Virginia Tech Parking & Transportation Master Plan

Transcription

1 Virginia Tech Parking & Transportation Master Plan

2 Agenda Review Study Process and Schedule Review of Transportation Issues Identified and Potential s Vehicular Parking Transit Pedestrian Bicycle

3 Approach & Schedule

4 Purpose Define a transportation strategy and implementation recommendations to enhance mobility for Virginia Tech employees, students, and visitors Project Process STAKEHOLDER KICK OFF GATHER INFORMATION ANALYZE INFORMATION IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS EVALUATE SOLUTIONS PRIORITIZE AND PROGRAM DOCUMENT IMPLEMENT AND UPDATE 4

5 Schedule Steering Group Kickoff Mtg Steering Group Web Mtg Stakeholder Workshop #1 Stakeholder Workshop #2 Steering Group Web Mtg Stakeholder Workshop #3 Final Presentation May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2016 Feb Mar Apr Phase I (Start Up, Goals, Data) Phase II (Define Study Options) Phase III (Option Development) Phase IV (Future Traffic and Parking Plan) 5

6 University Outreach Project website Stakeholder meetings Open House Media outreach Social media VT MOVES App 6

7 Transportation Evaluation

8 Campus Transportation System Pedestrians Bicycles Roadways Transit Parking Review Data Identify Issues Develop s 8

9 Vehicular Environment

10 Roadways Objectives: Reduce traffic volumes in the core areas of campus Minimize conflicts with pedestrian and bicycle movement Maintain accessibility and clarity of campus road network Provide efficient vehicular movement to and within the Virginia Tech campus 10

11 Vehicular Environment Issue Trends Most roads and intersections operate at acceptable levels currently Congestion projected in the future, particularly along: West Campus Drive Prices Fork Road Washington Street 11

12 Current Intersection Operations 2025 Intersection Operations

13 Roadway Network Focus Areas E D C A B

14 Washington Street at Beamer Way A

15 Issue Washington Street at Beamer Way Poor operations (LOS F in future) Difficulty turning left onto Washington Street 15

16 Issue Washington Street at Beamer Way Improves overall operations (LOS C) and improves safety 16

17 Washington Street at Duck Pond Drive B

18 Issue Washington Street at Duck Pond Drive LOS F in future Long delays turning onto Washington Street from Duck Pond Drive

19 Issue Washington Street at Duck Pond Drive LOS D Improves overall operations and improves safety 19

20 West Campus Drive at Drillfield Drive C

21 Issue West Campus Drive Increasing pressure along West Campus Drive as parking relocates to Duck Pond Drive lots Congestion at Prices Fork Road at West Campus Drive intersection Difficult sight distance at Duck Pond Drive intersection Steep downhill grade towards Drillfield Drive creating higher speeds Some right hook bicycle crashes have occurred near the Drillfield intersections 21

22 West Campus Drive Issue 22

23 Issue West Campus Drive Design Option 1 Bus Stops Access Loop Two Way Road 23

24 Issue West Campus Drive Design Option 2 Multi-Use Path Bike Path Two Way Road Roundabout

25 Duck Pond Drive D

26 Issue Duck Pond Drive Increased pressure on Duck Pond Drive due to increased commuter parking in area Increased delay and congestion along Duck Pond Drive and portions of West Campus Drive Vehicle Level of Service A-B C-D E-F 2025 Intersection Operations 26

27 Western Perimeter Road Issue Vehicle Level of Service A-B A-B C-D C-D E-F E-F Relieves traffic on West Campus Drive, Duck Pond Drive and Washington Street Improved access to Duck Pond Drive lots 27 27

28 Paving Smithfield Road Issue Level of Service Relieves traffic on Prices Fork Road A-B A-B and interior streets C-D C-D Improved access E-F to Duck Pond E-F Drive lots High construction and maintenance costs 28 28

29 Issue West Campus Drive Increasing pressure along West Campus Drive as parking relocates to Duck Pond Drive lots Congestion at Prices Fork Road at West Campus Drive intersection Difficult sight distance at Duck Pond Drive intersection Steep downhill grade towards Drillfield Drive creating higher speeds Some right hook bicycle crashes have occurred near the Drillfield Western Perimeter Road and Smithfield Road relieve pressure off these congested routes Vehicle access eliminated at this location Raised mid-block crosswalk and roundabout will help slow vehicle speeds and prioritize bicycle movement 29

30 Stanger Street at Perry Street E

31 Issue Stanger Street Improvements Significant pedestrian crossing near Surge Building, particularly across Perry Street and Prices Fork Road Accommodation of MMTF circulation patterns VT Moves Pedestrian Movements 31

32 Stanger Street Improvements Issue Town Crosswalk Enhancements Convert to One Way Pair Roundabout 32

33 Stanger Street Improvements Issue 33

34 Stanger Street Improvements Issue Reduced pedestrian conflicts Allows for bike lane and/or parking High cost to implement 34along Old Turner Street

35 Parking

36 Parking System Objectives: Provide parking needed to support campus operations Accommodate changes in parking distribution over time Improve allocation and assignment of parking resources Address state vehicle parking on campus Improve the parking experience for campus visitors Provide access to parking in high turnover locations Encourage alternative modes of transportation by minimizing incentives for driving to campus Maintain and improve the financial sustainability of the parking system 36

37 Existing Peak Parking Occupancy Issue Occupancy Rate - 0% - 50% - 51% - 70% - 71% - 80% - 81% - 90% - 91% - 100% Practical Capacity: When 90% of the facility is occupied Existing Parking Surplus: ~2,900 spaces on central campus - 101%+ 37

38 Parking Displacement Issue Parking Impact for Year 2025 F/S: 602 spaces displaced C/G: 649 spaces displaced Resident: 140 spaces displaced Visitors: 11 spaces displaced Total: 1,402 spaces displaced 38

39 Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategies Issue Future demand reduced by 870 spaces through continued emphasis on Alternative Transportation Strategies: Management and Communication Programs Ride-matching services (existing) Financial incentives/disincentives (enhanced) Alternative Transportation Marketing (enhanced) Alternative Mode Support Walking and bicycle amenities and facilities (enhanced) Bike share programs (new) Transit and shuttle program support (enhanced) Emergency Ride Home programs (enhanced) Parking Programs Occasional parking programs (enhanced) Parking supply allocation and management (enhanced) Parking pricing and billing techniques (enhanced) 39

40 Issue Future (2025) Parking Surplus/Deficit Summary F/S: 395 space deficit with TDM (-550 without TDM) C/G: 320 space deficit with TDM (-685 without TDM) R: 1,720 space surplus with TDM (+1,485 without TDM) 3 Permit Total: 1,050 space surplus with TDM (+290 without TDM) Analysis shows there is adequate parking to support future demand, but it needs to be reassigned effectively. 40

41 Parking Assignment A Issue A) ~900 C/G Spaces to remain on north end of campus (loss of 1,205 C/G spaces) A) Rest of north area parking for F/S/V B C B) Assign ~2,100 C/G spaces in Duck Pond Drive lot C) Residents in Duck Pond Drive lot (120 spaces), Chicken Hill lot (950 spaces), and Stadium lots (1,000 spaces) Existing supply adequately supports future demand (2025) 41

42 New Supply Squires Garage Option 1 Issue Newman Library Univ. Bookstore Squires Garage Creativity/ Innovation District Serves high activity area Support development of Creativity and Innovation District Currently 223 spaces in Squires Lot, which includes a mix of F/S, C/G, Metered, and Service spaces ~200 spaces per level on existing Squires Lot ~750 spaces total for a 4 level stand-alone garage Potential ground level building use 42

43 New Supply Squires Garage Option 2 Issue Serves high activity area Creativity/ Innovation District Support development of Creativity and Innovation District Currently 162 spaces in Annex Lot, which includes a mix of F/S and Service spaces Newman Library Univ. Bookstore Squires Garage Need to consider the topography of the site and creek watershed/flood protection Requires demolition of Annex buildings Improved vehicular accessibility Reduced vehicle/pedestrian conflicts Possible Access to/from Draper Road and/or Roanoke Street 43

44 Parking Permit Structure Issue Offer discounted parking to incentivize people to use less desirable parking facilities Benefits: Improves traffic conditions as people are not hunting for the premium parking areas Reduces traffic congestion Allows drivers to more conveniently locate a parking space Potentially provides people an opportunity to pay less for parking 44

45 Issue Commuter/Graduate Rate Structure Create discounted and premium parking permits Incentivizes Commuter/ Graduates to park in perimeter parking facilities Premium Permits: Parking facilities on north end of campus and more interior to campus Discounted Parking Premium Parking Other Parking Facilities Future Developments Future developments are located in portions of current parking facilities, indicating where parking will be displaced in the future Discounted Permits: Duck Pond Lots, Track/Fieldhouse and Smithfield Road lots 45

46 F/S and R Rate Structure Issue Faculty/Staff Rate Structure F/S lots are dispersed throughout campus and serve users in each area Continue to charge one rate for all facilities Premium parking permits for potential Squires Lot and/or Garage Discounted parking at Chicken Hill Lot to support Blacksburg Transit (CRC) Route Resident Rate Structure Most parking relocated to Stadium lots and Chicken Hill Possibly offer discounted parking in Chicken Hill lot compared to the Duck Pond/Cage and Stadium lots 46

47 - Visitor Parking Areas Issue Visitor Parking Approximately 300 daily visitor parkers Option 1 (Existing System): Free daily parking permit, no space identified for visitors Option 2: Fee for daily permit for assigned visitor parking Option 3: Assigned pay visitor parking facilities and on-street parking with hourly transient fee 47

48 Preliminary Recommendations Issue Parking Allocation in 2025 Existing supply adequately supports future parking demand Most north end parking reassigned to F/S Some C/G parking can remain on north end of campus (~900 spaces) Reassign current R spaces to C/G Spaces in Duck Pond Drive lot (~2,100 spaces) Resident parking relocated to Stadium Lots and Chicken Hill lot Potential remote F/S parking in Chicken Hill lot Freshmen Parking No need to eliminate parking permits for freshmen Adequate capacity to support demand Revenue generation from these permits is beneficial Off-Site Parking Not necessary based on future parking demand analysis Costly to serve with shuttles and security, revenue generation reduced 48

49 Preliminary Recommendations Issue Visitor Parking Eliminate current visitor parking permit Reassign some on-street and easily identifiable parking facilities as shortterm paid parking (e.g. Alumni Mall, Drillfield, Coliseum lot, Perry Street deck, Squires lot/garage) Provide directional signage to visitor parking on-campus Permits and Pricing Differentiated pricing based on location for C/G Permits Premium pricing for Squires Garage (if pursued) Differentiated pricing based on location for Res permits Charge for visitor parking in designated locations 49

50 Preliminary Recommendations State Vehicle Parking Provide remote parking for infrequently used state vehicles to free up space in interior parking lots Future Parking Facility Considered Squires lot, Coliseum lot, Washington Street surface lot, and Duck Pond Dr. Lot High demand for parking in squires lot (east side of campus) Offer primarily pay transient parking in squires garage Premier parking location (premium for F/S permits) Should be financially sustainable 50

51 Transit

52 Transit and Shuttles Objectives: Continue to support Blacksburg Transit as an important mode of access to campus for the local community Facilitate transition to the Multi-Modal Transit Facility Develop additional shuttles to support changes to the parking system Balance service preferences (high frequency/high capacity) with cost and operational considerations 52

53 Overview of existing and planned transit services on campus Currently, BT provides a high level of service to the Campus Core Alumni Mall Burruss Hall West Campus Drive Stanger Street Serves other key locations as well Oak Lane CRC Lane Stadium 53

54 Transit Challenges Issue Accommodating the growing transit demand as the enrollment grows. Inability to find and retain bus drivers. Reduced Blacksburg Transit over the summer and during holidays. Holes in the transit system deter individuals from utilizing it more often. Clockwise traffic through campus. Buses shut down too early and leave some staff members stranded. Travel within the campus is difficult. Several stops have inadequate bus stop shelters and amenities for students and faculty/staff who use the transit system. Remote areas of town and many adjacent communities not accessible by transit. 54

55 Additional service needs Issue Shift in commuter parking with Multi-Modal Transit Facility (MMTF) Provide connections to other locations on campus Duck Pond Lots, Stadium Lot & Chicken Hill Southgate Center 55

56 Serving Commuter Parking Issue Connecting parking to campus facilities is a new role for transit at Virginia Tech, but the shuttle could increase the overall riders per hour rate Effective parking shuttles require: High Frequency (10-minute Peak, 20-minute Off-peak service) Direct/limited circulation Limited travel through Campus Core to reduce delays Weather protection at the parking lot Traveler information 56

57 Future Transit Future Multi-Modal Transit Facility will result in route restructuring based on Fall 2014 Plan Still a high level of service along Alumni Mall and Stanger Street Still connects CRC to Campus Core New service to Vet Med Revised BT-planned Circulator Route (per 2014 plan): High frequency (7.5 minutes) Greater campus coverage Loss of service to Stadium Assumed to replace current Hokie Express route Issue 57

58 Parking Connector Option 1 Bidirectional Loop Issue Connects commuter parking directly to the western MMTF Connects commuter parking to Life Sciences, Newman Library, and eastern MMTF Travels through areas of high pedestrian activity Does not serve Stadium Lot / Chicken Hill Estimated 9,600 Annual Service Hours 58

59 Parking Connector Option 2 Academic Loop (One way) Issue Connects commuter parking directly to the western MMTF Connects Academic Core directly to Life Sciences Connects Life Sciences directly to commuter parking Limited interaction with areas of high pedestrian activity Does not serve Stadium Lot / Chicken Hill Estimated 5,760 Annual Service Hours 59

60 Parking Connector Option 3 Drill Field Loop Issue Connects commuter parking directly to the western MMTF Connects commuter parking directly to Life Sciences Provides connection to Newman Library and the east side of Campus Travels through areas of high pedestrian activity (Drillfield) Does not serve Stadium Lot / Chicken Hill Estimated 8,960 Annual Service Hours 60

61 Parking Connector Option 4 MMTF to Southgate Center Issue Connects commuter parking directly to the western MMTF Connects commuter parking directly to Life Sciences Provides connection between Stadium Lot / Chicken Hill and Residential Campus Limited interaction with areas of high pedestrian activity Connects Southgate Center with Campus Core Estimated 8,960 Annual Service Hours 61

62 Summary Option Direct Frequent Avoids Congestion 1 Bidirectional Provides New Connections loop 2 Academic Loop (One way) 3 Drill Field Loop 4 MMTF to Southgate Parking connector shuttle will provide direct and efficient movement between parking areas and primary destinations on campus. When combined with existing routes such as the Hokie Express and CRC routes, all primary destinations are accessible via transit. 62

63 Parking Connector Option 4 with Existing Routes Issue 63

64 Parking Connector Option 4 with Future Routes Issue 64

65 Pedestrian Environment

66 Pedestrian Environment Objectives: Provide a safe and comfortable walking environment Facilitate direct connections between origins and destinations Resolve and reduce conflicts with vehicle traffic, including bicycles Provide accessible connections Link future high-use parking areas to campus core 66

67 Issue Pedestrian Challenges Inadequate or confusing pedestrian crossings Conflicts between pedestrians and other modes Collisions with cyclists on the sidewalk Collisions with cyclists in the bicycle lanes when boarding or alighting bus. Near collisions with drivers caused by poor sight distance Continuity and connectivity of pedestrian path network Need to provide efficient path between Duck Pond Drive lots and academic core Lack of accessible ADA curb ramps Distracted pedestrians 67

68 Issue Development of Campus Crosswalk Standards 1) Standard Crosswalk High visibility continental crosswalk New lighting standard General crosswalk application

69 Issue Development of Campus Crosswalk Standards 2) High Volume Crosswalk Use of additional signage and possible refuge island New lighting standard

70 Issue Development of Campus Crosswalk Standards 3) Raised Crosswalk Use of additional signage, speed hump, and possible refuge island New lighting standard 70

71 3 1 1 Issue Crosswalk Suggestions for West Campus Drive 1 1 Improve path thru parking lot 2 1 1) Standard Crosswalk 2) High Volume Crosswalk 1 3) Raised Crosswalk 1 71 Consolidate Crosswalks

72 Issue Pedestrian Path Recommendations Provide safe and comfortable path between North Academic Precinct and commuter parking Convert to Bike/Ped Only Enhance Path Roundabout Possible Ped Tunnel 72

73 Duck Pond Path Issue Upgrade existing path along Duck Pond to a multi-use path accommodating pedestrians and bicyclists 73

74 Issue Drillfield Drive Pedestrian-Vehicle Conflicts Over 8,000 students live in resident halls south of the Drillfield while largest concentration of academic buildings is located north of the Drillfield On-street parking, bus boarding, cut-through traffic, drop-offs contribute to heavy vehicular activity Heavy mix of bicyclists crossings and travelling along Drillfield Drive 74

75 Issue Gate Option A Drillfield Drive Only Gate Gate

76 Gate Option B Drillfield Dr and W Campus Dr Gate Issue Gate Gate

77 Gating Concept Issue Pros Reduced pedestrian-vehicle conflicts within campus core Reduced vehicle-bicycle conflicts within campus core Controlled deliveries and unauthorized visitors Cons Increased traffic on other routes Interior campus less accessible for visitors, dropoffs Implementation Implement interior parking zone Limited hours (8:30-5:30), weekdays when University is in session Western perimeter road network in place prior to gating West Campus Drive (Gate Option B) Who has access Emergency vehicles Service vehicles Blacksburg transit Personnel with interior parking pass, accessible parking needs

78 ADA Suggestions Determine areas where individuals with disabilities are severely rerouted and consider changing the current pathways/stairways to designs that follow current ADA standards. Access to campus buildings north of the Drillfield should be maintained. Establish program to upgrade campus pathways in conjunction with routine maintenance. Maintain accessible parking in the interior of the campus 78

79 Bicycle Environment

80 Bicycle Environment Objectives: Encourage bicycling as an alternative to driving Provide a safe and comfortable bicycling network Resolve and reduce conflicts with other vehicles and pedestrians Provide storage and support facilities at key locations around campus Reduce the need for the campus community to have owned bicycles 80

81 Bicycling Challenges Issue Inadequate bicycle facilities on streets on/near campus Inadequate bicycle facilities within campus. Lack of exclusive bicycle path network Well traveled goat paths present where stairs impede travel for bicyclists. Bicyclist behavioral issues (following road rules, road position, hand signals, riding speed near pedestrians, etc.) Concern for right hook crashes along West Campus Drive near Drillfield Lack of sufficient bicycle storage on campus. Some bicycle racks are overcrowded Inadequate placement of racks Need for additional covered storage Limited long term storage at the end of semesters No bike sharing program in place on campus 81

82 Issue Washington Street Bicycle Accommodations Currently: 37 7 Parking Lane 14 Travel Lane 13 Travel Lane 3 Bicycle Lane Narrow bike lane westbound No bike lane eastbound Conflicts with on street parking 82

83 Issue Washington Street Bicycle Accommodations Option 1: ~ Buffered Bicycle Lane 11 Travel Lane 11 Travel Lane 7.5 Buffered Bicycle Lane Bike lane provided in each direction ~75 on-street spaces removed between Kent St and Duck Pond Dr 83

84 Issue Washington Street Bicycle Accommodations Option 2: ~ Parking Lane 7.5 Buffered Bike Lane 11 Travel Lane 11 Travel Lane 5 Bicycle Lane PARKING Bike lane provided in each direction 4.5 of widening required 84

85 Issue Kent Street Bicycle Accommodations Steep grade, on-street parking and narrow lanes impede bicyclists Washington St Barringer Hall

86 Issue Kent Street Bicycle Accommodations Remove on-street parking to accommodate uphill climbing bike lane Washington St Barringer Hall

87 Issue Drillfield Bicycle Accommodations Bicycles driving in the both directions along Drillfield Riding on sidewalk to avoid long route around

88 Issue Drillfield Bicycle Accommodations Consider buffered bicycle in reverse direction along inside of Drillfield Switch parking to back-in angle on outside edge of road Better accommodates curb-side bus loading operations Adjustments will be made for new trailheads at crosswalks 88

89 Issue Bicycle Storage Insufficient amount of bicycle storage facilities Residence halls Classroom buildings Student facilities and faculty offices Lack of sheltered bike parking Inclement weather Outdated bicycle racks Staple and Triangle Rack Provide long-term bicycle storage 89

90 Issue Bicycle Storage Accommodations Implement findings from the VT Bicycle Parking Master Plan: Inverted U-rack to replace all staple and triangle racks Additional bike parking will be installed as funding becomes available Prioritizing districts of campus Based on high use and significant deficiencies Districts with residential buildings take precedence Exploring large bike parking hubs 90

91 Pavement Markings Issue Consider use of green thermoplastic markings, bike sharrow and bike lane and arrow marking to improve driver awareness of cyclists on campus Possible location for green markings

92 Issue Summary of Bicycle Recommendations Add bicycle lanes Washington Street (both directions) West Campus Drive (complete gaps) Kent Street (climbing direction only) Convert portion of Duck Pond Drive to pedestrian/bicycle only once Western Perimeter Road is constructed Convert portion of Drillfield Drive to pedestrian/bicycle only Modify Drillfield Drive: Develop multiple options, possibly: Shift parking to outside and use shared-use pavement markings Shift angled parking to parallel parking, creating space for one or two-way bicycle lane Enhance bicycle and accessible paths through the residential area of campus Implement bicycle parking plan Enhance bicycle pavement markings (use of green pavement, sharrows) Campus bike share program

93 Summary

94 List of Preliminary Recommendations Roadways Intersection improvements Western Perimeter Road Stanger Street modifications West Campus Drive modifications Parking Enhancement of TDM program Change in parking assignments Change in Visitor parking program Squires Parking Garage Transit Implement parking connector Pedestrians Duck Pond multi-use path Crosswalk standards West Campus Drive crosswalk improvements Accessibility improvements Gate Drillfield Bicycles Washington Street bike lanes Kent Street bike climbing lane Bike Share Stanger Street modifications Bike lane pavement markings Follow Bicycle Parking Master Plan

95 Future Infrastructure Recommendations Summary

96 Implementation Matrix

97 Chris Conklin Andrew Topp Offices located throughout the east coast