Readington Road (C.R. 637) Construction

Transcription

1 Public Information Meeting Thursday, August 2, 2012 Readington Road (C.R. 637) Construction from Dreahook Road to Harlan School Road Branchburg Township, Somerset County Readington Township, Hunterdon County Presented by: In Association with: Somerset County Engineering

2 Meeting Purpose To present the project construction plans to property owners, residents, community groups & local officials and receive public input During this meeting we will: Review the history of the project development to date Review the key points of the Roadway Needs Analysis Study first presented at the Public Information Meeting held on March 31, 2009, focusing on the roadway network deficiencies: Higher than average vehicular crash rates Lack of adequate shoulder width Lack of left turn lanes at intersections Substandard vertical curve geometry impedes sight distance Inadequate side street intersection sight distance Present design plans which eliminate deficiencies Open the floor to comments and questions from the public

3 Project Area

4 Completed Work Tasks Land Surveys Topographical Conditions Wetlands Delineation Geotechnical Investigation with Soil Borings Traffic investigation Traffic Counts Accident Analysis Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis Conceptual Plan Development Alternatives Analysis Meeting with Public Officials October 5, 2007 May 19, 2009 July 26, 2012 Public Information Meeting March 31, 2009 Archaeological Survey and Architectural Assessment Construction Plan Development

5 Traffic Conditions Project Area Findings Average (2-Way) Traffic Volume was 9,018 vehicles Crash Rates Over the 3-year study period there were 72 accidents within the project limits The rate of rear end collisions is 20% higher than the Statewide Average Generally caused by congested conditions and poor sight distance: 23% occurred at the Baird Road intersection Currently no left turn lanes or wide shoulders at this location Crashes during dusk and nighttime is nearly 50% greater than the statewide average 74% of the rear end crashes occurred at dusk or at night Likely involving a significant amount of motorists completing their evening commute from Rt. 22 into the residential developments on the east side of Readington Road.

6 Existing Roadway Conditions Lack of Adequate Shoulder Width Does not provide room for accident avoidance maneuvers or pull over areas, impedes turning movements, and is pedestrian and bicycle unfriendly

7 Existing Roadway Conditions Lack of Curbing / Variable Roadway Width Causes soil erosion and destabilizes roadway edge Inconsistent roadway width promotes driver confusion

8 Existing Roadway Conditions Substandard Vertical Curves Insufficient sight distance at crest curves reduces the time drivers have to brake for stopped vehicles or objects in the roadway

9 Existing Roadway Conditions Substandard Vertical Curves Curve too short obstruction not visible Adequate curve length obstruction visible Illustration of sight distance at sag curves

10 Existing Roadway Conditions Baird Road Intersection No shoulders or left turn lanes on approach to intersection

11 Existing Roadway Conditions Limited Intersection Sight Distance Baird Road Homestead Road

12 Existing Roadway Conditions County Bridge Structures C0802: Bridge in poor condition and too narrow for turning vehicles at Baird Road

13 Existing Roadway Conditions County Bridge Structures C0803: Pipe Culvert in fair condition, missing guiderail on northbound side and headwall on southbound side

14 List of Project Goals Construct new widened bridge structures CO wide 3-sided concrete culvert CO083 replace 48 CMP with RCP and install headwall Construct a consistent roadway section, including widened shoulders which will: Provide space for emergency pull-overs Provide space to escape from potential accidents or reduce their severity Improve sight distance Allow surface runoff to collect further away from travel lane Provide space for bicycle and pedestrian use Provide additional space for turning movements at intersections Provide lateral space for signs and guide rail Provide space for school bus stops Provide lateral support for the pavement Propose 11 wide lanes with 7 wide shoulders Improve vertical curves to improve sight distance along the roadway Cut down crest curves to extend sight distance Fill sag curves to enhance headlight projection at night

15 List of Project Goals Upgrade Drainage system Manage runoff, collect roadway water, provide stormwater detention and water quality treatment. Install granite block curbs Stabilize the roadway edge and convey storm water to drainage system Construct left turn lane along southbound C.R. 637 at Baird Road intersection Minimize the potential for rear end accidents Propose 11 wide lanes with 4 wide shoulders Install Traffic Signal at the Baird Road intersection Eliminate conflicting turning traffic movements onto Readington Road Provide safe pedestrian access Minimize traffic delays for Baird Road traffic Review of all side streets and driveways Ensure safe access onto Readington Road, with needed improvements incorporated into the roadway plans Enhance Signing and Striping

16 Before and After Inconsistent and narrow roadway width looking south towards Baird Road

17 Before and After Wider shoulders, uniform roadway width

18 Before and After Narrow bridge crossing, no room for left turning vehicles looking south towards Baird Road

19 Before and After New bridge, traffic signal, left turn lane, and wider shoulders

20 Before and After View from above: Baird Road intersection with Readington Road

21 Before and After View from above: Baird Road intersection with Readington Road

22 Proposed Detour Routes

23 Next Steps Review Public Comments Submit NJDEP Permit Documents Prepare Property Acquisition Documents, acquire R.O.W. Finalize design of Contract Documents for bidding Construction tentatively scheduled for mid 2013 pending available funding

24 Thank You!