Executive Summary. Chapter 1 Study Process and Framework

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Executive Summary This final report of the Aquidneck Island Transportation Study (AITS) summarizes two years of coordinated planning efforts by many Island residents, business owners, elected

1 Executive Summary This final report of the Aquidneck Island Transportation Study (AITS) summarizes two years of coordinated planning efforts by many Island residents, business owners, elected officials, municipal officials, advocacy groups, and state and federal agency representatives. The study was led by the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) and guided by a Technical Steering Committee (TSC). This report includes six chapters that generally correspond to the major work tasks. Highlights from each chapter are discussed below. Chapter 1 Study Process and Framework The process and framework for the AITS is summarized in Chapter 1. The study goals, scope, study area, and weighted evaluation criteria are discussed. The proposed evaluation criteria are consistent with the Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) criteria for evaluation of proposed projects, including mobility benefits, cost-effectiveness, economic development impact, environmental impact, degree of support, and safety/security/technology. In addition, the development and execution of the public participation plan is established. Every outreach meeting throughout the course of the AITS is noted in Chapter 1. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-1 Executive Summary

Chapter 2 Existing Conditions Chapter 2 establishes the baseline conditions and helps identify deficiencies and needs while establishing the extents of the sensitive environmental resource areas on

2 Chapter 2 Existing Conditions Chapter 2 establishes the baseline conditions and helps identify deficiencies and needs while establishing the extents of the sensitive environmental resource areas on the Island that are to be preserved and enhanced. Sections of this chapter present social and economic demographics, land use, inventories of the transportation infrastructure, system demands and performance, trip patterns, safety reviews, and environmental resources. Chapter 3 Future Conditions The forecasted future 2020 and 2030 transportation conditions on the Island are described in Chapter 3. The forecast considers the land use and transportation relationship and includes planned and potential land developments that are likely to influence traffic patterns. It is important to establish future conditions in this manner to ensure that any expensive/long-term recommendations to improve the transportation system on the Island yield lasting benefits and are not band-aid fixes. Chapter 4 Alternatives Chapter 4 presents a summary of the alternatives and policies that have been identified as having the greatest potential to address transportation system issues, deficiencies, and opportunities. The alternatives include transit (bus, rail, and ferry), pedestrian/bicycle, and roadway options. These alternatives are evaluated and prioritized using the evaluation criteria from Chapter 1, and recommended alternatives are presented. The recommended policies along with the recommended transit, pedestrian/bicycle, and roadway improvements are summarized below. Recommended Policies Policy recommendations include: Promote safety as a top priority within all infrastructure projects (including requiring Road Safety Assessments (RSAs) where appropriate) and target educational activities to improve safety for all transportation modes; Continue to develop land use policies/ zoning that support transit-oriented development with housing, retail, and jobs collocated with each other near transit; AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-2 Executive Summary

Ensure that the Island community Comprehensive Plans and zoning reflect goals, objectives, and policies that support safety and access management where appropriate and incorporate the AITS policies;

3 Ensure that the Island community Comprehensive Plans and zoning reflect goals, objectives, and policies that support safety and access management where appropriate and incorporate the AITS policies; Develop a city-wide strategic parking plan for Newport; Establish TDM program requirements in zoning for new, large projects; for projects over certain thresholds (including specified parking and trip generation thresholds to be customized by each municipality), consider traffic monitoring requirements and financial penalties for exceeding traffic thresholds; Develop a bicycle parking/sidewalk zoning ordinance that includes bicycle parking and sidewalk requirements into site plan review; Establish better communication and coordination between state and local agencies during development site plan reviews; Develop a motorcoach parking plan that regulates where tourist buses can dropoff, pick-up, park, and stage when idle; Promote a Complete Streets approach to design and renovation of infrastructure that ensures safety and mobility for all users are considered; Promote livable and sustainable communities through green initiatives and coordinated transportation/land use strategies; Promote the park once concept in Newport with alternate transportation modes (i.e. car sharing, bike sharing, pedicabs, etc.); Establish an Island-wide strategic transportation committee that would oversee the implementation of the recommended actions and policies from this study and discuss important policy issues mentioned in the plan but beyond the scope of the study; and Expand the Island-wide bicycle network through bicycle suitability studies for local roads and the development of bicycle plans for each Island municipality to increase the number of suitable roads for bicycles linking key destinations. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-3 Executive Summary

Recommended Transit Improvements Transit system recommendations include: Encourage Transit-Oriented Development Encourage development that promotes transit use; and Focus on redevelopment efforts at

Provide Additional Bus Service Extend on-island bus service window on Route 60 (West Main and East Main Roads); Provide more off-island limited stops or express service between Newport and TF Green

Establish Newport Jitney Service Endorse the Newport Chamber of Commerce s concept for a Newport Jitney bus-trolley service from the Gateway Center to the beaches and hotels; Extend the jitney

4 Recommended Transit Improvements Transit system recommendations include: Encourage Transit-Oriented Development Encourage development that promotes transit use; and Focus on redevelopment efforts at the Pell Bridge ramps, at Tank Farms 1 and 2, and at Two Mile Corner (under study by the Town of Middletown as the Coddington Growth Center). Provide Additional Bus Service Extend on-island bus service window on Route 60 (West Main and East Main Roads); Provide more off-island limited stops or express service between Newport and TF Green Airport/Kingston Amtrak Station; and Expand Flex Service areas and allow for same day scheduling. Establish Newport Jitney Service Endorse the Newport Chamber of Commerce s concept for a Newport Jitney bus-trolley service from the Gateway Center to the beaches and hotels; Extend the jitney service limits to the Pell Bridge ramp development area (future phased extension); and Align the jitney schedule and stops with RIPTA service. Implement Rapid Bus Service Enhance the attractiveness of the service through new branded buses/stops and providing more frequent service; Implement transit signal priority on Route 60 along West Main Road and East Main Road, with queue jump lanes where possible; and Reduce travel times by consolidating or eliminating closely spaced stops. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-4 Executive Summary

Strengthen and Expand Island-wide Multimodal Centers Upgrade Newport Gateway Center and create new multimodal hubs at Pell Bridge ramps and Melville; Create bicycle/pedestrian/taxi/car sharing

appropriate which could help generate revenue and transit use.

local development approval process; Promote continued track maintenance/grade-crossing improvements to retain Class 1 rating; and Increase potential use of appropriate/feasible seasonal/year-round

5 Strengthen and Expand Island-wide Multimodal Centers Upgrade Newport Gateway Center and create new multimodal hubs at Pell Bridge ramps and Melville; Create bicycle/pedestrian/taxi/car sharing connections; Expand accessibility of transit passes at multimodal hubs; Integrate motor coach and intercity bus parking where appropriate; and Include complementary non-transportation uses when appropriate which could help generate revenue and transit use. Maintain Active Newport Secondary Rail Corridor Preserve the rail corridor as a contiguous right-of-way; Work with adjacent developers to eliminate existing or future encroachments as part of the local development approval process; Promote continued track maintenance/grade-crossing improvements to retain Class 1 rating; and Increase potential use of appropriate/feasible seasonal/year-round passenger rail uses of corridor. Enhance the Transit Experience Provide real-time bus information to mobile phones and at key bus stop locations; Provide branded bus shelters that fit with the communities at major stops (RIPTA noted the branding initiative is underway); Improve bus stop operations consider bus pullouts and sidewalk/crosswalk upgrades; and Expand marketing of bus service. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-5 Executive Summary

Encourage Island Employers to Institute Transit Programs for Employees Improve access to major employers (Navy, NUWC, and Raytheon); Implement employer-based RIPTA pass program (EcoPass) and

transit-friendly strategies such as guaranteed ride home services, transit pass subsidies, on-site transit pass sales/eco-pass sales, parking cash-out programs, and other employer driven benefits for

6 Encourage Island Employers to Institute Transit Programs for Employees Improve access to major employers (Navy, NUWC, and Raytheon); Implement employer-based RIPTA pass program (EcoPass) and transportation demand management (TDM) measures; Consider establishment of a Transportation Management Association (TMA), especially for large employers such as the Navy and Raytheon; and Implement transit-friendly strategies such as guaranteed ride home services, transit pass subsidies, on-site transit pass sales/eco-pass sales, parking cash-out programs, and other employer driven benefits for regular transit users. Create Park & Ride Opportunities Provide more Park & Ride facilities on the Island; and Improve marketing of the Park & Ride program. Enhance Ferry Service Reestablish RIPTA s Providence to Newport service as a seasonal service, primarily marketed to tourists; Continue service to the West Bay/Jamestown; Increase service/stops to the ongoing Harbor Shuttle service; Incorporate ferry service with special event planning; Improve marketing of ferry service regionally; and Consider intra-island ferry service between Melville and Newport. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-6 Executive Summary

Recommended Pedestrian/Bicycle Improvements Pedestrian/bicycle system recommendations include: Shoreline Bikeway (Burma Road) Shared Use Path Construct 10-mile off-road bicycle path overlooking

Connect Missing Links Between Suitable Roads for Bicycles Create a continuous bicycle route along the west side of Aquidneck Island that would include connecting existing Suitable and

Provide Island-wide Destination/Guide Signing for Bicycles Install signs to inform bicyclists of route changes and to confirm route direction, distance, and destinations; and Increase marketing

7 Recommended Pedestrian/Bicycle Improvements Pedestrian/bicycle system recommendations include: Shoreline Bikeway (Burma Road) Shared Use Path Construct 10-mile off-road bicycle path overlooking Narragansett Bay along Newport Secondary Rail and Navy right-of-way (ROW). Connect Missing Links Between Suitable Roads for Bicycles Create a continuous bicycle route along the west side of Aquidneck Island that would include connecting existing Suitable and Most-Suitable roads; municipalities would conduct bicycle suitability studies for local roads; and Implement new bicycle accommodations at various locations. Provide Island-wide Destination/Guide Signing for Bicycles Install signs to inform bicyclists of route changes and to confirm route direction, distance, and destinations; and Increase marketing of bicycle routes. East Main Road Shared Use Path Construct a 6-mile shared off-road shared use path along East Main Road from Turnpike Avenue in Portsmouth to Middletown Town Hall. West Main Road Shared Use Path Construct a 4-mile shared use path along West Main Road from Corys Lane to Greene Lane. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-7 Executive Summary

General Upgrade of Pedestrian Accommodations Upgrade existing sidewalks/install new sidewalks where appropriate and specifically along: Coddington Highway/ JT Connell Highway; Admiral Kalbfus Road;

Implement additional improvements from RSAs to be determined.

8 General Upgrade of Pedestrian Accommodations Upgrade existing sidewalks/install new sidewalks where appropriate and specifically along: Coddington Highway/ JT Connell Highway; Admiral Kalbfus Road; and Valley Road/Aquidneck Avenue; Provide crosswalks with countdown timers at heavily crossed areas such as America s Cup Avenue; Implement Island-wide crosswalk and sign standardization; and Implement additional improvements from RSAs to be determined. Recommended Roadway Improvements Roadway recommendations include: Pell Bridge Access Improvements Reconfigure Downtown Newport off-ramp to provide more storage for vehicles on ramp; Construct two-way connection along JT Connell Highway through to Van Zandt Avenue; Reconfigure Newport Rotary as roundabout; Construct 4 additional roundabouts with medians for access management; Construct new connector east of JT Connell Highway; and Widen JT Connell Highway to 4 lanes from Admiral Kalbfus Road to new connector east of JT Connell Highway. Traffic Signal Optimization Coordinate Island traffic signals along major corridors (West Main Road, East Main Road, America s Cup Avenue); and Develop a program to maintain traffic signal equipment, collect new traffic volume data, and regularly fine-tune timings. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-8 Executive Summary

intersection; Realign the Aquidneck Avenue/ Purgatory Road intersection to eliminate the slip lane; Reconfigure the Mt.

9 Two-Mile Corner Improvements Reconstruct intersections either with upgraded signals or roundabouts. Localized Intersection Safety/Capacity Improvements Address other bottleneck/concern locations with local improvements including: Install a roundabout at the Valley Road/ Aquidneck Avenue intersection; Realign the Aquidneck Avenue/ Purgatory Road intersection to eliminate the slip lane; Reconfigure the Mt. Hope Bridge/ Boyds Lane/Bristol Ferry Road intersection; Implement sight distance improvements at the Seveney Sports Complex Drive (Linden Lane); and Implement a road diet along Memorial Boulevard adjacent to Easton s Beach. Corys Lane/Hedley Street Realignment Realign Corys Lane with Hedley Street and eliminate one traffic signal and widen to provide turn lanes. West Main Road Left-Turn Lanes Widen West Main Road to provide left-turn lanes at Oliphant Lane and Forest Avenue; and Extend existing left-turn lanes at Gate 17 Access Road, Valley Road, and Admiral Kalbfus Road. Burma Road Improvements Construct new Burma Road connections to the north and south. East Main Road Roundabouts Construct three roundabouts with medians for access management along East Main Road between Turnpike Avenue and Middle Road at Portsmouth Town Hall. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-9 Executive Summary

10 Broadway Streetscape & Traffic Calming Improvements Resurface Broadway in Newport; Install bike lanes with angle parking and streetscape/lighting improvements between Equality Park Place and Farewell Street; and Convert Broadway to one-way traffic southbound between Marlborough Street and Farewell Street. Chapter 5 Transportation Improvement Plan Chapter 5 includes further refinements to the options presented in Chapter 4 and establishes phased and prioritized recommendations. The resulting Transportation Improvement Plan for the Island includes actions that are recommended in the immediate-term (under 1 year), short-term (1 to 5 years), midterm (5 to 10 years) and long-term (over 10 years). Chapter 6 Implementation Plan Chapter 6 presents the Implementation Plan for each recommendation. Figure ES-1 presents an overview of the recommended projects that compile the action plan. At the outset of the AITS, the final report was envisioned to serve as a vehicle for project implementation across all modes. The action plan presented in Chapter 6 identifies implementation steps and facilitating organizations for each recommendation. A summary of the Implementation Plan including next steps in the implementation process, the responsibility party, and the actions associated with each of the general timeframes is presented in Table ES-1. Many of these recommendations hinge on TIP programming and funding, which also means that consensus is needed at the municipal and community level that the recommendation is worthy of TIP programming. As the owner of the Island s public roadway network, RIDOT plays a major role in the advancement of these recommendations. RIDOT cannot implement any major infrastructure improvements unless they are approved through the TIP. As an initial step, the AIPC and/or each municipality would need to take the lead on getting these recommendations included in the TIP. It is acknowledged that the recommendations presented herein represent a significant investment in potential transportation-related infrastructure. These projects represent an investment in total that currently far exceeds available TIP funding as presently programmed. Since most projects listed are not even on the TIP yet, the advancement of the recommendations developed as part of this study will require prioritization in order to address current fiscal constraints as related to transportation improvements. Besides prioritization, identification of potential funding sources and availability to leverage funding could alter priorities. AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-10 Executive Summary

11 Table ES-1 Implementation Plan TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDATION NEXT STEPS RESPONSIBLE PARTY IMMEDIATE-TERM (LESS THAN 1 YEAR) SHORT-TERM (1-5 YEARS) Encourage Transit Oriented Development Adopt policies to encourage TOD Island Municipalities Encourage development (location and type) that promotes transit use Provide Additional Bus Service Evaluate options to extend service RIPTA Provide additional bus service Establish Newport Jitney Service Finalize feasibility study/costs Newport County Chamber of Commerce/Newport Design, construction, establish service Implement Rapid Bus Service Advance Study & Development RIPTA Design, construction Strengthen and Expand Island-wide Multimodal Centers Maintain Active Newport Secondary Rail Corridor Enhance the Transit Experience Encourage Island Employers to Institute Transit Programs for Employees Create Park & Ride Opportunities Finalize needs assessment for Gateway Center Preserve rail corridor as continuous ROW Advance development of enhancements Meet with major employers to discuss programs Identify potential sites and develop implementation plan IMPLEMENTATION TIMEFRAME MID-TERM (5-10 YEARS) LONG-TERM (GREATER THAN 10 YEARS) Newport Construct Gateway Center improvements Construct Melville multimodal facility Construct Pell Bridge area multimodal facility RIDOT, Island Municipalities Continued track maintenance Eliminate existing and any future encroachments/ Increase passenger rail uses of corridor RIPTA Construct/implement enhancements RIPTA, Island Municipalities Institute transit-friendly strategies and programs RIDOT, RIPTA Finalize Boyds Lane Park & Ride Design, right-of-way actions, construction of additional facilities Construct improvements at major employers Construct improvements at major employers Enhance Ferry Service Seek funding opportunities RIPTA, Newport, AIPC Implement additional Newport service Implement ferry service to Melville Shoreline Bikeway (Burma Road) Shared Use Path Advance Study & Development RIDOT/RIDEM Design, permitting, right-of-way actions Design, permitting, phased construction Phased Construction Connect Missing Links Between Suitable Roads for Bicycles Restripe roadways/advance Study & Development RIDOT Road diets along Bristol Ferry & West Main Design, permitting for shared use path, right-of-way actions Provide Island-wide Destination Signing for Bicycles Prioritize routes for signing RIDOT, AIPC Develop signing plans Install signs East Main Road Shared Use Path Pursue Study & Development RIDOT, AIPC Design, permitting, right-of-way actions Construction West Main Road Shared Use Path Pursue Study & Development RIDOT, AIPC Design, permitting, right-of-way actions Construction General Upgrades of Pedestrian Accommodations Prioritize improvements RIDOT Implement early-action items from RSAs/ Island-wide crosswalk standards Design, construction of improvements Construction of shared use path Pell Bridge Access Improvements Advance project to 30% Design RIDOT Begin design, permitting Design, permitting, right-of-way actions Phased construction Phased construction Traffic Signal Optimization Prioritize locations for optimization RIDOT Fine-tune traffic signal timings Maintain equipment, collect new counts, fine-tune traffic signal timings Two Mile Corner Improvements Conduct traffic simulation/select alternative RIDOT, Middletown Advance design, permitting Design, permitting, right-of-way actions, construction Localized Intersection Capacity/ Safety Improvements Prioritize improvements RIDOT Implement early-action items from RSAs Design, permitting, construction of short-term improvements Corys Lane/Hedley Street Realignment Advance final design Portsmouth, RIDOT Design, permitting, right-of-way actions, construction West Main Road Left-turn Lanes Prioritize improvements RIDOT Design at Union and Raytheon Design, permitting, construction for all Burma Road Improvements Acquire Burma Road from Navy/ Advance Study & Development Design, permitting, construction of longer-term improvements RIDOT/FHWA Navy coordination Navy coordination/right-of-way actions Design & permitting Construction East Main Road Roundabouts Advance final design Portsmouth/RIDOT Advance design, permitting Design, permitting, right-of-way actions Construction Broadway Streetscape & Traffic Calming Improvements Advance final design Newport/RIDOT Advance design, permitting Finalize design, construction AITS_Consolidated_Report\AITS Report_0511.doc ES-11 Executive Summary

Unlocking Economic and Community Benefits Through Transportation Planning

Unlocking Economic and Community Benefits Through Transportation Planning Power of Place Summit May 11, 2012 Aquidneck Island Planning Commission Opening Remarks/Project Background Tina Dolen, Executive