Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

Transcription

1 City of Hyattsville, Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan March 2008 Committee Members Nathaniel Kelso, Matt McKnight, Anne Villacres, Cynthia Way, Alicia Wilson Aimee Condayan, Lisa Grob, Jim Groves, Robert Harper, J. McCray, Barbara Keeforth, Heather Olsen, David Rain, Jason Riggs, Scott R. Wilson Council Liaison Krista Atteberry (Ward 3)

2 Hyattsville Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Recommendations TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Section I Introduction 4 Executive Summary 4 Background 5 Section II Priority List 6 Intersection Matrix 6 Discussion 7 Top Priorities 8 Section III Recommendation Pedestrian Routes Discussion Map of Pedestrian Routes 3 Specific Recommendations 4 Section IV Recommendation Bicycle Routes 5 Discussion 5 Map of Bicycle Routes 6 Specific Recommendations 7 Section V Recommendation Citywide Intersection Improvements 9 Discussion 9 Specific Recommendations 9 Map of All Intersections 2 Section VI Recommendation Well Lit Streets 22 Discussion 22 Section VII Recommendation ADA Access Audit 23 Discussion 23 Section VIII Recommendation Sidewalk Standards 24 Discussion 24 Specific Recommendations 26 Note on 38 th Avenue 26 Section IX - Conclusion 27 2

3 Appendix A Miscellaneous Supporting Documents A- History of Committee Activities A-2 Committee Next Steps A-3 City Progress on Sidewalk Standards A-4 General Guidelines for Pedestrian Routes A-5 Streetlight Outage Reporting Form A-7 Appendix B Detailed Site Descriptions B- 38 th Avenue Sidewalk Installation B-2 Pedestrian Routes Map B-4 Artway North Pedestrian Route B-5 40 th /4 st Pedestrian Route B-6 Jamestown Road Pedestrian Route B-8 Nicholson/Oglethorpe Pedestrian Route B-0 42 nd Avenue (North) Pedestrian Route B- Queensbury Road Pedestrian Route B-2 40 th Place/Crittenden Pedestrian Route B-3 Bike Routes Map B-4 Trolley Trail Bike Route B-5 Northwest Branch Trail Bike Route B-6 Artway North Bike Route B-7 40 th /4 st Bike Route B-8 Queensbury Road Bike Route B-9 Problem Intersections Map B-20 Intersection of Belcrest Rd. at Queens Chapel B-2 Intersection of Northwest Branch Trail at Queens Chapel and Ager B-24 Intersection at 4 st Avenue Terminus B-26 Intersection of Belcrest Road at East-West Highway B-28 Intersection of Northwest Branch Trail at US B-30 Intersection of Ager Rd. at Nicholson St. B-32 Intersection of East-West Highway at Adelphi Rd. B-34 Intersection of Northwest Branch Trail at 38th Avenue B-36 Intersection of Hamilton Street with Ager Road and Queen s Chapel B-37 Intersection of Queens Chapel at Nicholson St. B-4 Intersection of Ager Rd. at Lancer Dr. B-43 Intersection at East-West Hwy at Home Depot Entrance B-46 Intersection at East-West Hwy at Editor s Drive B-47 3

4 I. INTRODUCTION Executive Summary This report contains the recommendations of Hyattsville s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee. The recommendations encompass transit and safety concerns for the entire city, across intersections and roads that span city, county, and state jurisdictions. The good news is that with adjustments to signal cycles, road striping, and other simple fixes, a great number of safety improvements can be made at a low cost. These recommendations will directly improve the quality of life for the entire city. The recommendations, discussed in further detail throughout this report, are as follows: Designate PEDESTRIAN ROUTES. Several major North-South and East-West routes that bisect the city could provide significantly better access for pedestrians to major destinations throughout the city if widened and improved. Establish and/or Improve several city BIKE ROUTES. Hyattsville should support the development and continuation of major bicycle routes that pass through the city, such as the Trolley Trail and Artway North. Pursue major INTERSECTION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS. We recommend that the city make significant improvements to several problem intersections to improve safety. The city should also actively advocate for county and State Highway Administration improvements to intersections that are not maintained by the city (but are within city limits). Ensure that we have WELL-LIT SREETS. We recommend that the city gain control of the streetlights within their jurisdiction in order to repair and maintain lights. Additionally, we recommend that the city increase and improve lighting in several areas of safety concern and significant pedestrian activity. Make ADA PEDESTRIAN ACCESS a high priority. We recommend that the city conduct a city-wide ADA compliance survey and develop plans to address any areas that are out of compliance. Implement the adopted city-wide SIDEWALK STANDARDS. All gaps in existing sidewalks should be completed, sidewalk width should be expanded along designated pedestrian routes, and all sidewalks should meet basic ADA standards. The committee views these basic recommendations as the foundation for a city-wide Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. Each of these six recommendations is defined more fully and applied to specific extant situations in the city in the following report & associated appendices. We ask that the Council take what they read here, expand upon it, debate it, and return to the residents of Hyattsville with a master plan and supporting funding. We also ask that the City Council support the committee s pursuit of a bicycle friendly community designation. 4

5 Background In November of 2006, the Hyattsville City Council created the Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Committee and tasked it with analyzing safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists in the city (for a history of committee activities see Appendix A-). The committee is composed of a diverse group of Hyattsville cyclists, pedestrians, and stroller pushers. The goal of this committee is to improve pedestrian safety in the city and achieve a Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists. The initial step taken by the committee was to generate a list of potential problem areas within city and to solicit information from the community via public meetings, the HOPE list serve, articles in the Hyattsville Life and Times, and through the My Hyattsville web site ( The committee analyzed the potential problem areas through site visits, research, and consultation with the mayor, city administrator, city staff, Council representatives, Prince George's County officials, and officials at the Maryland-National Capital and Planning Commission. This research led the committee to develop the series of recommendations on improving pedestrian and cyclist safety encapsulated in this report. The committee views this report as the basis for an official City of Hyattsville Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. Adopting it as such will put the city well on the road towards meeting the requirements of the Bicycle Friendly City program and will improve the overall quality of life for Hyattsville s walking and cycling community. This report serves as a general framework document. The committee has brainstormed possible solutions to the identified problems but recognizes balancing the needs of all stakeholders is a collaborative, ongoing process. Our research revealed areas in need of improvement in all wards of the city. However, there is a great deal of consistency in the types of problems: high traffic roads with poor signage, lack of walk signals and crosswalks for pedestrians, poor lighting, and the lack of bike lanes and adequate sidewalks. The good news is that with adjustments to signal cycles, road striping, and other simple fixes a great number of safety improvements can be made at a low cost. However, the master plan will need dedicated annual funding in the departmental and capital improvement budgets. It will also need clear and sustained planning for implementation. Wherever possible the committee identified the relevant jurisdictions and how a particular recommendation fits into city, state, or local plans currently underway. In a majority of cases, fixes and improvements are the responsibility of State, County, or other entities outside of the city. In such cases, the City of Hyattville s primary role will be to advocate for the needed changes with the appropriate jurisdictional authority. A synopsis of all committee recommendations is provided in the matrix provided on page 9, Section II. Section II also provides a priority list for Council consideration, while more detailed information is available in the following chapters and appendices. 5

6 Priority List Table View Bike/Ped Accidents Past 5 years (according to SHA) Page Number Will help "Bicycle Friendly Community" designation SHA Accidents Reported Jurisdictions Wards Hyattsville street infrastructure work Add new stoplight New ped countdown timer Tier - Near term 38th Avenue B-2 SHA,5 4st at MD 40 B-26 City 3 Artway North 0- reported accidents 2-3 reported accidents 4-5 reported accidents City Lead Role Advocacy with SHA, County B-5, B- 7 City, State,2,5 MD 40 at Belcrest B-28 SHA, County 3,4 Q. Chapel at Belcrest Rd. B-2 City, SHA 3,4 Jamestown Rd Ped Route B-8 City 3,4,5 NW Br. Trail at Rt. B-30 SHA Q. Chapel at NW Br. Trail B-24 SHA, MNCPPC 5 North West Banch Trail B-6 MNCPPC? Redesignate as commuter route, better lighting Trolley Trail - North B-5 City, EYA Tier 2 - Medium term B-6, B- 40th & 4st Ped Route 8 City,2,3 Adelphi Road 7 SHA 4,5 Adelphi at Nicholson B-32 City, SHA 4,5 Ager Road 8 SHA 3,4 7, Baltimore Ave (US ) B-5 SHA,3 Develop trolley trail alternative route MD 40 at Queens Chapel B-34 SHA, County 3 Queens Chapel at Ager B-37 SHA 5 Queens Chapel at Hamilton B-37 SHA 5 SHA, MNCPPC, 38th at NW Branch Trail B-36 Army Corps,5 Queens Chapel at Nicholson B-4 City, SHA 2,3 Tier 3 - Long term Ager at Lancer B-43 City, SHA 5 Directional signage 9 City, SHA 40 at Home Depot B-46 City, SHA, Post 4 40 at Editors Dr. B-47 City, SHA 4 General trail maintenance 9 MNCPPC Bike parking 0 City, MNCPPC Nicholson and Oglethorp Pedestrian Route B- City Queens Chapel Rd. 0, 8,2,3,4,5,2,3,4,5,2,3,4,5,2,3,4,5 SHA 2,3,4,5 Ager at Hamilton B-37 SHA 5 Ager at NW Br. Trail B-37 SHA, MNCPPC, County Trolley Trail - South B-5 City, SHA, CSX 42nd Ave. Pedstrian Route A-5 City,2,3 Queensbury Rd Pedestrian Route B-9 City 3 Adjust pedestrian crosslight (longer, ped-activated) Paint new crosswalk Sidewalk (new or widen) Better lighting Bike lane (improve, add) Bike trail access

7 III. PRIORITY LIST Discussion Priority Tiers As stated previously, the committee has made six general recommendations for bike and pedestrian improvements throughout the city. These serve as the foundation for specific improvements for individual roads and intersections and also help to organize this report. These specific recommendations are prioritized here for City Council and staff. This prioritization is based on comments and responses to the committee via , local listserves, bike/ped public forums, and comments on the My Hyattsville Wiki website. We have divided a list of the major specific recommendations into three tiers that reflect our view of their priority. Tier recommendations: are urgent from a safety standpoint or are improvements that would have a dramatic impact on the quality of pedestrian and biker experience in the city. These are items that should be acted upon as soon as possible, so that the improvements are underway within the next two years. Tier 2 recommendations are still very important. All in this Tier are items for the city to advocate county, state highway, and MNCPPC authorities for positive structural improvements. These are essentially improvements that would be of great benefit to the community, but are not of immediate safety concern. Some of these recommendations may be easier to achieve than Tier recommendations, but are less urgent from a safety standpoint. We view these suggestions as items that can wait on the back burner for the next couple of years, but should be revisited in the next five years or so. Tier 3 items are not of any immediate concern, but should be addressed either on an ongoing basis, or as development opportunities present themselves. In some cases these are not improvements, as such, but are ongoing expenditures (like trail maintenance). In cases where we are suggesting tier 3 improvements, these are changes that can be made as funding or development opportunities arise which would facilitate the implementation of these improvements over the next decade. Finally, items that are not listed in the priority list but are part of the general report, are ideas for long-term consideration. They are concepts that we anticipate will take on greater importance as the community grows. In addition to the priority list, we have provided a summary grid of many of the intersections referenced in the priority list and throughout the report. The detailed reports on each intersection are in Appendix B, but this grid serves as quick reference for the types of improvements we are suggesting and the issues related to each intersection. 7

8 Priority List (In alphabetical order within tiers) Tier urgent safety concerns, deserving immediate attention by City Staff & City Council (- 2 years). City Responsibilities and Collaborations: A. 38th Ave. sidewalk installation from Hamilton South to the NW Branch Trail (in conjunction with SHA) (Sidewalk Standards issue - see resolution of 5/4/07) (Project Underway). B. 4st Ave. intersection terminus and pedestrian route improvements to the area north of Queensbury (see Appendix B, pages B-27) (Project Underway). C. Artway North pedestrian and bike route improvements (in conjunction with with M-NCPPC - see Appendix B, pages B-6). D. 40 th /4st Avenue pedestrian route improvements from Queensbury Road to Magruder (see Appendix B, page B-7). City Advocacy and Collaborations: E. Belcrest at East-West Hwy intersection improvements (in conjunction with SHA and the county - see Appendix B, page B-28). F. Belcrest at Queens Chapel intersection improvements (in conjunction with SHA and the county - see Appendix B, page B-22). G. Jamestown Road pedestrian route improvements (primarily dealing with security & nighttime safety see Appendix B, page B-9). H. Northwest Branch Trail at US intersection improvements (in conjunction with SHA and M-NCPPC see Appendix B, page B-30). I. Northwest Branch Trail at Queens Chapel intersection improvements (in conjunction with M-NCPPC and SHA see Appendix B, page B-25). J. Northwest Branch Trail redesignation as a M-NCPPC commuter route and lighting of the trail (Bike Routes issue see Appendix B, page B-7). K. Trolley Trail installation parallel to US on old trolley right-of-way, North of the Flatiron Building. (Bike Routes issue, in conjunction with M-NCPPC and CSX - see Appendix B, page B-6). 8

9 Tier 2 important infrastructural improvements, requiring ongoing advocacy and attention by City Staff & City Council (within 5 years) A. Adelphi Road bike route improvements (lane installation in conjunction with the county - see Appendix B, page B-34). B. Ager Road at Nicholson: intersection improvements (in conjunction with the county - see Appendix B, pageb-32). C. Ager Road bike route improvements (lane installation in conjunction with the county - see Appendix B, pages B-43,32,37 ). D. East-West Hwy bike route improvements (lane installation in conjunction with SHA - see Appendix B, page B-34,28,). E. East-West Hwy at Adelphi Road intersection improvements (in conjunction with the county and SHA - see Appendix B, page B-34). F. Hamilton Street Crossings at Ager Road and Queens Chapel (in conjuction with the county and SHA see Appendix B, page B-37). G. Northwest Branch Trail at 38 th Avenue intersection improvements (in conjunction with SHA and M-NCPPC - see Appendix B, page B-36). H. Queens Chapel at Nicholson St. intersection improvements (in conjunction with SHA see Appendix B, page B-4). Tier 3 to be addressed over the next decade during the course of normal planning and development. A. Ager Rd. at Lancer Dr. intersection improvements (in conjunction with the county see Appendix B, page B-43). B. Directional wayfinding signage along Hyattsville s streets and trails for bike and pedestrian, in accordance with city repavement plan and in consultation with SHA. C. East-West Hwy at Home Depot entrance intersection improvements (in conjunction with SHA and with planned development of area see Appendix B, page B-46). D. East-West Hwy at Editor s Dr. intersection improvements (in conjunction with SHA see Appendix B, page B-47). E. General hiker-biker trail maintenance and safety improvements by the s Dept. as new trails are added (in conjunction with MNCPPC). 9

10 F. Improved bike parking at public facilities and city encouragement of rack installation at retail locations, added informational signage about bike lockers at metro stations. G. Nicholson/Oglethorpe pedestrian route improvements (see Appendix B, page B-). H. Queens Chapel bike route improvements (lane marking improvements in conjunction with SHA - see Appendix B, page B-22,25,37,4). 0

11 III. RECOMMENDATION DESIGNATED PEDESTRIAN ROUTES We advise the city to designate pedestrian routes. Several major North-South and East-West routes that bisect the city could provide significantly better access for pedestrians to major destinations throughout the city if widened and improved. Discussion Pedestrian Routes - In accordance with the passage of a motion by City Council on 5/4/2007 regarding the city s pavement management program (see Appendix A, page A-4), we urge the Council to designate a series of specific pedestrian routes as outlined below. Our goal has been to select a handful of routes that create a grid of north/south and east/west crosscutting routes. The idea is that these routes can be accessed by those who need extra space (the disabled, parents with wide strollers, large groups, etc.), allowing at least two people to walk abreast or pass one another without stepping off the sidewalk. In addition to widened sidewalks (as called for in the aforementioned Council resolution), intersection improvements, installation of amenities (such as trash cans or emergency callboxes), and the removal of physical obstacles are also called for in specific circumstances. Provide extra widths at the amenities so that they do not constrict passage. The general guidelines for pedestrian routes are provided in Appendix A, page A-5. The improvements proposed for each specific route are available in Appendix B. Criteria for Selecting Routes The following criteria were used in the committee s process of selecting sidewalk paths that should be specifically designated as pedestrian routes. ) Thru Routes: The most important routes are those that crosscut the city as a whole or routes that link major paved roads (usually state or county roads). Again, these create a grid across the city of wider sidewalks that can be used by those who need the extra space. The amount of time required to access one of these routes via smaller feeder routes (walks at the city-wide 4 ft. standard) should be minimal. (see map below). 2) Links to Important Destinations: A majority of those routes that have been proposed serve as critical pedestrian links to destinations within the city and beyond. Many link or abut retail or commercial areas. Others end near important community landmarks, such as Magruder or the historic district. Still others provide pedestrians with METRO bus stop 2

12 access to mass transit, such as the METRO stations and bus stops. Dirt footpath (left) on 38 th Ave. heading into Brentwood 3) Extant Footpaths: in many cases, the heavy use of a proposed route is already indicated by the presence of dirt footpaths. This is most evident where sidewalks are currently absent, or where pedestrians have to step off of the paved sidewalk to avoid some obstacle. Such footpaths are frequently present where sidewalks abruptly end and then pick up again a block or two away. Bus image on Page courtesy of Washington DC City Pages (

13 34TH ST. Pedestrian Facility Map University of Maryland Lake Artisma UNIVERSITY BLVD. 40 Chillum Sligo Cr. Trail P.G. Connector Link Annacostia Legacy Trails to the Metropolitan Br. Trail in D.C. MD. D.C. Chillum EAST WEST HWY. CHILLUM RD. QUEENS CHAPEL RD. AGER RD. WEST HYATTSVILLE N.W. Br. Trail Northwest Branch Stream Valley 40 Home Depot Post Office P.G. Plaza P.G. PLAZA 3 4 HAMILTON ST. North Western High School BELCREST RD. N. Orem Middle School WELLS PKWY. ADELPHI RD. Library Univ. Town Center 4ST AVE. 2 NICHOLSON ST. Hyattsville 6 42ND AVE. JEFFERSON ST. 7 5 University McDonalds QUEENS CHAPEL RD.QUEENS CHAPEL RD. Magruder N.W. Br. Trail 40TH PL. QUEENSBURRY RD. DeMatha H.S. Hyatts. E.S. City Hall R.I. AVE. BALTIMORE AVE. 40 College Riverdale Franklin s R.I. Ave. Trolley Trail MARC RIVERDALE EAST WEST HWY. TAYLOR RD. DECATOR ST. Trolley Trail Extend trail from College thru Riverdale to Hyattsville along the old R.I. Ave. Trolley Line North West Branch N.E. Br. Trail Fletcher s Field RIVER RD. KENILWORTH AVE Mount Rainier Brentwood 38TH ST. Cottage City ALT. Bladensburg MILE R.I. AVE. Traffic Circle ALT. Anacostia River Bladensburg Waterfront Artway North, Page B-5 3 Jamestown Road, Page B nd Avenue, Page B- 7 40th/4st from Adelphi Nicholson/Oglethorpe, Queensbury Road, 2 Rd. to Magruder, 4 Page B-0 6 Page B-2 Page B-6 40th Place/Crittenden, Page B-3 Page 3 and Page B-4

14 Specific Recommendations Proposed Pedestrian Routes (in order of priority) - In support of these recommendations, the committee would like to note that the PG Atlas Geographic Information System (created by M-NCPPC) list of proposed trails is strongly correlated with the routes proposed below. (see Appendix B, Pages B-5 - for detailed descriptions and route maps) ) Artway North: Provides important East/West thru access and links the Hamilton Street Commercial District with US and the Arts District. 2) 40th/4st from Adelphi Rd. to Magruder : Provides important North/South thru access. Also links University, University Hills, & the Belcrest Commercial District with Magruder & Artway North. There are also important links to retail establishments at 40 th Avenue and Oglethorpe. Several bus stops are also part of this route. 3) Jamestown Road: Provides important North/South thru access. Also links the PG Plaza and West Hyattsville METRO stations, associated commercial districts, and Artway North. 4) Nicholson/Oglethorpe: Provides East/West access from West Hyattsville METRO to US and the Arts District. Heavily used, particularly students at Hyattsville Middle School. Also links to several other routes. Several bus stops are along this route. 5) 42nd Avenue (North End): Provides North/South thru access and is already heavily used by pedestrians and bicyclists. Links to University and the Hyattsville Historic District. Several bus stops are also part of this route. 6) Queensbury Road to US Route : Provides East/West access between the Belcrest Commercial District and Riverdale. 7) 40th Place/Crittenden: Provides North/South and East/West access along the edge of Magruder, through the Historic District and on to US and the Arts District. Extant footpaths indicate the route is used and previous Council motion has mandated the installation of sidewalks in areas where there currently are none. 4

15 IV. RECOMMENDATION DESIGNATED BICYCLE ROUTES We advise the city to establish and/or improve several city bike routes. Hyattsville should support the development and continuation of major bicycle routes that pass through the city, such as the Trolley Trail and Artway North. Discussion Bicycle Routes Bicycling is one of the fastest, simplest, and most energy efficient methods of getting around our community. For those that live within a few miles of work or school, safe and direct bike routes provide an alternative to commuting in a motor vehicle. Biking conserves our natural resources and reduces stress on our public infrastructure. We urge the City Council to take a number of steps (detailed below) to add bike routes within the city and to ensure that extant routes are safe and well-marked. Types of Routes There are three basic types of bike routes within the city: ) Off-Road Bike Trails: The Anacostia Tributary Trails System and the proposed Hiker/Biker Trail on the old DC Transit #82 Trolley line to the NW Branch Trail fall into this broad category. These trail systems provide important linkages to surrounding communities and access to nationwide trail systems. They are, in many respects, the safest routes for bikers as potential for conflict with motorists is significantly decreased. They also provide safe routes for inexperienced riders and children. 2) On-Road Bike Lanes: On-road bike lanes function primarily to define appropriate use of road space, signaling to drivers that bicyclists are entitled to the road. They also reduce rider anxiety, letting bikers know where to go and which direction to travel. On-road lanes often provide a more direct path between point A and B than off-road trails. 2 3) On-Road Bike Routes w/o Lanes: Some roads cannot support a space specifically reserved for On-Road Bike Lanes in Use 3 bicyclists (due to right-of-way constraints and other factors). However, the nature of the road may be such that it serves as an important and safe connector between major routes. While special lanes are not painted on the roadway, these routes should still be well-marked with directional and share the road signage. 2 Image courtesy of Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center (2007- Michael Cynecki, 5

16 34TH ST. Bike Facility Map University of Maryland Lake Artisma UNIVERSITY BLVD. 40 Chillum Sligo Cr. Trail P.G. Connector Link Annacostia Legacy Trails to the Metropolitan Br. Trail in D.C. MD. D.C. Chillum EAST WEST HWY. CHILLUM RD. QUEENS CHAPEL RD. AGER RD. WEST HYATTSVILLE N.W. Br. Trail Northwest Branch Stream Valley 8 40 Home Depot 7 Post Office P.G. Plaza P.G. PLAZA N. Orem Middle School 7 HAMILTON ST. 2 North Western High School 3 BELCREST RD. WELLS PKWY. ADELPHI RD. Univ. Town Center 6 Library 4ST AVE. 4 NICHOLSON ST. Hyattsville 5 42ND AVE. JEFFERSON ST. University McDonalds QUEENS CHAPEL RD.QUEENS CHAPEL RD. Magruder N.W. Br. Trail 40TH PL. QUEENSBURRY RD. DeMatha H.S. Hyatts. E.S. City Hall R.I. AVE. BALTIMORE AVE. 40 College Riverdale Franklin s R.I. Ave. Trolley Trail MARC RIVERDALE EAST WEST HWY. TAYLOR RD. DECATOR ST. Trolley Trail Extend trail from College thru Riverdale to Hyattsville along the old R.I. Ave. Trolley Line North West Branch N.E. Br. Trail Fletcher s Field RIVER RD. KENILWORTH AVE Mount Rainier Brentwood 38TH ST. Cottage City ALT. Bladensburg MILE R.I. AVE. Traffic Circle ALT. Anacostia River Bladensburg Waterfront Trolley Trail, Page B-5 3 Artway North, Page B-7 5 Queensbury Road to 7 Northwest Branch Trail, 40th/4st from Adelphi Riverdale, Page B-9 2 Page B-6 4 Rd. to Magruder, 6 Adelphi Road, Page 7 8 Page B-8 State Routes, Page 8 Ager Road, Page 8 Page 6 and Page B-4

17 Specific Recommendations Proposed Bicycle Routes (in order of priority) Some of these routes are new trails, while others are already in existence and merely need to be improved or altered in some way. (see Appendix B, Pages B-3-7 for detailed descriptions and route maps) ) Trolley Trail - Construction: Until the early 960s, trolley cars ran from downtown D.C. to Laurel on the #82 transit line. Portions of this right-of-way are paved in College and plans are underway for improvements in Riverdale, and in the EYA Arts District. Continuing the trail through Hyattsville would provide an off-road alternate to US for hikers and bikers. 2) Northwest Branch Trail - Route Redesignation: This mostly off-road trail, part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, links Hyattsville to a coast to coast hiker/biker greenway and stretches for several miles along the local Anacostia River. Intersection improvements along the trail are suggested in Section VI, but more importantly, portions of the trail near the West Hyattsville METRO station need to be redesignated as commuter routes and lighted to enhance public safety. 3) Artway North - Construction: This joint construction project between M- NCPPC, Maryland SHA, and the City of Hyattsville, will enhance pedestrian access from US to the West Hyattsville METRO. In addition, on-road bike lanes should be incorporated into the conceptual plan throughout the route where feasible. 4) 40th/4st from Adelphi Rd. to Magruder Improved Signage: This is an extant on-road bike route without lanes. The main suggestion of the committee is better signage than currently exists, including directional signage indicating to riders where they are headed and the distances involved. 5) Queensbury Road to Riverdale Improved Signage: This is an extant on-road bike route without lanes. The main suggestion of the committee is better signage than currently exists, including directional signage indicating to riders where they are headed and the distances involved. 6) Adelphi Road Painted Lanes: Adelphi Road (a county road) provides access from several connecting bike and pedestrian routes to Northwestern High School, the library, several churches, and the University Hills area. There appears to be ample shoulder for painted bike lanes. Lanes should be marked with bicycle symbols. 7

18 7) State Routes Painted Lanes: State highways/routes through the city should have painted lanes along the route shoulders. In some cases lanes already exist or there is ample space to accommodate them. But in those cases where they already exist, they are sometimes poorly marked (incomplete along entire length or incorrect widths along portions) and need improved signage and painted bicycle symbols. State routes include East/West Highway and Queens Chapel Rd. East/West Highway does not have sufficient facilities now and conditions will only worsen. 8) 38 th Avenue Widened Shoulder: There is not enough space here to accommodate bike lanes, however, a widened shoulder would be an improvement for the significant number of bike commuters who already use this sometimes problematic route. 9) Ager Road Painted Lanes: Ager Road (a county road) provides connector access between Riggs Road and Queens Chapel Road. The road is wide and traffic speeds are high. Bike lanes should be striped along the entire length of Ager Road. The West Hyattsville Metro Station is located off Ager and Hamilton. Many apartment buildings and single family residences line the road. Traffic calming is recommended for this road to reduce speeds and make the crossings at Nicholson and Lancer safer. 8

19 V. RECOMMENDATION CITYWIDE INTERSECTION WORK We advise the pursuit of major intersection improvements. We recommend that the city make significant improvements to several problem intersections to improve safety. The city should also actively advocate for county and State Highway Administration improvements to intersections that are not maintained by the city (but are within city limits). Discussion Problem Intersections Several intersections throughout the city have been deemed by the committee to be problem intersections. This is due to a number of pedestrian-involved traffic accidents and/or generally pedestrian and biker unfriendly design features. The suggestions outlined here and in Appendix B are the result of citizen feedback (on local listservs and websites), street surveys, and satellite surveys. Several of these intersections lay along the pedestrian and bike routes discussed previously. Each intersection report consists of ) a written report and list of specific recommendations and 2) a graphical report which makes use of oblique aerial images and satellite photos to illustrate the specific recommendations in the written report. These reports can be found in the last section of Appendix B (pages B-9-4). A map showing the location of all of the identified problem intersections can be found below. Specific Recommendations Tier : Belcrest at Queens Chapel NW Branch Trail at Queens Chapel 4 st Avenue terminus near East-West Hwy Belcrest at East-West Hwy NW Branch Trail at US Tier 2: Ager Road at Nicholson East-West Hwy at Adelphi Road NW Branch Trail at 38 th Avenue Hamilton Street Crossings at Ager Road and Queens Chapel Queens Chapel at Nicholson 9

20 Tier 3: Ager Road at Lancer Drive East-West Hwy at Home Depot Entrance East-West Hwy at Editor s Drive 20

21 Problem Intersections Map University of Maryland Lake Artisma UNIVERSITY BLVD. 40 Chillum Sligo Cr. Trail P.G. Connector Link Annacostia Legacy Trails to the Metropolitan Br. Trail in D.C. MD. D.C. Chillum EAST WEST HWY. CHILLUM RD. QUEENS CHAPEL RD. 9 AGER RD. 0 WEST HYATTSVILLE N.W. Br. Trail Northwest Branch Stream Valley Home Depot 3 2 Post Office 2 34TH ST. P.G. Plaza P.G. PLAZA HAMILTON ST. North Western High School 7 6 BELCREST RD. N. Orem Middle School WELLS PKWY. ADELPHI RD. Library Univ. Town Center ST AVE. NICHOLSON ST. Hyattsville 42ND AVE. JEFFERSON ST. 8 University McDonalds QUEENS CHAPEL RD.QUEENS CHAPEL RD. Magruder N.W. Br. Trail 40TH PL. QUEENSBURRY RD. DeMatha H.S. Hyatts. E.S. City Hall R.I. AVE. BALTIMORE AVE. 40 College Riverdale Franklin s R.I. Ave. Trolley Trail MARC RIVERDALE EAST WEST HWY. TAYLOR RD. DECATOR ST. Trolley Trail Extend trail from College thru Riverdale to Hyattsville along the old R.I. Ave. Trolley Line North West Branch N.E. Br. Trail Fletcher s Field RIVER RD. KENILWORTH AVE Mount Rainier Brentwood 38TH ST. Cottage City ALT. Bladensburg MILE R.I. AVE. Traffic Circle ALT. Anacostia River Bladensburg Waterfront East West Highway at Editors, Page B-47 East West Highway at Giant, Page B-46 East West Highway at Belcrest Road, Page B-28 East West Highway at Adelphi Rd and Queens Chapel Rd, Page B Queens Chapel Road at Belcrest Road, Page B-2 Queens Chapel Road at Nicholson St., Page B-32 38th Avenue at North West Branch Trail, Page B-36 Rhode Island Avenue (US ) at North West Branch Trail, Page B Page 2 and Page B-20 Ager Road at Nicholson Street, Page B-32 Ager Road at Lancer Street, Page B-43 Ager Road at Hamilton Street, Page B-37 Hamilton Street at Queens Chapel Road, Page B Ager Road at Queens Chapel Road, Page B-37 Queens Chapel Road at North West Branch Trail, Page B-24

22 VI. RECOMMENDATION WELL-LIT STREETS We advise the city to take steps to ensure that we have well-lit streets. We recommend that the city support state and county legislation that would allow municipalities to gain control of the streetlights within their jurisdiction in order to repair and maintain lights. Additionally, we recommend that the city increase and improve lighting in several areas of areas of public safety concern and significant pedestrian activity. Discussion Essential to a discussion on pedestrian and bicycle safety is an environment that makes it safe for all to pass along city streets. Some of the city s areas of public safety concern correspond with areas reporting streetlight outages and poor lighting in general. Safe streets are not only those with ample sidewalks and bike lanes, but those that are also free of fear. The committee recommends the wider distribution of the streetlight outage reporting form developed so that constituents can seek repairs from PEPCO. (see Appendix A, p. A 7) Additionally, we support the city s efforts to survey out-of-order lights and work with PEPCO to correct outages. Several amenities, such as lighted emergency callboxes are needed along Jamestown Road and near the Hamilton Street retail area to provide additional light and act as a significant crime deterrent. This will not only improve the safety of the routes for pedestrians, but may also provide significant benefit to the surrounding residential areas. (see Appendix A, p. A- 6) We recommend that the city advocate that portions of the NW Branch trail be designated by M-NCPPC as commuter routes and lit with bright streetlights to help those walking to and from the West Hyattsville metro station. (See Appendix B, p. B-7) While the Safe Cities plan focuses mostly on commercial and retail areas, we hope that plans for major lighting improvements will allow pedestrians to get to and from those commercial areas safely. 22

23 VII. RECOMMENDATION ADA ACCESS AUDIT We advise the city to make ADA pedestrian access a high priority. We recommend that the city conduct the already budgeted, city-wide, ADA compliance survey and develop plans to address any areas that are out of compliance. Discussion While most of the recommendations contained within this report would modernize facilities and improve disabled access to all parts of the city, and ongoing work in paving and sidewalks will bring more areas into compliance, a comprehensive, city-wide survey is key to prioritizing work. 23

24 VIII. RECOMMENDATION SIDEWALK STANDARDS We advise the city to implement the adopted city-wide sidewalk standards. All gaps in existing sidewalks should be completed, sidewalk width should be expanded along designated pedestrian routes, and all sidewalks should meet basic ADA standards. Discussion Sidewalk Width - Sidewalks provide dedicated travel lanes for slow moving pedestrian traffic, separated from the road bed, which is designed for fast moving automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle traffic. Separating slower traveling pedestrians from high speed traffic reduces conflict between street users and lowers the chance of accidents occurring. When sidewalks become too narrow for the level of foot traffic, sidewalk users tend to step off the concrete, either onto someone's front lawn or into traffic. An individual person walking needs a space approximately 3 feet wide in order to move forward at a steady pace. If there is more than casual use of a sidewalk and travel requires passing (either overtaking or passing in the opposite direction) then a minimum of 6 feet of space (a second "lane" for passing) is required for more than one pedestrian to continue forward progress. Most people would feel more 'comfortable' with a width of 8 feet, which provides an ample safety buffer Pedestrians crossing East-West Hwy between pedestrians at moderate use. Sidewalk areas in commercial areas along Baltimore Ave, Queens Chapel Town Center, and PG Plaza and University Town Center have much wider sidewalks, some around 20 feet. Wheelchair user navigates a troublesome curb cut ADA Compliance - The Americans with Disabilities Act specifies an unobstructed 5 foot minimum sidewalk width to accommodate wheelchair users. Other sidewalk users such as those pushing strollers or toting groceries require additional width as well. The Act also provides standards for driveway curb cuts, slope incline, embedded tactile bumps (for the visually impaired), and intersection signals at crossings. Prince George's County standards call for 6 foot minimum width for new development to 24

25 be in compliance with the Act. 3 Practicalities - As a practical matter, the City of Hyattsville cannot feasibly replace all sidewalks to a 6 or 8 foot standard. Such a project would not only be prohibitive, in terms of cost, but the city does not, in the majority of cases, have the right-of-way necessary to take on such a task. In established areas, where 6 foot sidewalks would require loss of mature trees or land takings, 5 feet may be an acceptable standard. Many Hyattsville neighborhoods were developed with 4 foot sidewalks along both sides of the street. These existing sidewalks allow for light use and meet the demands of most everyday traffic. Heavier use will, occasionally, spill onto the pavement, but on many of Hyattsville's lowtraffic volume streets, this is not of too much concern. Some areas of Hyattsville have wider sidewalks and others lack sidewalk facilities all together. Progress See Appendix A, page A-4 for a note about city progress on sidewalk standards. 3 Wheelchair image on prior page courtesy of WALK Austin (

26 Specific Recommendations ) We strongly urge the city to implement the sidewalk standards recommendations passed by the City Council on 5/4/07 taking into account both current level of use and increased use anticipated by current/future development. 2) We further recommend that curb cuts, embedded tactile bumps, bump outs, and other improvements as outlined in the ADA guidelines for sidewalks be implemented wherever practicable. Again, many of these improvements are already standing policy for the city-wide pavement rehabilitation program. 3) Most streets in the city simply need to have sidewalks refreshed at their current widths (or 4 feet, whichever is greater). This work is already happening as part of the core rehabilitation plan. However, it is the committee's goal to identify streets in the city that lack adequate sidewalk facilities given their current use, planned use, or feasible adaptation as thoroughfares (i.e. pedestrian routes). 4) We recommend that several streets have sidewalk facilities added or widened to match the current or anticipated level of use (see Section III). Note on 38th Avenue The situation on 38 th avenue with regard to sidewalks is one of the most troubling in the city. This is an area that is heavily used by pedestrians (numerous dirt paths bear testament to this), but lacks sidewalks. The committee understands that there are numerous issues relating to right-of-way and other problems that make sidewalk installation difficult. However, we hope that the passage of the recent sidewalk standards resolution will encourage the city to move towards installation. We have provided a detailed list of our recommendations regarding 38 th Avenue in Appendix B on page B-3. 26

27 IX. CONCLUSION With this report, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee presents six specific recommendations to make Hyattsville a safer, more accessible, and more liveable city. As explained above, we recommend: Designate PEDESTRIAN ROUTES. Establish and/or improve several city BIKE ROUTES. Pursue major INTERSECTION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS. Ensure that we have WELL-LIT SREETS. Make ADA PEDESTRIAN ACCESS a high priority. Implement the adopted city-wide SIDEWALK STANDARDS. We look forward to the implementation of the recommendations listed in this report and support the city s efforts to bring county and state attention to the bicycle and pedestrian concerns raised here. 27

28 APPENDIX A MISCELLANEOUS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION History of Committee Activities Committee Next Steps City Progress on Sidewalk Standards General Guidelines for Pedestrian Routes A-

29 History of Committee Activities: Sep 2006: Hyattsville Bicycle Friendly Community Meeting Initiated by Resident Anne Villacres & co-sponsored by the National Center for Biking and Walking Attended by over 30 residents, public officials, and biking group members Education followed by a Mapping Session by residents Nov 2006: Hyattsville Bike & Ped Safety Committee established by City Council and tasked with: Preparing formal recommendations arising from the Sep 2006 Community Meeting Developing a plan for the City s certification as a Bike Friendly Community Organizing volunteer activities and supporting City s efforts for funding opportunities Jan 2007: Charter expanded by Council to include West Hyattsville lighting Created Street Light Outage Reporting System available online Feb 2007: Attended Annual Bike Symposium in Annapolis Apr 2007: Presented initial findings to City Council Apr 2007: Held Community Roundtable discussions to receive feedback and focus on key problem areas. May 2007: Held first Hyattsville station on WABA Bike to Work Day on May 8, 2007 at Magruder Over 80 participants registered for this station June 2007 Mar 2008: Compiling and Proposing First Bike & Pedestrian Safety Report (this document) A-2

30 Committee Next Steps : Submit Report for Review and Modification (if any) by City Staff and Council Council approval of recommendations as the city s first Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Implementation City implements the master plan & uses the Committee as a resource Committee works with the City to encourage, track & support all County & State efforts Committee investigates funding sources to cover the expenses of city efforts Committee tracks progress of the overall master plan A-3

31 City Progress on Sidewalk Standards: In accordance with the recommendations proposed in Section VIII, the Hyattsville City Council recently adopted the following motion 4 ) The City standard for sidewalk width is four feet and all sidewalks below that width shall ordinarily be reconstructed, where feasible according to criteria described above, to conform to the City standard, with the Council considering the following exceptions: a. Streets in which Council has previously approved a different width; b. The routes identified by the Council, after receiving input from all concerned parties, including the report of the Hyattsville Bike & Pedestrian Safety Committee and the members of the public at a public meeting, which shall be deemed advantageous to have 6 foot width sidewalks except on blocks in which Council shall modify the standard based upon the criteria described in #4; c. Blocks identified by the Council as having special need or special opportunity for wider sidewalks (e.g., blocks with commercial or other high-traffic frontage or where property owners bear all or part of the cost of installation). 2) New and reconstructed sidewalks shall be fully compliant with ADA regulations. 3) The City staff shall apply these policies retroactively to blocks with no sidewalk on either side of the street in areas where roads were recently re-paved as part of the City's current Pavement Management Program, including the exceptions noted in #4 and with the additional exception that sidewalks might not be installed on blocks were such installation would entail significant undoing or redoing of work previously performed as part of the Pavement Management Program. The intent is to complete any retroactive installation of sidewalks before the current-re-paving program is completed. 4 Excerpted from the City Council Motion of 5/4/07 (see full text of motion for sections 4-0). A-4

32 General Guidelines for Pedestrian Routes: At minimum, a pedestrian route needs to have a four foot sidewalk on at least one side of each street for the entirety of the route. However, the four foot standard is unlikely to meet the need of the city s growing pedestrian population (given recent development trends). A six foot standard is strongly suggested where engineering considerations, city right-of-way, etc. allow. This six foot standard should be applied to those sidewalks that are being reconstructed as part of the citywide repaving project where feasible, and those already completed sidewalks should be retrofitted (not repoured) where possible. Sidewalk near DeMatha widened w/ concrete Belcrest sidewalk widened w/ pavers (right) ) 6 Foot Sidewalks: In a city as old as Hyattsville, it is impossible to engineer 6 foot sidewalks in many areas due to right-of-way constraints, retaining walls, and property lot sizes. However, we strongly urge the city to increase the sidewalk width where possible. If sidewalks on one side of the street cannot be widened, perhaps those on the other side can. DPW should, favor the side of the street with the fewest pedestrian obstructions (light poles, mailboxes, etc.) when making decisions. This endeavor will go a long way towards making Hyattsville a more accessible and handicap-friendly city, as well as improving safety for large groups of school children. 2) Use some of the Green Strip : Along most of the proposed routes, there is a significant grassy strip between the sidewalk and the street curb that is, presumably, within the city right-of-way. We advocate using this strip as needed to expand the sidewalk where feasible. This is public space and should be used as such. Typical green strip A-5

33 3) Work Around Trees: Hyattsville is designated as a Tree City. It should remain such. DPW should work around large shadebearing trees to the best of their ability as they have done throughout the city-wide repaving project. Small or newly planted trees can be replaced elsewhere on public property. Sidewalk re-routed around a large tree 4) Amenities: At those locations along the pedestrian routes where people are apt to congregate (bus stops, near retail, in close proximity to schools) the city should place benches and trashcans/recycling bins where appropriate. Doing so would go a long way towards helping our elderly and disabled citizens who use public transit, and cleaning up our city streets. 5) In addition, lighted emergency callboxes are needed along Jamestown Road and near the Hamilton Street retail to provide additional light and act 5 as a significant crime deterrent. This will not only improve the safety of the routes for pedestrians, but may also provide significant benefit to the surrounding residential areas. Where amenities would restrict width of sidewalk, width should be increased in their vicinity. 6) Intersection Improvements: Wide, welcoming sidewalks are of little benefit if crossings at intersections along the route are perceived to be dangerous or difficult to navigate. In a few instances, these intersections are within the city s jurisdiction. The city should fund improvements as outlined in Section V of this report. However, the vast majority of these improvements are needed along state and county roads. The city should advocate for those changes outlined here with the responsible governing agency (SHA, Prince Georges County, etc.) 7) Removal of Obstacles: Whenever opportunities for the removal of significant obstacles present themselves (during infrastructure improvements, replacement of electric and light poles, etc.), the city should avail themselves of the opportunity. Obstacles such as light posts, supporting cables for utility poles, and street signs can make navigation with a wheel chair or stroller almost impossible. 5 5 Emergency Callbox image courtesy of Code Blue Corp., Holland, MI A-6

34 Streetlight Outage Reporting Form: A-7

35 APPENDIX B DETAILED SITE DESCRIPTIONS Sidewalk Standards Issues 38 th Avenue Sidewalk Installation B-2 Pedestrian Routes B-4 Artway North B-5 40th/4st Avenues B-6 Jamestown Road B-8 Nicholson/Oglethorpe Streets B-0 42 nd Avenue (North) B- Queensbury Road B-2 40 th Place/Crittenden B-3 Bicycle Routes (detailed reports not needed for all routes) B-4 The Trolley Trail B-5 NW Branch Trail B-6 Artway North B-7 40 th /4 st Avenue Trail B-8 Queensbury Road B-9 Problem Intersections B-20 Belcrest at Queens Chapel B-2 NW Branch Trail at Queens Chapel and Ager B-24 4st Avenue terminus near East-West Hwy B-26 Belcrest at East-West Hwy B-28 NW Branch Trail at US B-30 Ager Road at Nicholson B-32 East-West Hwy at Adelphi Road B-34 NW Branch Trail at 38 th Avenue B-36 Hamilton Street Crossings at Ager Road and Queens Chapel B-37 Queens Chapel at Nicholson B-4 Ager Road at Lancer Drive B-43 East-West Hwy at Home Depot Entrance B-46 East West Hwy at Editor s Drive B-47 B-

36 38 th Avenue Sidewalk Installation - Detailed Site Description Site Description 38th Ave is a narrow, heavily trafficked Maryland State Route that links Hyattsville's Hamilton Ave. and Jefferson St. with US Route thru Brentwood to Colmar Manor (north-south trending travel). Hyattsville s portion of 38th stretches from the Northwest Branch trail up to Hamilton. The road lacks paved shoulders and has no sidewalk facilities except for a small section on the bridge across the Northwest Branch on the downstream side. Because of the location of the bridge's sidewalk and the limited shoulder on the west side, most pedestrian traffic is limited to the east side of 38th. While most of Hyattsville's portion of 38th Ave. lacks sidewalks, the portion south in Brentwood does have sidewalk facilities on both edges of the roadway. The roadway is heavily used by pedestrians & bicyclists who compete for narrow, shared travel lanes with a high volume of automobiles. It is contained in or borders on Hyattsville Wards & 5 Jurisdictions 38th Ave. south of Hamilton street is MD Route 208 and is under the jurisdiction of the State Highway Administration (SHA). Where the route turns into Jefferson street, it comes under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. This sidewalk project would also require the cooperation of MNCPPC " & Planning" and the Army Corps of Engineers along portions of the route connecting to the NW Branch Trail. Recommendations A 6-foot sidewalk on the east side of 38th from the Northwest Branch bridge to the Laundromat and 7- stores on Hamilton would separate slower pedestrian traffic from faster bike and car traffic on 38th Ave and reduce competition for scarce room in the travel lanes. The west side of 38th has sidewalks by the 7- but stops by the apartment building. North of Hamilton, there is a block section leading up to Jefferson that also needs sidewalks. This may require the State Highway Administration to acquire right-of-way. There is also a heavily used area that stretches west from Jefferson s junction with 40th Avenue (and the proposed bike/ped boulevard) until it rounds a corner heading south and becoming 38th Ave (the 38 th /Jefferson curve). Currently the area is a gap" in the city's sidewalk system. There are no extant sidewalks, but there are clear footpaths beaten into the ground. ) Add a 6-foot sidewalk from the Northwest Branch bridge to Hamilton. 2) Replace muddy footpaths with sidewalks if right-of-ways permit at all locales where feasible. 3) Add dual bike lanes if possible, or couple 6 foot sidewalk with paved 2.5 foot striped shoulder on east side of 38th. 4) Add lighting for Gaines Alley and the alley behind 7-. 5) Increase lighting along the 38 th /Jefferson curve. B-2

37 B-3

38 34TH ST. Pedestrian Facility Map University of Maryland Lake Artisma UNIVERSITY BLVD. 40 Chillum Sligo Cr. Trail P.G. Connector Link Annacostia Legacy Trails to the Metropolitan Br. Trail in D.C. MD. D.C. Chillum EAST WEST HWY. CHILLUM RD. QUEENS CHAPEL RD. AGER RD. WEST HYATTSVILLE N.W. Br. Trail Northwest Branch Stream Valley 40 Home Depot Post Office P.G. Plaza P.G. PLAZA 3 4 HAMILTON ST. North Western High School BELCREST RD. N. Orem Middle School WELLS PKWY. ADELPHI RD. Library Univ. Town Center 4ST AVE. 2 NICHOLSON ST. Hyattsville 6 42ND AVE. JEFFERSON ST. 7 5 University McDonalds QUEENS CHAPEL RD.QUEENS CHAPEL RD. Magruder N.W. Br. Trail 40TH PL. QUEENSBURRY RD. DeMatha H.S. Hyatts. E.S. City Hall R.I. AVE. BALTIMORE AVE. 40 College Riverdale Franklin s R.I. Ave. Trolley Trail MARC RIVERDALE EAST WEST HWY. TAYLOR RD. DECATOR ST. Trolley Trail Extend trail from College thru Riverdale to Hyattsville along the old R.I. Ave. Trolley Line North West Branch N.E. Br. Trail Fletcher s Field RIVER RD. KENILWORTH AVE Mount Rainier Brentwood 38TH ST. Cottage City ALT. Bladensburg MILE R.I. AVE. Traffic Circle ALT. Anacostia River Bladensburg Waterfront Artway North, Page B-5 3 Jamestown Road, Page B nd Avenue, Page B- 7 40th/4st from Adelphi Nicholson/Oglethorpe, Queensbury Road, 2 Rd. to Magruder, 4 Page B-0 6 Page B-2 Page B-6 40th Place/Crittenden, Page B-3 Page 3 and Page B-4

39 Artway North (Ped Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description The Artway North project is a joint project of M-NCPPC, Maryland SHA and the City of Hyattsville. In general, the currently proposed plans call for an east-west commercial corridor (retail on Hamilton near West Hyattsville Metro), a mixed use corridor (Hamilton east of Queens Chapel), a park corridor (near Magruder 's entrance), and a residential corridor (stretching through the Hyattsville Historic District). (This page should be read in conjunction with the bike route, p. B-7.) The project impacts Wards, 2 and 5 and stretches west from the proposed Trolley bike trail (US ), along Jefferson and 40th to the Magruder entrance, then follows Hamilton Street to Ager Rd. and the West Hyattsville Metro Station (see map below). Jurisdictions Hamilton Street at the Magruder Entrance is under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. Portions of 40th Avenue and Jefferson street along the route are also within the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville Ager Road is part of the route and is within the jurisdiction of the Maryland State Highway Administration, as is Hamilton Street to 38 th. Recommendations (in order of priority) M-NCPPC is currently developing a repaving plan for portions of the route under their jurisdiction (the vast majority of the route). Sidewalks under city jurisdiction should be replaced at a 6 foot width where practicable and new sidewalks should be retroactively widened where feasible to a 6 foot standard or the standard called for in the Artway North conceptual planning documenatation. There are also sidewalk gaps of at least 2 lot frontages on the south side of the route at 35 th avenue and north side of the route at 36 th avenue. There are also gaps of 2-3 lot frontages at 37 th Place on the south side. These gaps should be closed. Most other recommendations listed below will require the city to act primarily as an advocate for these changes with the responsible agencies (M-NCPPC, SHA, PEPCO, etc.) ) Close extant sidewalk gaps (see above). 2) Widened sidewalks - at least 6 usable feet where feasible (the conceptual plan calls for much more in many cases). 3) Emergency callboxes installed (part of the Safe Cities Initiative) along the commercial corridor portion of the route. 4) Intersection improvements along route as outlined in Section VI. 5) Increased street lighting along the route (primarily in the Hamilton Street retail corridor), ideally of historic design. 6) Landscape islands and buffers in the Magruder area as called for in the conceptual planning documentation. B-5

40 40th/4st from Adelphi to Magruder (Ped Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description This pedestrian route would link (via Adelphi and Queensbury) the newly annexed portions of the city to the historic district, Magruder, the retail areas on 40th, the Northwest Branch Trail Systems, AND the proposed Artway North on Hamilton Street! In addition, local bus routes utilize the space and there are numerous stops along the route for those wishing to use public transit. The project impacts Wards, 2 and 3, stretching south from the intersection of MD 40, Adelphi, and Queens Road along 4st Avenue to Oliver Street. It continues south on 40th Avenue through a mixed-use residential and retail area to the Magruder Entrance (see map below). Jurisdictions Aside from the intersection at the northern end of the route (MD 40, Adelphi, Queens Chapel), the entire route is under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. Portions of 40th Avenue and Jefferson street along the route are also within the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. Recommendations (in order of priority) Also see recommendations associated with the 40 th /4 st Ave. bike route in Section V. ) Intersection improvements along the route as outlined in Section VI. Of primary importance is the removal of the guardrail at the MD 40, Adelphi, Queens Chapel intersection that blocks ped access to 4 st. Replacement with bollards is suggested. 2) Cars currently park in a small paved area at the north end of 4 st (see image below). ing should still be allowed in this area after guardrail replacement, but cars should not be permitted to park immediately in front of the sidewalk (i.e. blocking access for pedestrians to 4 st or the MD 40 crosswalk). 3) Widened sidewalks - at least 6 usable feet where feasible. 4) Installation of sidewalks at maximum feasible width along Queensbury (where there currently are none). 5) Install benches and trash/recycling bins near bus stops and retail on 40th. 6) Work with local retailers on 40th Avenue to install bike racks near their establishments. Paved area at north end of 4 st Ave. B-6

41 B-7

42 Jamestown Road (Ped Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description This route would link two Metro stations and would provide better pedestrian access to the West Hyattsville Retail areas and the east-west route of 'Artway North' through the residential portions of West Hyattsville. Street lighting along this route is very poor. A number of muggings and night time robberies have occurred along Jamestown Rd. or within half a block along an intersecting street. Improved lighting could act as a significant crime deterrent. West Hyattsville is already a walking community and will only see more pedestrian density as new retail and residential developments open up. Community members are very concerned about pedestrian safety on this stretch of road. The project primarily impacts Wards 4 and 5, but also a small portion of Ward 3. It stretches south from the pedestrian access route on the south side of the Pringe George's Plaza Metro Station, through residential/apartment areas along Jamestown Road to 3st Avenue. It then follows 3st Avenue along the parking lots of the retail areas at Hamilton Plaza until it reaches Hamilton Street (see map below). Jamestown Rd. and Madison Pl. at Night Jurisdictions Aside from the intersection at the northern end of the route (MD 40, Adelphi, Queens Chapel), the entire route is under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. Portions of 40th Avenue and Jefferson street along the route are also within the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. Recommendations (in order of priority) Night time safety is the primary concern along this route and the recommendations are geared towards alleviating safety concerns and acting as a crime deterrent. ) Identify lighting improvements that have already been requested/paid for by the City and advocate for PEPCO's completion of this work. Also Identify any areas along the route needing increased lighting and make wattage improvements. 2) Install lighted emergency callboxes (more densely near retail areas, but also present in residential areas). 3) Widened sidewalks - at least 6 usable feet where feasible. 4) Install amenities of benches and trash/recycling bins near any bus stops and near entrance to the PG Plaza pedestrian access trail. B-8

43 B-9

44 Nicholson/Oglethorpe (Ped Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description This route would link the Ager Road, West Hyattsville area with Queens Chapel and, ultimately, US. It would also link the Jamestown, 40 th /4 st, and 42 nd Avenue pedestrian routes, providing east/west access through the city. The route is already very important for school children en route to either Hyattsville Middle School or Nicholas Orem. The project impacts Wards, 2, 3, and 4. It stretches east from the Kirkwood apartments near Ager Rd., along Nicholson to 40 th Ave., crossing Queen s Chapel en route. It follows 40 th avenue (along the 40 th /4 st ped route) north for block before continuing east along Oglethorpe St. to US (see map below). Jurisdictions The entire route is under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. Recommendations (in order of priority) Safety for school age children is the primary concern addressed here. ) Intersection improvements as outlined in Section VI. 2) Widened sidewalks - at least 6 usable feet where feasible (May not be sufficient right-ofway along much of Oglethorpe). 3) Install trashcans/recycle bins along the route as it approaches local schools. 6 Biking/walking students on their way to school 6 6 Image courtesy of Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center (2007-Dan Burden, B-0

45 42nd Avenue, North End (Ped Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description The northern end of 42 nd avenue is already heavily used by dog walkers and stroller pushers. The route is perhaps heavily used because it provides access for those in the north end of town to the Hyattsville Historic District and also links to University. 42 nd avenue does not continue north into University, but a sidewalk does provide pedestrian only access north of MD 40. We would like to see a pedestrian island and crosswalk on MD 40 to provide access to that sidewalk, perhaps similar to what currently exists on Queens Chapel where the NW Branch trail crosses at the town line. Several bus stops are also part of this route. The project impacts Wards, 2, and 3. It stretches south from the 42 nd Ave at MD 40 terminus, along 42 nd to Artway North (see map below). Jurisdictions With the exception of the northern terminus, the entire route is under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. The terminus or intersection with MD 40 is under the jurisdiction of the State Highway Administration (SHA). Recommendations (in order of priority) Safety for school age children is the primary concern addressed here. ) Installation of a crosswalk (with flashing signal) to link the northern terminus of 42 nd with the sidewalk that continues north of MD 40 into University. 2) Widened sidewalks - at least 6 usable feet where feasible. 3) Install amenities of benches and trash/recycling bins near any bus stops. B-

46 Queensbury Road to Riverdale (Ped Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description This route would link the Belcrest Commercial District and Riverdale. Several bus stops are also located along the route. The project impacts Wards 3 and 4. It stretches east from the intersection of Belcrest Rd. and Queens Chapel, following Queensbury Rd. to the town line with Riverdale (see map below). Jurisdictions The entire route is under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville, with the exception of the Belcrest, Queens Chapel, Queensbury intersection. Intersection improvements here would require coordination between SHA, county, and the city. Recommendations (in order of priority) ) Intersection improvements as outlined in Section VI. Of particular importance is the improvement of the intersection at the western terminus, the intersection of Queens Chapel, Belcrest, and Queensbury. 2) Widened sidewalks - at least 6 usable feet where feasible. 3) Install amenities of benches and trash/recycling bins near any bus stops. B-2

47 40th Place/Crittenden (Ped Route)- Detailed Site Description Site Description This route would link the entrance to Magruder and Artway North (Hamilton Street Artway) with US and the Arts District. Acquisition of the old WSSC parking lot from the current owner (something that the city has been pursuing to obtain additional park space) would create a great opportunity to install a new sidewalk in an area where it is sorely needed (along the eastern margin of the property adjacent to 40 th Place). The project impacts Wards and 2. It begins at the entrance to Magruder and skirts the eastern border of the along 40 th Place. It turns east as 40 th becomes Crittendon and continues on to US. (see map below). Jurisdictions The entire route is under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. Recommendations (in order of priority) ) We recommend that the city continue its efforts to acquire the WSSC parking lot property from the current owner and develop it into park space w/ an expanded sidewalk along the eastern margin of the property. 2) Widened sidewalks - at least 6 usable feet where feasible. 3) Install amenities of benches and trash/recycling bins in the park area (once acquired). 4) Intersection improvements to the Magruder entrance area (as outlined in Section VI). B-3

48 34TH ST. Bike Facility Map University of Maryland Lake Artisma UNIVERSITY BLVD. 40 Chillum Sligo Cr. Trail P.G. Connector Link Annacostia Legacy Trails to the Metropolitan Br. Trail in D.C. MD. D.C. Chillum EAST WEST HWY. CHILLUM RD. QUEENS CHAPEL RD. AGER RD. WEST HYATTSVILLE N.W. Br. Trail Northwest Branch Stream Valley 8 40 Home Depot 7 Post Office P.G. Plaza P.G. PLAZA N. Orem Middle School 7 HAMILTON ST. 2 North Western High School 3 BELCREST RD. WELLS PKWY. ADELPHI RD. Univ. Town Center 6 Library 4ST AVE. 4 NICHOLSON ST. Hyattsville 5 42ND AVE. JEFFERSON ST. University McDonalds QUEENS CHAPEL RD.QUEENS CHAPEL RD. Magruder N.W. Br. Trail 40TH PL. QUEENSBURRY RD. DeMatha H.S. Hyatts. E.S. City Hall R.I. AVE. BALTIMORE AVE. 40 College Riverdale Franklin s R.I. Ave. Trolley Trail MARC RIVERDALE EAST WEST HWY. TAYLOR RD. DECATOR ST. Trolley Trail Extend trail from College thru Riverdale to Hyattsville along the old R.I. Ave. Trolley Line North West Branch N.E. Br. Trail Fletcher s Field RIVER RD. KENILWORTH AVE Mount Rainier Brentwood 38TH ST. Cottage City ALT. Bladensburg MILE R.I. AVE. Traffic Circle ALT. Anacostia River Bladensburg Waterfront Trolley Trail, Page B-5 3 Artway North, Page B-7 5 Queensbury Road to 7 Northwest Branch Trail, 40th/4st from Adelphi Riverdale, Page B-9 2 Page B-6 4 Rd. to Magruder, 6 Adelphi Road, Page 7 8 Page B-8 State Routes, Page 8 Ager Road, Page 8 Page 6 and Page B-4

49 Trolley Trail (Bike Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description Until the early 960s, trolley cars ran from downtown D.C. to Laurel, MD. Portions of this right of way have been improved with a paved trail in College. Continuing the trail through Hyattsville would provide an alternate bicycling and pedestrian route that would avoid travel on US and would provide a crucial link to the Northwest Branch Trail, East Coast Greenway (stretching from Maine to Florida), and the American Discovery Trail (stretching from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans). The Hyattsville Legacy Trail Task Force was authorized by the mayor and Council to develop plans for this trail and that authority was subsequently passed on to the Hyattsville Bike and Pedestrian Safety Committee when the group disbanded. EYA has agreed to build part of the trail along their Route development. Several federal and state funding opportunities are available for rails to trail projects and funds for the paving of Hyattsville s section was requested in a County Transportation Planning hearing at the College Municipal building on January 3, Riverdale also made a request for paving of their section of the Trolley Trail at the same hearing. At the Maryland Bike/Pedestrian Symposium in Annapolis on February 9, 2007 numerous state transportation officials were enthusiastic about this trolley right of way improvement which would connect the business sectors of the Route municipalities to the national trail system. The project impacts Ward. The trail would essentially follow the old DC Transit #82 line, which ran along Rhode Island Avenue in Hyattsville and along the CSX tracks where Rhode Island breaks off. (see map below). Jurisdictions The route passes through the municipalities of Hyattsville, Riverdale, and College and coordination of the trail s construction would require cooperation between the municipalities, CSX, M-NCPPC, and EYA. Recommendations (in order of priority) ) Separate into north and south phases at the flat-iron building. The north phase would be constructed nearer term in conjunction with EYA. The south phase is longer term. 2) Construct an 8 foot wide paved trail with a dashed centerline. Preserve a wider right-ofway for future expansion. 3) Ensure a 2 foot hard pack shoulder on both sides. 4) Eliminate any excess "wiggle" in designs (as was introduced in College ). 5) Create trailheads at Madison, Jefferson, Gallatin (Franklin's), and the NW Branch Trail in Hyattsville. 6) Add signage to trail to indicate the location and distances of Hyattsville retail centers and bike-related businesses. B-5

50 Northwest Branch Trail (Bike Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description The trail within the city of Hyattsville stretches from the Anacostia confluence at Charles Armentrout and Rt. to West Hyattsville (along the NW Branch of the Anacostia River). It connects to the broader Anacostia Tributary Trails system and to several nationwide hiker/biker trails. The trail is an excellent town amenity, but there is one major problem it is closed at dark. The NW Branch Trail is not safe at night because it is not lit. Muggings, hold ups, loitering by gangs (in Mt. Rainier) and other problems plague the site. This is primarily due to failures by planning and government officials to recognize that this is a de facto commuter route, which is used at night regardless of the hours of operation instituted by M-NCPPC. Trails should be considered highways, open at all times. How are we to encourage bike and pedestrian commuting to work, when trails close before people can get home? It is a shame that residents are being victimized because of a refusal of government to deal with reality and make the designation changes necessary to have the trail lit for the safety of residents. Other problems on the trail include some crossings at major roads and a lack of signage. The project impacts Wards and 5. Jurisdictions The route passes through the City of Hyattsville, but is on land that is managed by the Maryland National Capital s and Planning Commision and PG County. Recommendations (in order of priority) ) Advocate to M-NCPPC, SHA, and whoever else will listen that the trail be redesignated as a commuter route so that the trail can be lit at night! At a minimum, redesignate the area near the West Hyattsville METRO station. 2) Install emergency callboxes near the West Hyattsville METRO and near Queens Chapel intersection. 3) Intersection Improvements as called for in Section VI. 4) Advocate for better maintenance of potholes and cleaning of broken glass. 5) Explore the possibility of having M-NCPPC install new/more directional signage indicating the direction and distance of major retail centers and trail linkages. B-6

51 Artway North (Bike Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description see description above under Pedestrian Routes Jurisdictions see description above under Pedestrian Routes Recommendations (in order of priority) As a bike route, Artway North will undoubtedly differ in character from one end of the route to the other. Artist s renderings and profile views from the planning documentation, in the vicinity of Magruder show 5 foot on-road bike lanes (see image below). While the final look of the site will change, we encourage the city to include bike lanes in plans for the route. While right-of-way may not be sufficient in areas of the route further removed from the park, we encourage the city to pursue the installation of smaller bike lanes or widened shoulders in their discussions with SHA and M-NCPPC. ) Install on-road bike lanes, widened shoulders, and route signage along the entire route. 2) Install share the road signage and directional signage indicating to riders where they are headed and the distances involved 3) Emergency callboxes installed (part of the Safe Cities Initiative) along the commercial corridor portion of the route. 4) Intersection improvements along route as outlined in Section VI. 5) Increased street lighting along the route (primarily in the Hamilton Street retail corridor), ideally of historic design. Profile of Artway North near Magruder Entrance 7 7 Image from City of Hyattsville Hamilton Street/Jefferson Street Artway North, M-NCPPC Documents B-7

52 40th/4st from Adelphi to Magruder (Bike Route) - Detailed Site Description Site Description see description above under Pedestrian Routes Jurisdictions see description above under Pedestrian Routes Recommendations (in order of priority) This is already an extant on-road bike route without lanes. Very few people seem to recognize this, however, because the route is poorly marked. ) Add directional signage which includes the direction and distance of nearby landmarks and linkages (see image below). 2) Increase Share the Road signage. 3) Intersection improvements along the route as outlined in Section VI. B-8

53 Queensbury Road to Riverdale (Bike Route)- Detailed Site Description Site Description see description above under Pedestrian Routes Jurisdictions see description above under Pedestrian Routes Recommendations (in order of priority) This is already an extant on-road bike route without lanes. Very few people seem to recognize this, however, because the route is poorly marked. ) Add directional signage which includes the direction and distance of nearby landmarks and linkages (see image below). 2) Increase Share the Road signage. 3) Intersection improvements along the route as outlined in Section VI. B-9

54 Problem Intersections Map University of Maryland Lake Artisma UNIVERSITY BLVD. 40 Chillum Sligo Cr. Trail P.G. Connector Link Annacostia Legacy Trails to the Metropolitan Br. Trail in D.C. MD. D.C. Chillum EAST WEST HWY. CHILLUM RD. QUEENS CHAPEL RD. 9 AGER RD. 0 WEST HYATTSVILLE N.W. Br. Trail Northwest Branch Stream Valley Home Depot 3 2 Post Office 2 34TH ST. P.G. Plaza P.G. PLAZA HAMILTON ST. North Western High School 7 6 BELCREST RD. N. Orem Middle School WELLS PKWY. ADELPHI RD. Library Univ. Town Center ST AVE. NICHOLSON ST. Hyattsville 42ND AVE. JEFFERSON ST. 8 University McDonalds QUEENS CHAPEL RD.QUEENS CHAPEL RD. Magruder N.W. Br. Trail 40TH PL. QUEENSBURRY RD. DeMatha H.S. Hyatts. E.S. City Hall R.I. AVE. BALTIMORE AVE. 40 College Riverdale Franklin s R.I. Ave. Trolley Trail MARC RIVERDALE EAST WEST HWY. TAYLOR RD. DECATOR ST. Trolley Trail Extend trail from College thru Riverdale to Hyattsville along the old R.I. Ave. Trolley Line North West Branch N.E. Br. Trail Fletcher s Field RIVER RD. KENILWORTH AVE Mount Rainier Brentwood 38TH ST. Cottage City ALT. Bladensburg MILE R.I. AVE. Traffic Circle ALT. Anacostia River Bladensburg Waterfront East West Highway at Editors, Page B-47 East West Highway at Giant, Page B-46 East West Highway at Belcrest Road, Page B-28 East West Highway at Adelphi Rd and Queens Chapel Rd, Page B Queens Chapel Road at Belcrest Road, Page B-2 Queens Chapel Road at Nicholson St., Page B-32 38th Avenue at North West Branch Trail, Page B-36 Rhode Island Avenue (US ) at North West Branch Trail, Page B Page 2 and Page B-20 Ager Road at Nicholson Street, Page B-32 Ager Road at Lancer Street, Page B-43 Ager Road at Hamilton Street, Page B-37 Hamilton Street at Queens Chapel Road, Page B Ager Road at Queens Chapel Road, Page B-37 Queens Chapel Road at North West Branch Trail, Page B-24

55 Belcrest Rd. (and Queensbury) at Queens Chapel Site Description The intersection of Belcrest/Queensbury Rd and Queens Chapel lies between the residential area of Hyattsville Hills and the Prince Georges Plaza Metro Station and surrounding retail areas. Currently, the only crosswalk across Queens Chapel is on the north connecting Queensbury and Belcrest Roads. Pedestrians approaching from the southeast corner have to cross Queensbury, Queens Chapel, Belcrest, and the Belcrest to Queens Chapel right turn lane just to reach the metro station (see Figure below). The signal call button on Queensbury is not handicapped accessible. Drivers on Belcrest and Queensbury that are turning left have limited visibility and difficulty knowing how far to edge into the intersection before turning. Their focus on turning against oncoming traffic leads them to disregard people in the crosswalks. Additionally, the misleading and confusing signage on Belcrest heading eastbound toward the intersection causes motorists to merge left only to find that the left lane becomes left-turn only, the center lane goes through to Queensbury and a right-turn only lane sprouts out of the previous two. This causes drivers to change lanes immediately before the intersection and/or ignore the Left Turn Only sign and causes a conflict with cars in the center lane. This intersection lies in Hyattsville Wards 3 & 4 Jurisdictions Queens Chapel Road (MD 500) and Belcrest Road (MD 40A) are under the jurisdiction of Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and are maintained, in part, by Prince George s County. Queensbury Road is within the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville. Recommendations (in order of priority) Major improvements are needed to facilitate movements between the single-family detached housing east of Queens Chapel and the Metro Station/Mixed-use developments to the west. ) Add a light cycle that accommodates pedestrians where all vehicular traffic stops to give adequate time for pedestrians to cross. 2) Add a count-down timer for pedestrians. 3) Add a crosswalk spanning Queens Chapel on the south side of the intersection. 4) Increase signage such as "Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk". 5) Improve signage for vehicular traffic leading to the intersection on Belcrest from the west (and all other directions). 6) Add dotted 'guide lines' for left-turns so that cars don't edge into the intersection. 7) Install a left turn arrow light on Belcrest so that cars don't dart through carelessly. B-2

56 8) Improve lighting on all corners and for all crosswalks. 9) Discourage the use of Belcrest and Queensbury as cut-throughs to alleviate traffic in general. 0) Ensure that the newly developed areas on Belcrest have adequate sidewalks and bike lanes in both directions. B-22

57 B-23

58 Northwest Branch Trail at Queens Chapel and Ager Rd. Site Description This intersection, between the heavily trafficked Queens Chapel Road and the popular Northwest Branch Trail, has been problematic for some time. The Trail provides commuter access to the metro station as well as recreational connections to many other regional trails. While there are sidewalks to the south in Mt. Rainier, and there is a sidewalk on the west side of Queens Chapel running north from Ager Rd. to Hamilton Street, there are no sidewalks on the east side of Queens Chapel between Hamilton Street and the Northwest Branch trail, nor is there a sidewalk on the west side of Queens Chapel between Ager and the Northwest Branch. The flashing lights in the pavement of Queens Chapel Road at the intersection with the Northwest Branch trail that are activated as a pedestrian approaches are useful in low light, when pedestrians may be difficult to spot. In full daylight, or when there is heavy traffic, however, the lights are not very visible. A serious problem is that while some drivers will stop for pedestrians, others will not, and some drivers, upon finding themselves behind a stopped car, will quickly shift into the other lane and continue into the intersection just as a pedestrian has decided to cross. This intersection lies in Hyattsville Ward 5 Jurisdictions Queens Chapel Road (MD 500) is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland State Highway Administration, while the Northwest Branch Trail is managed by MNCPPC (s and Planning). Recommendations (in order of priority) The current experimental traffic warning system seems to give trail users an unrealistic expectation of safety. A more effective solution is needed. ) Install a traditional red light, activated by pedestrians and timed with the other lights along the road. A red light here would also make access to/from Jamestown road easier for cars. 2) Add a sidewalk on the west side of Queens Chapel between the Northwest Branch and Ager Rd. B-24

59 B-25

60 4 st Avenue Terminus near East-West Highway Site Description This intersection report should be considered in conjunction with the report below concerning East-West Highway and Adelphi Road. See pages B-34, B-35, B-6 and B-7 and for graphical report and further information. Direct vehicular access to 4 st avenue in Hyattsville is blocked from Adelphi, East-West Hwy, and Univeristy by a guard rail. Direct pedestrian/bike access onto 4st Avenue is theoretically open, althought the guard rail, a misaligned curb cutout, lack of a sidewalk, and a superfluous street sign all obsrtuct actual use. Pedestrians have worn muddy paths around the barriers, indicating that it is used as a route to get into and out of Hyattsville. 4st Avenue, while very wide, does not have any sidewalks on either side until the intersection with Queensbury. This intersection lies in Hyattsville Ward 3 Jurisdictions The terminus of 4 st Avenue is within the jursidiction of the City of Hyattsville. Recommendations (in order of priority) When compared to the very pedestrian and biker- friendly terminus of Queens Chapel Road to the north of East-Wets Hwy in University, 4 st Avenue leaves a lot to be desired. The terminus in University has been designed with special pavers that allow vegetation to grow through. There is a curb cut that, in combination with the pavers, allows access to Queens Chapel Road in University for emergency vehicles as well as pedestrians and bikers. Regular vehicular traffic is restricted. ) Make 4st Ave a convenient north-south bicycle and pedestrian gateway to Hyattsville that links to 40th Avenue, leading pedestrian and bicycle traffic on a relatively flat route to Magruder. 2) Remove the unsightly metal guardrails and replace with bollards (posts) that allow pedestrians and bikers through. (project in process for 2008) 3) Open the space between the East-West sidewalk and 4 st terminus with a wide, welcoming bike-pedestrian walkway onto 4 st. 4) Install bike and pedestrian route signage and Hyattsville Welcome/PR signs. 5) Create a sidewalk on the east side of 4st Avenue to channel pedestrian traffic and while still allowing people to park their cars on the street. B-26

61 THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK B-27

62 Belcrest Road at East-West Highway Site Description This intersection (located in Wards 3 and 4) is an extremely high volume intersection, where vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians all compete to cross. Several buses have stops just before or just after the intersection, and entrances to the mall (near Target) and the strip mall are shortly after the intersection, causing traffic slow-downs as people turn. Many cars can be observed zipping around buses to beat traffic lights and/or making right-hand turns through crosswalks causing significant jeopardy for pedestrians. Modest bike lanes exist on Belcrest, but on northbound Belcrest, the bike lane disappears shortly before the intersection. The right turn merge is fairly wide and could accomodate a bike lane that would merge into the 40 eastbound bike lane that is in existence. On 40 eastbound from the intersection, there are narrow bike lanes, but not before the intersection. There are none westbound. A large fence was installed in the median of 40 for the entire block West of this intersection in Jaywalking was extremely dangerous, and this fence redirected traffic to the raised walkway or to this intersection. Jurisdictions East West Highway (MD 40) is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). Belcrest Road (MD 40A) appears to technically be a state (SHA) road, but is maintained by Prince Georges County. Recommendations (in order of priority) This intersection is simply a high-volume area all around (in terms of both bike/ped and vehicular traffic. It will only become more heavily used with the addition of the new mixed-use development in the area, thus it is imperative that steps be taken to ensure safety. ) Crossing signals generally need to be improved. Install lengthier countdown crossing signals all around and install a signal call button near Hollywood Video. The signal call button near the Chevron also needs to be fixed. 2) Add signage to increase drivers' awareness of pedestrians and bicyclists and add "Don't block the Box" signs. 3) Increase the sidewalk width on the northwest corner by the bank to allow pedestrian traffic sufficient space to await crossing and create broader crosswalks to accomodate the projected increase in foot traffic. 4) Ensure continuous bike lanes through the intersections. 5) Create striped crosswalks across Belcrest, south of the intersection so that vehicle traffic will yield to people crossing to the METRO station. Foot traffic currently either hops the short fences in the median of Belcrest or jaywalks at the entrance to the strip mall in order to reach the METRO. Being forced to walk all the way to the intersection and then back doesn't seem to work for most people. B-28

63 B-29

64 Northwest Branch Trail at US (near Armentrout Rd.) Site Description This section of the Northwest Branch Trail, which lies in Ward, is part of two national trails. The Northwest Branch trail (and Northeast Branch) is part of the East Coast Greenway, which goes from Maine to Florida. It is also part of the American Discovery Trail, which goes from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. The southern terminus of the Hyattsville Trolley Trail, which links the two national trails to the Route corridor, is adjacent to this intersection. Route has no sidewalks north of the intersection and sidewalks that end abruptly south of the intersection. The paved shoulders end at the intersection in all directions on Route. The intersection is also the location of the Route crossing of the Northwest Branch trail, which utilizes the crosswalk on Route and the southern sidewalk of Armentrout. There is no crosswalk at all across Armentrout, to the east or the west. Crosswalk signals last only about 0 seconds for pedestrians crossing Rte. Jurisdictions US Route, although a federal highway, is maintained by the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). The Northwest Branch Trail is under the jurisdiction of MNCPPC, while Armentrout Rd. is maintained by Prince George's County. Recommendations (in order of priority) Some fairly extensive improvements are needed at this trail crossing. ) Adjust the light cycle at Armentrout to accommodate all users. The cycle should be at least 45 to 50 seconds long and triggered by a pedestrian push button. Create a pedestrian-only crossing time. 2) Add an arrow light on the right turn lane of Route for traffic turning onto Armentrout red when the crosswalk signal is triggered & green all other times. 3) Create a sidewalk between 42 nd and Armentrout on the West Side (Southbound Rte. ). 4) Connect with the Trolley Trail and provide a trailhead at the existing parking area. 5) Bike lanes should be added on both sides of Route if possible. 6) Add a vehicle triggered left-turn light for traffic turning left from Armentrout onto Route south to end the conflict for the right-of-way at the crosswalk. 7) Add "Welcome to Hyattsville, Bike Friendly City" signage. 8) Route street sweeper to Armentrout where broken glass and dumped trash have long been a hazard in the roadway and on the bike path/sidewalk. The addition of a vehicle gate or bollard may help prevent easy access to those dumping trash. B-30

65 B-3

66 Ager Rd. at Nicholson St. Site Description This is a high-density area with apartment buildings, a playground, and bus stops. Many pedestrians cross Ager at this point to get to the West Hyattsville METRO station and find the high speeds of vehicles on Ager to be quite frightening. There are no signs to alert vehicles to the presence of pedestrians. Lighting on much of the road also appears to be minimal, which can be quite dangerous, given the open park on one side. A major part of the problem is a very faded striped crosswalk on the south side of the intersection that is difficult to see. No other roads have a crosswalk marked at this intersection. There are no bike lanes on any part of Ager or Nicholson but Ager is wide enough to support a bike lane, and the proximity to the Northwest Branch trail should make this an easy access point to the trail, even though there is no curb cut-out to reach the trail. This intersection lies in Wards 4 and 5. Jurisdictions Nicholson is under the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville, while Ager road appears to be a county or state (SHA) road. Recommendations In general, vehicles seem to be completely unaware that bikes and pedestrians can cross here. Much of the issue surrounds the visibility of the crosswalk. ) Increase visibility of pedestrian crosswalk and/or install a full traffic signal to allow for crossing. 2) Improve signage to alert Ager vehicles to the presence of pedestrians and bikers. 3) Add bike lanes on both Ager and Nicholson. 4) Add curb cut-outs and a path connection to the Northwest Branch trail 5) Pave the path from the Ager Rd. bridge to the NW Branch trail. 6) Improve the lighting on Nicholson to ensure that the park area is not a magnet for crime because of the current lack of adequate lighting. 7) Add a pedestrian "island" to the median of Ager Rd. B-32

67 B-33

68 East-West Highway at Adelphi Rd. (and Queen s Chapel) Site Description This extremely high volume intersection has decent structure in the way of wellmarked crosswalks and signal call buttons for pedestrians, however Bike lanes/shoulders are present on some parts of the intersection, but not all. Queens Chapel northbound, for example, has a bike lane that ends at Quintana, one street before the intersection, leaving bikers to merge into traffic as they head downhill. Several of the merge lanes have wide shoulders that could handle a bike lane, but they also have drains and grates that would be hazardous for cyclists. This intersection lies in Hyattsville Ward 3 Jurisdictions Queens Chapel Rd. (MD 500) is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), as is East-West Highway (MD 40). Adelphi Road is maintained by Prince George s County. Recommendations(in order of priority) This list of recommendations should be read in conjunction with those above concerning the terminus of 4 st Avenue. ) Create safe bike lanes on all roads through the intersection. 2) Widen sidewalks and/or establish a "buffer" of grass between the road and the sidewalk to increase pedestrian safety. Fast-moving traffic, especially on the merge/turn lanes, leaves sidewalk users feeling vulnerable, and several sidewalks are overgrown. 3) Add crosswalk call buttons for all crosswalks, not just MD 40 and place the call buttons where pedestrians can actually reach them. They should be located at the corners of the intersection, if possible, not in the islands separating the merge lanes. 4) Extend the sidewalk on the north side of East West Highway all the way from Adelphi to Belcrest. Spacious sidewalks and bike lanes will facilitate access to shops, restaurants, and stores planned for the area. 5) Improve signage so that cars know to yield to crosswalk traffic in the merge lanes 6) Add new signage to direct bicyclists/pedestrians to major trails such as the Northwest Branch, Trolley Trail, etc, via the proposed 40 th /4 st bike and pedestrian routes. This will become an arterial connection to other parks and trails in addition to Magruder. B-34

69 B-35

70 Northwest Branch Trail at 38 th Avenue Site Description This at-grade crossing of the NW Branch Trail and 38th Avenue provides access to the West Hyattsville METRO rail station and is popular for weekend recreational users as well as weekday commuters. This section of the trail is also part of the American Discovery Trail and the East Coast Greenway. For an aerial image of this area please see Page B-3. The intersection of the NW Branch Trail and 38th Avenue (Wards and 5) near the bridge is dangerous. Despite some signage, cars often do not yield for trail users at this intersection. Because of the dip in the road after the bridge, it is difficult for drivers to see trail users as well as other cars already stopped for bikers. Jurisdictions 38th Avenue south of Hamilton street is Maryland State Route 208, under the jurisdiction of the Maryland State Highway Administration. The Northwest Branch trail is managed by the MNCPPC, while the bridge and stream fall under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers. Recommendations(in order of priority) There are a couple of alternative routes for improvement here, so they have been separated into a small-scale and a large-scale solution. Small Scale: ) Improve signage, especially on northbound 38th warning of the crossing before cars reach the bridge. 2) Add a speed hump or rumble strips on either side of the trail crossing to encourage cars to slow down. 3) Complete the sidewalk from Hamilton to the Northwest Branch along 38th. Larger scale: ) Reroute the bike trail under the bridge, or put the trail and the road on different grades (perhaps by extending the roadway's bridge elevation northward so the trail can underpass the road, north of the bridge abutment). B-36

71 Hamilton Street Crossings at Ager Rd. and Queen s Chapel (West Hyattsville Cluster) Site Description These two intersections are among the most prominent of a number of problem intersections in the West Hyattsville cluster. Both intersections lie in Ward 5. There is heavy pedestrian traffic going to and from the shops and METRO station here. At Ager road, there is a walk signal light at this intersection, but the button must be pushed for the walk light to be activated, and the green light does not always last long enough to allow a pedestrian to safely clear the intersection). The button on the northeast side of the intersection is located on a traffic island, and it is difficult to access due to its location and the adjacent plantings. At the crossing on Queen s Chapel, there is no crosswalk on the south side of Hamilton St. Pedestrian traffic is high along Queens Chapel Road due to the shopping center near Ager Road and sidewalks are not present on the south side of the road until the bridge near Ager Road. The crossing signal on the south corner is on the triangular median, which means pedestrians and cyclists must cross the merge lane (merges onto Hamilton St. There appears to be room for bike lanes along this thoroughfare. There is no barrier between the parking spaces along the north side of Hamilton St and the fast moving traffic. Jurisdictions Ager Road is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland State Highway Administration, as is Queens Chapel Road (MD 500) and Hamilton Street going east from Queens Chapel (MD 208). Hamilton Street heading west from Queens Chapel is a Prince George s County road. Recommendations(in order of priority) A safe and continuous path should lead one along Hamilton Street, across both roads and on to the METRO station. Ager and Hamilton: ) Move walk light activation button off the island or add another one to the northeast side of the intersection. 2) Add a left on green arrow and a red right turn arrow going from Hamilton onto Ager Rd. Queens Chapel and Hamilton: ) Increase the amount of time to cross Queens Chapel. It currently only allows 6 or 7 seconds before the flashing red sign appears. 2) Align countdown crossing signal nearest Queens Chapel Town Center with crosswalks. The crossing signal nearest Queens Chapel Town Center is out of one's reasonable line of sight when crossing over Hamiton and Queens Chapel. 3) Create a crosswalk over Hamilton St. nearest the Fashion One store. There is currently no crosswalk and pedestrians often jaywalk on this very high-traffic street, putting themselves at risk. B-37

72 4) Fix the countdown crossing signal nearest Fashion One store. The "stop" signal is out of service. 5) Widen sidewalk and add "safety" posts/barriers and crossing signal to merge lane from Queens Chapel onto Hamilton. Widen sidewalk, add barrier and crossing signal. 6) Widen East-bound shoulder of Hamilton in conjunction with bikelanes at intersection (SW and SE corners). B-38

73 B-39

74 B-40

75 Queens Chapel at Nicholson St. Site Description Nicholson intersects with Queens Chapel Road at the top of a long incline. The long incline makes it difficult for pedestrians to see cars coming (particularly those coming from the south), usually at very high speeds, until they are nearly on top of them. Cars turning onto Nicholson, or crossing Queens Chapel while continuing on Nicholson, gather in the middle of the intersection, making it dangerous for pedestrians to cross at this point. Commuters going to the Prince George's Plaza METRO station, or the bus stop on the West Hyattsville side of the intersection, must deal with traffic coming from multiple directions when crossing Queens Chapel. The entire stretch from Nicholson to Queensbury is a danger zone for pedestrians and bikers traveling to and from Prince George's Plaza metro station and the commercial areas. There are no crosswalks in this zone until you get to the other side of Queensbury. Furthermore, there are no traffic lights anywhere between Hamilton and Queensbury, so many pedestrians take their chances crossing at multiple points along this stretch. It is especially dangerous for people crossing with small children, the elderly and those in wheelchairs. This intersection lies in Hyattsville Wards 3 & 2 Jurisdictions Queens Chapel Road. (MD 500) is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland State Highway Administration, while Nicholson St. is under the City of Hyattsville s jurisdiction. Recommendations(in order of priority) This intersection could serve as a valauable linkage between west and east Hyattsville. ) Add traffic light and pedestrian crossing signal. A light would also serve to make this another entry point into the east side of Hyattsville from West Hyattsville and reduce the number of cars continually stacking up in the middle of the intersection. 2) Add a crosswalk 3) As an alternative to a full traffic light, add a flashing yellow that can be triggered to red by pedestrians crossing Queens Chapel. B-4

76 B-42

77 Ager Rd. at Lancer Dr. Site Description Ager is a four lane road. It is in desperate need of a crosswalk and additional lighting. There is very high pedestrian usage in this area because of the nearby access to the West Hyattsville METRO station. Pedestrians frequently cross Ager at many points around Lancer, leading to muddy paths cutting into the station. This indicates that infrastructure is simply not meeting demand in this area. With the proposed development around the West Hyattsville METRO, the traffic on Ager will get worse. The intersection lies in Hyattsville Ward 5. Jurisdictions Lancer is a city road, while Ager is within the jurisdiction of Maryland SHA. Recommendations(in order of priority) The sight lines are acceptable for vehicular traffic on Ager Road. However, improvements are needed for pedestrians. ) Add crosswalk striping across Ager Road. 2) Add curb bulbouts and a signalized intersection to get across Ager. 3) Add a pedestrian island at the median and "Pedestrian crossing" signs in both directions on Ager. 4) Make sidewalks continuous from the intersection all th way to the METRO. Currently, pedestrians must walk on the road for part of the route. 5) Add a bike lane along Ager in both directions. B-43

78 B-44

79 B-45

80 East-West Hwy at Home Depot Entrance This intersection has not been thoroughly studied by our committee; however, we expect that most suggested changes to the intersection will be enacted with the current development happening on the East-West Hwy / Toledo Road, NW corner. B-46

81 East-West Hwy at Editor s Drive This intersection has not been thoroughly studied by our committee and merits further review. B-47