RT 81 Corridor Study CLINTON ROUTE 81 CORRIDOR STUDY DESIGN CONCEPTS View north on High Street, with potential improvements to the streetscape Draft Recommendations November 8 th, 2018 TOWN OF CLINTON RiverCOG Lower Connec cut River Valley Council of Governments FITZGERALD & HALLIDAY, INC. Innovative Planning, Better Communities
RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW Hurd Bridge Rd Rocky Ledge Dr Oakwood La Nod Rd Woodland Dr Stephens Ct Sidewalks (already in progress) Pedestrian scale lighting Landscape median Widened sidewalk 81 Pedestrian Mall Food Truck parking along Mall Expanded parking lot Bridge connection over I-95 to connect to Clinton Crossing South 95 Widened sidewalk across bridge Pedestrian scale lighting Art along bridge fence RECOMMENDATION TYPE Lighting/ aesthetics Access Management or Access Drive across Parking Improvement Unilever Property Pedestrian Safety Gateway or Connection Transit Improvement 1 0 0.10 0.25 MilesN0 500 1,000 Feet Happy Acres Rd Walnut Hill Rd North High St Welcome to Clinton Gateway signage across trestle Lighting under trestle Street trees Pedestrian scale lighting Transit amenities Central Av Library La John St Post Office Sq Old Mill Rd Glenwood Rd Landscape median Access to Petco Plaza only from northbound direction (no left turns from south) Widened sidewalk Street trees Pedestrian scale lighting Walking trail along River Widened sidewalk Street trees Pedestrian scale lighting On-street parking Landscape median Pedestrian Refuge Island 24 wide driveway aprons at gas station Pedestrian scale lighting Gateway and wayfinding signage Widened sidewalks Pedestrian scale lighting Transit Amenities (bus shelter Street trees Art district - sculptures, etc. Pedestrian walkway enhancements including lighting, landscaping, signage and seating Option to return it to a road 2
LIGHTING AND AESTHETICS PEDESTRIAN SCALE LIGHTING AND ART PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CROSSWALKS, MEDIANS, AND ADA COMPLIANT CURB RAMPS LANDSCAPE BUFFERS AND STREET TREES 3
ACCESS MANAGEMENT AND PARKING PARALLEL PARKING REDUCED CURB CUTS EXPAND COMMUTER PARKING LOT AS NEEDED 4
GATEWAY AND WAYFINDING SIGNAGE GATEWAY AND WAYFINIDING SIGNAGE EXAMPLES TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS BENCHES BUS SHELTERS AND BUS PULL-OFFS 5
ROUTE 81 Clinton Crossing Pedestrian Accommodations ROUTE 81 AT CLINTON CROSSING Existing Long, indirect walk to Route 81 CLINTON CROSSING DRIVEWAY Narrow sidewalk with inconsistent buffer Lack of pedestrian scale lighting THE ISSUES Limited buffer between roadway and pedestrians on sidewalk Long crossing distances for pedestrians trying to cross Route 81 Lack of pedestrian scale lighting Clinton Crossing s driveway is very long, which deters walking trips View north on Route 81 at intersection with Clinton Crossing Entrance Driveway 6
Tree-lined brick walkway Pedestrian plaza with seating (picnic tables), enhanced landsaping, & designated spaces for local food trucks Clinton Crossing Pedestrian Accommodations Recommended A CLINTON CROSSING DRIVEWAY Pedestrian bridge B ROUTE 81 Tree-lined brick walkway Pedestrian Pedestrian plaza with seating (picnic tables), enhanced landsaping, & bridge designated spaces for local food trucks ROUTE 81 Clinton Crossing Pedestrian Accommodations Recommended A CLINTON CROSSING DRIVEWAY Realign crosswalk Widen sidewalk to 6 feet B Realign crosswalk Widen sidewalk to 6 feet A Approx. 50 above sea level Approx. 30 above sea level Clinton Crossing Outlet Parking Route 81 SB Route 81 NB B Potential Development (Existing Baseball Fields Science Hill Pedestrian Bridge, Johnson City THE SOLUTIONS Pedestrian bridge option crossing Route 81 Sidewalk expanded to 6 Street trees and pedestrian scale lighting Pedestrian plaza and walkway between Clinton Crossing outlets, parking lot and pedestrian bridge 7
ROUTE 81 AT DRIVE TO CLINTON CROSSING DRIVE TO CLINTON CROSSING ROUTE 81 THE ISSUES Long crossing distances for pedestrians trying to cross Route 81 Lack of pedestrian scale lighting 8
Landscaped Median Enhance Sidewalk w/ buffer & trees DRIVE TO CLINTON CROSSING Additional Crosswalk ROUTE 81 Route 81 at Entrance to Clinton Crossing N 0 20 40 Feet THE SOLUTIONS Landscape median north of intersection with Clinton Crossing. This will include a pedestrian refuge island in the center to aid crossing. Sidewalk expanded to 6-8 Street trees and pedestrian scale lighting 9
ROUTE 81 AT LIBRARY DRIVEWAY Unaligned Driveways at Intersection Lack of Transit Amenities ROUTE 81 Narrow, Inconsistent Buffer Auto Oriented Cobra-head Lighting Route 81 at Former Morgan School N 0 20 40 Feet THE ISSUES Lack of transit amenities Lack of pedestrian scale lighting Limited buffer between roadway and pedestrians on sidewalk 10
Bus shelter with benches Street Trees and expanded landscape buffer Potential Morgan School Redevelopment Bus Pull-off Pedestrian scale lighting ROUTE 81 Brick Paving Parallel Parking Route 81 at Former Morgan School N 0 20 40 Feet THE SOLUTIONS Parallel parking on east side of Route 81 to support redevelopment and help to calm traffic Bus shelters with benches and signage Sidewalk expanded to 6-8 Street trees and pedestrian scale lighting 11
ROUTE 81 AT FORMER MORGAN SCHOOL THE ISSUES The Commercial Corridor segment of Route 81 is auto-dominated and does not provide a quality pedestrian environment. Although there are sidewalks on both sides of Route 81 in this location, they are narrow, lack pedestrian lighting, and have a limited buffer from the roadway. The former Morgan School site is located in this segment. With its potential redevelopment comes and opportunity to improve the overall experience of Route 81 in this location. Narrow sidewalks with limited buffer from the road Lack of pedestrian scale street lighting Lack of connection to points north or south along Route 81 12
Pedestrian-Scale Lighting Street Trees Parallel Parking Widen Sidewalk THE SOLUTIONS Improvements to this segment of the corridor include parallel parking and a widened sidewalk on the east side of Route 81. These elements would support the redevelopment of the former Morgan School property. Shoppers could park directly in front of stores if they plan on making brief stops. The widened sidewalk would complement the development and would create a pleasing and safe pedestrian environment. Street trees, brick paving, and pedestrian scale lighting are also recommended in this location. Recommendations such as these help to calm traffic. They also create a unifying connection to the Village Residential segment, as lighting and street trees would be a common feature in both areas Parallel parking on east side of Route 81, adjacent to redevelopment at the former Morgan School site Enhanced sidewalk with brick paving buffer on east side of Route 81 Pedestrian scale street lighting Street trees Traffic calming 13
TRAIL BEHIND FORMER MORGAN SCHOOL Lack of access to Indian River behind former Morgan School THE ISSUES Potential loss of public access to Indian River and Trail behind former Morgan School if potential redevelopment occurs 14
Trail signage Mutli-use trail along Indian River, open for public use Restore Indian River overlook deck Potential redevelopment of former Morgan Trail signage THE SOLUTIONS Multi-use trail along Indian River, public access to remain Restoration of overlook Trail signage and advertisement 15
ROUTE 81 AT COMMUTER PARKING LOT Commuter Lot is long distance from Clinton Crossing entrance Lack of pedestrian lighting THE ISSUES Lack of pedestrian scale lighting Long distance for pedestrians who wish to walk between Commuter Parking Lot and Clinton Crossing 16
Pedestrian Bridge Street Trees and Lighting Additional Parking if needed THE SOLUTIONS Pedestrian bridge connecting Commuter Parking Lot and Clinton Crossing South Landscaping and pedestrian scale lighting at Commuter Lot Option to expand Commuter Parking Lot as needed. It could be overflow parking for Clinton Crossing if needed 17
ROUTE 81 AT GLENWOOD ROAD Dangerous turning movements into Petco Plaza Crosswalk askew to traffic COMMUTER LOT DRIVEWAY GLENWOOD ROAD ROUTE 81 Uncomfortable pedestrian environment I-95 THE ISSUES Uncomfortable pedestrian environment when walking across bridge over Interstate 95 Long crossing distances for pedestrians at intersection with Glenwood Road Existing crosswalk at Glenwood Road is askew Vehicles make dangerous left turns into Petco Plaza driveway on Route 81 18
THE SOLUTIONS Widen sidewalk to 6 feet and add street trees along roadway Sidewalk expanded to 6 Street trees and pedestrian scale lighting Crosswalk on Glenwood Road realigned for better visibility Sidewalk on bridge widened, artwork or painting of bridge to improve aesthetics Option A- landscape median for traffic calming and to deter left turning movements into Petco Plaza Option B- landscape median and pedestrian refuge island at crossing Landscaped median - Option A Change right turn only lane to through or right turn lane Realign crosswalk ROAD GLENWOOD OT ER L MUT COM Y EWA DRIV Widen sidewalk and improve fence RO U 1 TE 8 Option B Option A I-95 Widen sidewalk to 6 feet and add street trees along roadway Route 81 at Glenwood Road 02 N Landscaped 04 0 median - Option B Feet Change right turn only lane to through or right turn lane Realign crosswalk GLENWOOD OT ER L MUT ROAD COM Y EWA DRIV Widen sidewalk and improve fence RO U 1 TE 8 I-95 19
ROUTE 81 AT I-95 OVERPASS THE ISSUES As it crosses Interstate 95 (I-95), Route 81 is an uncomfortable environment for pedestrians. The overpass has a narrow sidewalk, poor lighting, and is close to traffic. A chain link fence provides a barricade from the highway, but it is unattractive. These conditions deter pedestrian trips between Clinton Crossing and Downtown Clinton. SUMMARY Narrow sidewalk with no buffer from the road Lack of pedestrian scale lighting Poor aesthetics 20
PedeStriaN-SCale lighting along entire Bridge New ViNyl Coated FeNCe COLORFUL FENCE OPTION widen Sidewalk THE SOLUTIONS Improvements in this area include widening the sidewalk and adding pedestrian scale lighting. Lighting would be the same throughout Route 81 and would be a unifying element in the corridor. The existing chain link fence could be painted a bright color to improve the aesthetics in the area. Local artwork could also be installed on the fence to showcase artists and promote the artist community. These improvements would encourage walking trips between Clinton Crossing and Downtown Clinton. PedeStrian-Scale lighting along entire Bridge Widen SideWalk new Fence installation that incorporates local artwork SUMMARY Widened sidewalk Pedestrian scale lighting Vinyl coated fence or local artwork installation to improve aesthetics ARTWORK ON FENCE OPTION 21
ROUTE 81 AT NORTH HIGH STREET I-95 NORTHBOUND Long Crossing Distance NORTH HIGH ST No Sidewalk Limited Signage HIGH ST Wide Driveways Auto Oriented Cobra-head Lighting Narrow, Inconsistent Buffer THE ISSUES Lack of wayfinding and gateway signage Lack of sidewalk on west side of Route 81 Limited buffer between roadway and pedestrians on sidewalk Long crossing distances for pedestrians trying to cross Route 81 22
Sidewalks widened to 6 I-95 NORTHBOUND Landscape Median Wayfinding Signage NORTH HIGH ST Gateway Signage HIGH ST Reduced Driveway Widths Landscaped Median w/ Pedestrian Refuge Island Route 81 at I-95 North Interchange Sidewalks widened to 6 N 0 50 100 Feet Sidewalk Addition on West Side of Roadway Pedestrian Scale Lighting THE SOLUTIONS Landscape median south of intersection with North High Street. This will have a pedestrian refuge island in the center to aid crossing. Wayfinding and Gateway signage Sidewalk expanded to 6 Sidewalk on west side of Route 81 Street trees and pedestrian scale lighting 23
ROUTE 81 AT RAIL CROSSING HIGH STREET Lack of sidewalk No crosswalk Narrow, uneven sidewalks No buffer CENTRAL AVENUE Lack of wayfinding and lighting HULL STREET Poor lighting and overgrown vegetation Route 81 at Intersection with Route 1 0 60 120 N Feet THE ISSUES Lack of sidewalk on west side of High Street Pedestrian walkway under rail trestle is dark and uninviting Lack of wayfinding between train station, Downtown Clinton and points further north on Route 81 24
Additional sidewalk on west side of High St Street trees and lighting HIGH STREET Crosswalk Sidewalks widened to 6 CENTRAL AVENUE Enhanced pedestrian walkway with lighting, trees, crosswalk and wayfinding signage HULL STREET Lighting and Gatewalk Sign on Rail Trestle PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY Route 81 at Intersection with Route 1 0 60 120 N Feet THE SOLUTIONS Sidewalk on west side of High Street Pedestrian scale street lighting on both sides of roadway Sidewalk on east side of High Street is expanded to minimum of six feet in all locations Street tree plantings on both sides of High Street Enhanced pedestrian walkway under rail trestle which will include lighting, crosswalk and ADA ramps, and wayfinding signage Crosswalk at Central Avenue, west of Hull Street 25
ROUTE 81 AT RAIL TRESTLE THE ISSUES The southern extent of Route 81 makes an abrupt dog-leg jog to the south as Central Avenue turns into Hull Street. This location, just north of the intersection with Route 1, is crossed by the Northeast Corridor Rail Line. There are sidewalks on both sides of the road at this location, but lack of lighting under the rail overpass and overgrown vegetation make this area unwelcoming to pedestrians. Furthermore, there is no signage welcoming visitors and residents to Downtown Clinton. SUMMARY Dark sidewalks under rail trestle Lack of welcome signage near the approach to Downtown Clinton Overgrown vegetation 26
Trimming of Vegetation Lighting Under Rail Trestle Gateway Signage Paint THE SOLUTIONS Lighting is recommended under the rail trestle to improve overall aesthetics along this segment of Route 81. A Welcome to Clinton gateway sign along the trestle would promote the Town and alert visitors as they approach Downtown Clinton. Paint on the trestle in bright, vibrant colors is recommended to improve the aesthetics and align with the new Arts District designation that this segment of Route 81 has been classified as. Trimming and clearing of trees and scrubs is recommended to eliminated vegetation that is hanging down on or encroaching into the sidewalk realm. SUMMARY Lighting underneath rail trestle Welcome to Clinton gateway signage across rail trestle Paint to improve overall aesthetics of rail trestle Trimming of trees and shrubs to eliminate vegetation encroachment on sidewalks 27
HIGH STREET LOOKING NORTH THE ISSUES The Village Residential segment of Route 81 is generally walkable, with sidewalks on the east side of High Street. This sidewalk, although buffered by a grass strip, is narrow, uneven in many locations, and unlighted. Vehicle speeds in this location are high. The road is paved with a coarse aggregate asphalt that causes excessive road noise associated with vehicle traffic. Lack of sidewalk on west side of High Street Lack of pedestrian scale street lighting Narrow, uneven sidewalk on east side of High Street with vegetation encroachment at many locations 28
Pedestrian-Scale Lighting Street Trees Widen Sidewalk THE SOLUTIONS Improvements to this segment of the corridor include the addition of a new sidewalk on the west side of High Street as well as expanding the current sidewalk to six feet in all locations. Sidewalk improvements such as these, coupled with the addition of pedestrian scale lighting and street trees, would enhance the pedestrian environment. These recommendations would also provide traffic calming benefits to address speeding in this area. It is recommended that the Town request that CT DOT consider using an asphalt mix that will reduce roadway noise when the roadway is repaved. Sidewalk on west side of High Street Pedestrian scale street lighting on both sides of roadway Sidewalk on east side of High Street is expanded to minimum of six feet in all locations Request that CT DOT use an asphalt mix when roadway is repaved 29