Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Study

Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Study Fall River, MA Public Information Meeting #2 November 21, 2013 Fall River Heritage State Park Fall River, MA

Agenda Welcome and Introductions Overview of Study Process Review of Study Goals and Objectives Summary of Existing and Future No-Build Conditions Review of Issues, Constraints and Opportunities Alternatives Development Alternatives Analysis

Welcome and Introductions MassDOT - Ethan Britland Project Manager Study Team Joe Cahill Consultant Team Project Manager (TranSystems) Lenny Velichansky Consultant Deputy Project Manager/Traffic (TranSystems) Teresa Sandell Traffic and Roadway Design (TranSystems) Jill Barrett Public Involvement (Fitzgerald & Halliday) Margaret Collins Land Use/Economic Development (Cambridge Economics) Sudhir Murthy Traffic (TrafInfo) Deanna Peabody Traffic (TrafInfo)

Study Process Task 1 Develop Goals & Objectives, Evaluation Criteria and Public Involvement Plan Task 2 Task 3 Identify Existing and Future No-Build Conditions and Evaluate Issues Develop Transportation Alternatives Task 4 Task 5 Analyze Alternatives Develop Final Recommendations

Task 1 Task 1 Goals and Objectives Study Area Evaluation Criteria Public Involvement Process

Goals and Objectives

Goals and Objectives Objectives Provide better multimodal connectivity between Fall River neighborhoods and its waterfront Enhance multimodal access to the future South Coast Rail Balance local and regional mobility Improve and enhance safety conditions Increase opportunities for economic development and land use Minimize potential impacts to the environment and community

Focus Area

Regional Transportation Impact Area Braga Bridge Wilbur Avenue I-195/Route 79 Interchange Design-Build Project N. Main Street Highland Avenue Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River Route 79 / Davol Street Corridor Eastern Avenue Watuppa Pond

Evaluation Criteria Evaluation Criteria Categories Mobility Safety Health and Environmental Effects Land Use and Economic Development Community Effects Cost

Public Involvement Plan Working Group Meetings Local officials & community members 7 meetings Provides input to the team on the study process Represents respective organizations with two-way communication Public Meetings 2 meetings Newsletters Study Website: www.mass.gov/massdot/route79

Task 2 Task 2 Existing Conditions Future No-Build Conditions Issues, Constraints and Opportunities

2035 Developments (No-Build Scenario) Restaurant on Remington Ave. 125 New Jobs Regata Club 70 New Jobs Marina at City Pier 6 New Jobs Commonwealth Landing Mill Population 112 525 New Jobs South Coast Rail Focus Area Total Population 112 726 New Jobs

Existing and Future No-Build Conditions Traffic

Level of Service Criteria

2012 Existing Traffic Operation Regional Level Legend AM PM Braga Bridge Wilbur Ave Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River President Avenue Eastern Avenue Watuppa Pond

2035 No-Build Traffic Operation Regional Level Legend AM PM Braga Bridge Wilbur Ave Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River President Avenue Eastern Avenue Watuppa Pond

2012 Existing Traffic Operation Focus Area Level Legend AM PM

2035 No-Build Traffic Operation Focus Area Level Legend AM PM

Existing and Future No-Build Conditions Safety

Three-Year Crash History (2008-2010) 10 Crashes Rate = 1.00 14 Crashes Rate = 1.21 3 Crashes Rate = 0.28 9 Crashes Rate = 0.54 2 Crashes Rate = 0.18 48 Crashes Rate = 1.75 6 Crashes Rate = 0.48 16 Crashes Rate = 0.84 7 Crashes Rate = 2.09 45 Crashes Rate = 2.00

Existing and Future No-Build Conditions Pedestrian and Bicycle Access

Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Routes

Quequechan River Bike Trail and Regional Connections Existing Path Planned Path Future Connector Braga Bridge Wilbur Avenue Proposed Quequechan River Bike Trail N. Main Street Future Connector President Avenue Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River Existing Quequechan River Bike Trail Watuppa Pond

Existing and Future No-Build Conditions Transit

Future Transit South Coast Rail

Existing and Future No-Build Conditions Issues, Constraints and Opportunities

Issues & Constraints - Transportation High crash rates on President Avenue and Davol Street A number of crashes involving pedestrians Lack of continuity in pedestrian paths of travel Lack of designated provisions for bicycles Limited connectivity between areas east and west of Rte. 79

Opportunities - Transportation Excess capacity on Route 79 allows some flexibility in development of alternatives Reconfiguration of Route 79/Davol Street Corridor will facilitate safety and circulation improvements for all modes

Issues & Constraints Economic Development and Land Use Economic: Low income/high unemployment/poverty Low Real Estate prices indicate weak demand Land Use: Underutilized sites on the west side of Davol Street Shallow sites on east side of Davol St. Rail barrier on east side of study area from Central to Pearce Street

Opportunities Economic Development and Land Use South Coast Rail Transit Oriented Development potential Good supply of redevelopment sites along the river Riverfront becoming a regional draw

Task 3 Task 3 Transportation Alternatives Development

Transportation Alternatives Development Short-Term Improvements Mid-Term Improvements Long-Term Alternatives

Transportation Alternatives Development Short-Term and Mid-Term Improvements

Short-Term Safety Improvements 45 Crashes Rate = 2.00

Short-Term Safety Improvements

Short-Term Safety Improvements 48 Crashes Rate = 1.75 16 Crashes Rate = 0.84

Short-Term Safety Improvements

Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements

Mid-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements

Transportation Alternatives Development Long-Term Alternatives

Long-Term Alternatives Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Route 79 Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads

Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79

Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard

Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads

Task 4 Task 4 Alternatives Analysis

Assumed Development Mix Based on Commonwealth Landing Mill Consistent with 2002 Harbor Plan 5-Story Buildings Retail: One Floor Office: One Floor Residential: 3 Floors

Maximum Development Potential Maximum Physical Build-Out Land Use Alternative 1 Elevated Route 79 Alternative 2 Urban Boulevard Alternative 3 Boulevard with Frontage Roads Parcel Size 10.1 ac Parcel Size: 10.6 ac Parcel Size: 15.0 ac Retail 265,912 sf 280,041 sf 398,209 sf Residential 797,737 sf 840,122 sf 1,194,626 sf Office 265,912 sf 280,041 sf 398,209 sf Total Developable Area 1,329,561 sf 1,400,204 sf 1,991,044 sf

Supported Development Potential Maximum Build-Out Supported by Proposed Roadway Infrastructure Alternative Component Alternative 1 Elevated Rte. 79 Alternative 2 Urban Boulevard Alternative 3 Frontage Roads Development Area 1.3m sf (100% of max) 1.2m sf (85% of max) 0.3m sf (15% of max) Parking Requirements* 960 spaces 877 spaces 296 spaces Open Space within Parcels 2.45 ac (24%) 3.73 ac (35%) 13.37 ac (89%) Construction Cost $100m $55m $55m * Assumes structured parking

Alternative 1 - Traffic Operation: Regional Level Braga Bridge Wilbur Ave Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River Highland Avenue President Avenue Eastern Avenue Watuppa Pond

Alternative 1 - Traffic Operation: Focus Area Level Legend AM PM

Alternative 2 PM Peak Hour Traffic Diversions Westbound diversion 200 vehicles per hour Braga Bridge Wilbur Ave Eastbound diversion 300 vehicles per hour Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River Highland Avenue President Avenue Eastern Avenue Watuppa Pond

Alternative 2 - Traffic Operation: Regional Level Braga Bridge Wilbur Ave Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River Highland Avenue President Avenue Eastern Avenue Watuppa Pond

Alternative 2 - Traffic Operation: Focus Area Level Legend AM PM

Alternative 3 PM Peak Hour Traffic Diversions Westbound diversion 100 vehicles per hour Braga Bridge Wilbur Ave Eastbound diversion 200 vehicles per hour Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River Highland Avenue President Avenue Eastern Avenue Watuppa Pond

Alternative 3 - Traffic Operation: Regional Level Braga Bridge Wilbur Ave Veterans Memorial Bridge Taunton River Highland Avenue President Avenue Eastern Avenue Watuppa Pond

Alternative 3 Traffic Operation: Focus Area Level Legend AM PM

Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79

Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard

Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads

Evaluation Matrix Mobility Alternatives MOBILITY No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Diversions No Diversions No Diversions 500 Vehicles Diverted 300 Vehicles Diverted Number of Traffic Signals 2 Traffic Signals On Davol Street 7 Traffic Signals On Davol Street 4 Traffic Signals On Route 79 6 Traffic Signals On Route 79 and Davol Street Operation 1 Intersection Operates at Level of Service D 1 Intersection Operates at Level of Service F 1 Intersection Operates at Level of Service D All Intersections Operate at Level of Service C or better 2 Intersections Operate at Level of Service D 1 Intersection Operates at Level of Service E Legend Some Moderate Substantial Benefits Impacts Neutral

Evaluation Matrix Mobility Alternatives MOBILITY Travel Time Route 79 * (minutes) Travel Time Davol Street * (minutes) Pedestrian Delay (along President Ave from Lindsey St to Bicentennial Park) Pedestrian Time Savings (Turner St to City Pier) (Existing travel time is 17 min 34 sec) No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM Northbound 1.3 1.3 Northbound 1.3 1.3 Northbound 2.4 2.9 Northbound 3.4 3.5 Southbound 1.3 1.3 Southbound 1.3 1.3 Southbound 2.7 2.9 Southbound 3.3 4.5 AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM Northbound 2.7 2.7 Northbound 2.8 3.7 Northbound 2.4 2.4 Northbound 3.9 4.7 Southbound 1.8 2.6 Distance: 450 feet PM Peak Hour: 1 min 24 sec Distance: 3,400 feet 0 min 0 sec Southbound 2.0 2.3 Distance: 450 feet PM Peak Hour: 1 min 24 sec Distance: 560 feet PM Peak Hour: 13 min 30 sec Southbound 1.4 1.4 Distance: 450 feet PM Peak Hour: 1 min 46 sec Distance: 560 feet PM Peak Hour: 13 min 8 sec Southbound 1.6 1.7 Distance: 450 feet PM Peak Hour: 2 min 55 sec Distance: 560 feet PM Peak Hour: 11 min 59 sec * Travel Time along Route 79 and Davol Street is measured between Cedar Street and the Route 6 Overpass (approximately 1 mile) Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Safety Considerations Alternatives SAFETY Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Existing wheelchair ramps and sidewalks do not meet current design standards and ADA requirements No designated bicycle facilities are provided within the corridor Sidewalks provided along one side of NB and SB Davol Streets ADA compliant crossings at all intersections and driveways. Designated sidewalks and bike facilities provided throughout project limits. East-west access provided for bicycles and pedestrians along 4 cross streets without conflict from vehicular traffic ADA compliant crossings at all intersections and driveways. Designated sidewalks and bike facilities are provided throughout project limits. Pedestrians and bicyclists have long crossing distances and conflicts at Route 79 intersections. ADA compliant crossings at all intersections and driveways. Designated sidewalks and bike facilities are provided throughout project limits. Pedestrians and bicyclists have long crossing distances and conflicts at Route 79 intersections. Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Safety Considerations Alternatives SAFETY Vehicular Safety No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion High crash locations at President Avenue at Lindsey Street, President Avenue at North Main Street, U- Turn near Cedar Street, and Lindsey Street at Brownell Street One east-west crossing limits emergency response Eliminated approach at high crash location of President Avenue and Lindsey Street North Main Street intersection improved by adding protected left turn phase (short term) U-Turn visibility and signage improved (short term) Additional crossings provide improved emergency response times Eliminated approach at high crash location of President Avenue and Lindsey Street North Main Street intersection improved by adding protected left turn phase (short term) Unsafe access to Brownell is eliminated U-Turn near Cedar Street is eliminated Additional crossings provide improved emergency response times Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Eliminated approach at high crash location of President Avenue and Lindsey Street North Main Street intersection improved by adding protected left turn phase (short term) Lindsey & Brownell Intersection reconfigured U-Turn near Cedar Street is eliminated Additional crossings provide improved emergency response times Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Health and Environmental Effects HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Sustainable Design Emissions * * PM Peak Hour values provided No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections Alternatives 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Existing corridor has 35.0 acres of impervious area (57% impervious) No treatment or Best Management Practices are in place for existing stormwater prior to discharge into the impaired, wild & scenic Taunton River Total Corridor Emissions: CO 6.55 kg NOx 1.27 kg VOC 1.52 kg Total Regional Emissions: CO 454,600 kg NOx 8,318 kg VOC 10,026 kg Alternative is 72% impervious area, increased over existing impervious area by 9.1 acres. Shifted roadway allows for more effective area for implementation of best management practices. Stormwater treated through BMPs prior to discharge will help improving the Taunton River s condition Total Corridor Emissions: CO 11.91 kg NOx 2.31 kg VOC 2.77 kg Total Regional Emissions: CO 454,700 kg NOx 8,319 kg VOC 10,027 kg Alternative is 64% impervious area, increased from existing impervious area by 4.3 acres. Shifted roadway and wide median creates more area for landscaping and best management practices. Stormwater treated through BMPs prior to discharge will help improving the Taunton River s condition Total Corridor Emissions: CO 21.19 kg NOx 4.13 kg VOC 4.91 kg Total Regional Emissions: CO 454,800 kg NOx 8,321 kg VOC 10,030 kg Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Alternative is 51% impervious area, decreased from existing impervious area by 3.9 acres. Shifted roadway and wide median creates most area for landscaping and best management practices. Stormwater treated through BMPs prior to discharge will help improving the Taunton River s condition Total Corridor Emissions: CO 24.70 kg NOx 4.79 kg VOC 5.72 kg Total Regional Emissions: CO 454,700 kg NOx 8,319 kg VOC 10,029 kg Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Land Use and Economic Development LAND USE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic Development Potential Socio-Economic and Fiscal Impacts * No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections Alternatives 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Development potential is limited to existing parcels along Davol Street Perpetuates riverfront barrier Only east-west connection is at President Avenue Limited to developments on existing parcels along Davol Street Highest development potential Complicated access to businesses for regional traffic 3 new east-west connections improve access to businesses 1,730 Jobs 1,450Housing Units $54 Million Disposable Income $3.5 Million Property Taxes * All estimates for Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 are in addition to the No-Build Alternative High development potential Better local business access 3 new east-west connections improve access to businesses 1,550 Jobs 1,300 Housing Units $48 Million Disposable Income $3.1 Million Property Taxes Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Low development potential Creates the most open space, including parcel near Old Brightman Street Bridge Parcels can be used for Riverfront parking 3 new east-west connections improve access to businesses 330 Jobs 275 Housing Units $10.3 million Disposable Income $665,000 Property Taxes Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Community Effects COMMUNITY EFFECTS Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections Alternatives 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion No provisions for bicyclists Only east-west connection for pedestrians is at President Avenue 4,900 of sidewalk Pedestrian travel time from Lindsey Street to Bicentennial Park along President Avenue: 3.5 min Sidewalk or shared use path is provided along Davol Streets and 4 eastwest connecting roads providing access to the waterfront and South Coast Rail. Bicycle accommodations provided throughout the project limits Extends shared use path from Veterans Memorial Bridge to the waterfront and South Coast Rail 5,300 of sidewalk 8,100 of shared use path. Pedestrian travel time from Lindsey Street to Bicentennial Park along President Avenue: 3.5 min Sidewalk or shared use path is provided along 4 east-west connecting roads, Route 79 and Davol Street to provide access to waterfront and South Coast Rail. Waiting to cross large Route 79 intersections increases pedestrian and bike delay. Bicycle accommodations provided throughout the project limits Extends shared use path from Veterans Memorial Bridge to the waterfront and South Coast Rail 6,800 of sidewalk 8,000 of shared use path. Pedestrian travel time from Lindsey Street to Bicentennial Park along President Avenue: 4 min Sidewalk or shared use path is provided along 4 east-west connecting roads and frontage roads to provide access to South Coast Rail and waterfront Waiting to cross large Route 79 intersections increases pedestrian and bike delay. Bicycle accommodations provided throughout the project limits Extends shared use path from Veterans Memorial Bridge to the waterfront and South Coast Rail 5,800 of sidewalk 8,200 of shared use path. Pedestrian travel time from Lindsey Street to Bicentennial Park along President Avenue: 5 min Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Community Effects COMMUNITY EFFECTS Local Connectivity No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections Alternatives 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion No access provided from Brightman Street to Route 79 Only east-west connection is at President Avenue 3 new two-way cross streets are constructed providing access to the waterfront, including direct access to South Coast Rail. Converts Brightman Street to two-way road with access to NB Route 79. Access from Brightman Street to SB Route 79 on-ramp via Lindsey Street and NB Davol Street 3 new two-way cross streets constructed for access to the waterfront, NB and SB Route 79 and direct access to South Coast Rail. Converts Brightman Street to two-way road with direct access to and from NB Route 79 and access to SB Davol Street and SB Route 79. 3 new cross streets are constructed for access to the waterfront, NB and SB Route 79 and direct access to South Coast Rail. Converts Brightman Street to a two-way road with direct access to and from NB Route 79 and access to SB Davol Street and Route 79. Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Community Effects COMMUNITY EFFECTS Visual Impacts No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections Alternatives 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Visual barrier of Route 79 remains No open land available for green space, landscaping, or redevelopment Visual barrier created by Route 79 is worsened by raised elevations Roadway shift creates 10.1 acres for green space and redevelopment. At-grade Route 79 removes visual barrier between Fall River and the waterfront. Roadway shift creates 10.6 acres for green space and redevelopment. Large median allows for boulevard type landscaping. At-grade Route 79 removes visual barrier between Fall River and the waterfront. Roadway shift creates 15.0 acres for green space and minor redevelopment. Median between NB and SB Route 79 allows for landscaping. Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Community Effects COMMUNITY EFFECTS Construction Impacts No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections Alternatives 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion No construction impacts Construction will likely require 3 major construction stages (Davol Street Construction, NB Route 79 Construction, and SB Route 79 Construction) and 4 construction seasons due to construction of 10 bridges Construction will likely require 3 construction stages and 3 seasons (Davol Street Construction, NB Route 79 Construction, and SB Route 79 Construction). Proposed Route 79 NB construction must occur under traffic and while maintaining all existing access to businesses, intersections and roadways. Construction will likely require 4 construction stages (Davol Street Construction, NB Route 79 Construction, SB Route 79 Construction, Ramp Construction) over 3 construction seasons NB Route 79 must be constructed prior to NB Davol Street construction to maintain access to all roadways. Reconstruction of the southbound ramps along Route 79 and Route 6 will require complicated staging and potential detours. Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Some Moderate Substantial

Evaluation Matrix Cost Alternatives COST No Build 1 Elevated Route 79 with Cross Connections 2 At Grade Route 79 Boulevard 3 At Grade Route 79 with Frontage Roads Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Rating Discussion Construction Cost * $0 $100 Million $55 Million $55 Million * All costs are in 2013 dollars Legend Benefits Impacts Neutral Some Moderate Substantial

Alternatives vs. Study Objectives Study Objective No- Build Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3 Provide better multimodal connectivity between Fall River neighborhoods and its waterfront Enhance multimodal access to the future South Coast Rail Balance local and regional mobility Improve and enhance safety conditions Increase opportunities for economic development and land use Minimize potential impacts to the environment and community

Existing and Future No-Build Conditions Next Steps

Next Steps and Study Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Task 1 Define Study Area Goals and Objectives W Task 2 Data Collection, Future Year Conditions, W W P Issues Definition, Constraints Identification Task 3 Alternatives Development W W Task 4 Alternatives Analysis W P Task 5 Draft and Final Recommendations W (P) Task 6 Final Report 2012 2013 W = Working Group Meeting P = Public Informational Meeting (P) = Public Informational Meeting if Necessary

Questions Questions or Comments? www.mass.gov/massdot/route79