planning
Ongoing CIP
B. Infrastructure Continued
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Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
Recommendation
Purpose
Lead Agency
Timeframe
C. Policies Adopt City Council Resolution directing Complete Streets implementation through multi-agency oversight
Provide decision makers with SNHPC support for complete streets City of Manchester activities, enable publicTown of Bedford private partnerships and broad agency involvement
2-3 months
Consider adopting current NACTO Bikeway Design Guide and pending NACTO Urban Streets Design Guide
Provide guidance for fieldtested design solutions and innovative variations from traditional design standards.
City of Manchester Town of Bedford
3-6 months for bikeways, 12-18 months for urban streets
Complete an Active Transportation Master Plan
Establish priorities and provide direction and warrant, engage policy makers and funders
SNHPC City of Manchester
12 months
Value add amenity for housing developers; more attractive to bicycle riding tenants
Planning & Zoning Departments City Council
Allow for substitution of bicycle racks as a % of landscaping requirements
Town of Bedford 6 months
In summary, the Second Street Complete Streets Workshop provided staff, elected officials, community leaders, and business owners with tools and techniques for transforming the Second Street corridor into a Complete Street. To achieve the greatest success, a comprehensive approach involving low-cost, ‘quick fix’ improvements, long-range capital planning, engagement, and policy analysis is recommended. The workshop outlined methods to improve Complete Streets awareness and communicate measureable successes. Participants were encouraged to view themselves as “Complete Streets Champions”, and begin collaborating with the SNHPC, the City of Manchester, the Town of Bedford, and existing business owners, active transportation, and public health advocates to achieve a safer, more livable Second Street. GP RED and T.Y. Lin International are pleased to have been of service to the Southern NH Planning Commission and the City of Manchester in advancing the Complete Streets movement in the region. Complete Streets Workshop – GP RED, TY Lin International |
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Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
5. APPENDIX Study Area Map
Complete Streets Workshop – GP RED, TY Lin International |
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Complete Streets Workshop â—? Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
Second Street Corridor Photographs
Walking Tour, North Second Street
Bass Island Park Destination
Sidewalk Obstacles
Sidewalk Gaps
Complete Streets Workshop – GP RED, TY Lin International |
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Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
Active Transportation Resources
National Complete Streets Coalition, www.smartgrowthamerica.org/complete-streets
Convergence Partnership: Transportation and Health Toolkit, www.convergencepartnership.org
American Public Health Association: Transportation and Health Toolkit, www.apha.org
NACTO-National Association of City Transportation Officials, www.nacto.org
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, www.cpted.net
PERI Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: A National Study of Employment Impacts, www.peri.umass.edu
Project Contacts Jillian Harris, Regional Planner Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission 438 Dubuque St. Manchester, NH 03102 603-669-4664 603-669-4350 fax jharris@snhpc.org Tom Errico, PE, Traffic Engineering Director T.Y. Lin International 207.347.4354 direct 207.400.0719 mobile thomas.errico@tylin.com Cindy Heath, CPRP, Executive Director GP RED New England Office 122 Daniels Road, Plainfield, NH 03781 303-501-7697 direct cindyh@gpred.org
Complete Streets Workshop – GP RED, TY Lin International |
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Complete Streets Workshop ● Second Street, Manchester Southern NH Planning Commission Technical Memorandum, May 2013
Workshop Participants April 25, 2013 – Video screening, Complete Streets Introduction, Second Street Walking Tour Tracey Crane, University of New Hampshire, MPH Program Karen Manikowski, FCEC, Manchester Health Department Karin Elmer, Town of Bedford Mike Whitten, Executive Director, Manchester Transit Authority Tim Soucy, Director, Manchester Health Department D. J. Beauchesne, Manchester Planning Department Jessica Chambers, Planner, Manchester Parks & Recreation Department Gerry Dupont, Red Oak Apartment Homes Ron Dupont, Red Oak Apartment Homes Renie Denton, Executive Director, Manchester Community Resource Center Jack Munn, Southern NH Planning Commission Michelle Ducie, Neighborworks Southern New Hampshire Bob Mackenzie, Mackenzie Planning Todd Connors, Manchester Department of Public Works Katrina Crocker, Intern, Southern NH Planning Commission
April 26, 2013 – Complete Streets Visioning Session David Fields, Southern NH Planning Commission Mike Whitten, Executive Director, Manchester Transit Authority Gerry Dupont, Red Oak Apartment Homes Ron Dupont, Red Oak Apartment Homes Jack Munn, Southern NH Planning Commission D. J. Beauchesne, Manchester Planning Department Karin Elmer, Town of Bedford Bob Mackenzie, Manchester Planning Department Jessica Chambers, Planner, Manchester Parks & Recreation Department Renie Denton, Executive Director, Manchester Community Resource Center Todd Connors, Manchester Department of Public Works
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