1. Pilot Project Evaluation
Bay Road Underpass
Pilot Project Evaluation
Select Board Meeting
Shelburne, VT
October 25, 2016

2. Overview Pilot Study Background Crash History and Safety Concerns
Pilot Study Implementation
Public Opinion Survey
Traffic, Queue length and Delay Data
Summary

3. Pilot Study Background
As per Town’s Request, CCRPC staff have completed a safety and travel conditions evaluation for the underpass in November, 2015
Narrow Road width, limited sight distance and roadway geometry (horizontal curvature and vertical grade for westbound)
Safety improvements were recommended as a “Pilot”
Reduce two travel lanes to one lane under the bridge
Install STOP signs on both approaches
Provide a separate path for pedestrians and bikers

4. Crash History and Safety Concerns
Two crashes were reported in the last 5 years ( ) in the proximity of the underpass
Head-on collision, lane departure
Heavy Vehicle became stuck under the railroad bridge
Close calls at the underpass

5. Crash History and Safety
Risk Factors of the Location
Horizontal curvature and vertical grade ~4%
Limited sight distance
Speeds higher than posted speed
Presence of pedestrians, bikers along with vehicular traffic at same location

6. Pilot Study Implementation
Town implemented the pilot project on June 1, 2016
Town advertised the pilot and solicited public opinion/feedback through their website prior to the pilot implementation
Town received 45 responses

7. Pilot Study Implementation
Primary Concerns pre-pilot were:
Vehicular safety with one lane travel way under the bridge
Pedestrians and bicyclists safety under the bridge
One lane may create a choke point and cause significant traffic congestion on Bay Road
Significant delays and queues especially when school is in session and during special events in the Town

8. Traffic, Queue Length and Delay Data
CCRPC Staff collected traffic volume, speed, queue length and delay data
Traffic Volume and Speed
Before
After
No significant impact on traveling speeds on Bay Road

9. Traffic, Queue Length and Delay Data
CCRPC staff collected queue length and delay data on three randomly selected days

10. Public Opinion Survey
Town Developed and Administered an Online Public Opinion Survey on their Website from June 1st to October 7th
Town received 155 responses from public
Public responses and opinions were divided on travel and safety conditions at the underpass
Approximately half of the public opinions indicated that the pilot project improved safety conditions for vulnerable road users
The other half expressed pilot is slowing down traffic and causing significant backups

11. Public Opinion Survey
Bike and Pedestrian Paths Committee volunteered and interviewed 15 “vulnerable road users” (pedestrians and bikers) to get their opinion and feedback.
This survey was primarily focused on safety and travel conditions of vulnerable road users.

12. Public Opinion Survey

13. Harvest Festival Day – Traffic Conditions
Traffic on the Harvest Festival day, September 17th, represent a “worst case scenario”
Shelburne Police Department monitored and patrolled traffic on this day.
Traffic congestion on Bay Road, Harbor Road and US 7
Traffic backed up to Mariners Way to the east and to Spinnaker Lane to the west

14. Summary
Traffic, Queue and delay data, and public opinion surveys are one of many inputs for Town to consider to make an informed decision
Although there were 2 crashes reported in the last 5 years, Bay Road under pass is a “risky” location. As traffic increases risk factor also increases.
Pilot improved safety of both vulnerable road users and motorists
Motorists experience 6 to 10 seconds per vehicle delay on average. During PM peak, maximum delays can range from 90 to 150 seconds per vehicle

15. Summary
Online Public Opinion Survey results showed divided opinions on traffic and safety conditions
Onsite survey results showed that vulnerable road users felt comfortable and safer travel environment
Majority of respondents from both surveys expressed a need for sidewalk, wider pathway and/or a separated bike- ped path along Bay Road
During the Harvest Festival day, traffic congestion was much worse than is typically seen on an average day which is due to mass exodus of vehicles from the event

16. Next Steps if Pilot becomes Permanent
Install “Bikes May Use Full Lane”, R4-11, on both approaches at the underpass and along Bay Road
During special events such as Harvest Festival, it is recommend to deploy a traffic management person to efficiently direct traffic to reduce delays
Continue investigating alternatives for pedestrian and bike path facilities along Bay Road for safer travel environment for all road users (currently a scoping study is underway)
Continue working with the railroad company and investigate options and funding sources to reconstruct the railroad bridge with adequate width to accommodate all road users

17. Next Steps if Pilot discontinues
Install “Bikes May Use Full Lane”, R4-11, on both approaches at the underpass and along Bay Road
Install “removable speed bumps” on both sides of the underpass for the whole road width with gaps for bikes.
Continue investigating alternatives for pedestrian and bike path facilities along Bay Road for safer travel environment for all road users (currently a scoping study is underway)
Continue working with the railroad company and investigate options and funding sources to reconstruct the railroad bridge with adequate width to accommodate all road users

18. Acknowledgement Town of Shelburne Bike and Pedestrian Path Committee
Shelburne Police Department