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Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study and Design April 13, 2015

Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

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Page 1: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Union Square Utility andStreetscape Improvements Study and Design

April 13, 2015

Page 2: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Agenda

6:30-6:40 . . . . . . . IntroductionJennifer Molina, Transportation Planner, City of Somerville

6:40-6:50 . . . . . . . Overview and Project UpdateRachel Burckardt, PE, Parsons Brinckerhoff

6:50-7:20 . . . . . . . Early Action Plan: Interim DesignUtilities - Rachel Burckardt, PE, Parsons BrinckerhoffTraffic - Kristen Torrance Clarke, PE, PTOE, Parsons BrinckerhoffQ&A/Discussion

7:20-8:00 . . . . . . . Small Group DiscussionQ&A/Discussion

Page 3: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

City of Somerville Team

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

Ward 2 Alderman Maryann M. Heuston

Ward 3 Alderman Robert McWattersDepartment of Public Works City EngineeringOffice of Strategic Planning & DevelopmentMichael Glavin, Executive DirectorJennifer Molina, Transportation and InfrastructureBrad Rawson, Senior Planner, Planning DivisionTraffic and Parking Department

Page 4: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Civic Advisory Committee

Wig Zamore, ChairmanJoe BeckmannAngelica BennattiJennifer BlundellSusan CallahanPokye CasserlyRobyn ChampionFr. Richard CurranMike DaceyErik FellingerIrma FloresGregore Jenkins

Angelina JockovichShaina Korman-HoustonChris ManciniPat McCormickErik NeuPhilip ParsonsEmily ReichertKat RutkinRebecca SchrummShu TalunAnne TateGordon Wong

Page 5: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

The PB TeamParsons Brinckerhoff Project Management

Civil, Structural & Traffic EngineeringPublic Outreach

Team Better Block

Crosby Schlessinger Smallridge, Inc.

Toole Design Group, Inc.

Bryant Associates, Inc.

PEER Consultants, Inc.

Experiential Community Engagement

Streetscape & Urban Design

Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities

Surveying

LSP Services

Page 6: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Project Overview and Update

Page 7: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Study Area

Page 8: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Project Objectives

Recognize the unique history of Union Square

Build on foundation of previous work

Coordinate with ongoing and future projects

Develop utility and transportation solutions

Integrate all modes of transportation(pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, vehicles)

Design for improvements that can be built

Page 9: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

ScopeUtilities

Transportation

Public Space

Development Impacts

Public Outreach

Page 10: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Public OutreachPreliminary Streetscape Design

Nov 2013 Spring 2015

Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013

Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014

Meeting #3- March 25, 2014

Ongoing Advisory Committee Meetings/Coordination

Team Better Block Demonstration-May 30, 2014

Meeting #4-Oct. 20, 2014

Meeting #5- Jan. 8, 2015

Meeting #6- Apr. 13, 2015

Page 11: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Somerville by Design Survey

72% of Respondents Stated that Being Ableto Safely Bicycle Through the Square was“very important”81% of Respondents Stated that Being Ableto Safely Walk Through the Square was “veryimportant”These sentiments are reflected in the ideaspresented in this presentation

Page 12: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Project UpdateSurvey – CompleteSoils Investigation – Fieldwork done; draft reportpreparedTraffic counts and data – CompleteWater System Improvements – Concept completeSewer/Storm Drain Improvements – Conceptdeveloped; modeling underwayCoordination with US2 – OngoingInterim Improvements: 25% Plans Winter 2015Interim Improvements: Final Design- Spring 2015

Page 13: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Water System Improvements

Yellow = NewWater MainsGreen =Clean & Line(by others)

Page 14: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Sanitary/Storm System Improvements

SewerseparationAdded capacity& off-linestorage:Union Sq. toCMI viaSomerville Ave.

Somerville Ave. StormDrain (completed)

Page 15: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Early Action Plan: InterimImprovements

Page 16: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Early Action - Interim Improvements

Goal: Identify short-term roadwayimprovements that could be accommodatedwithin the existing curb lines

Design Completion: Spring 2015Estimated Construction Period: JulyDecember 2015Include utility work in Prospect Street

Page 17: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Prospect Street: Sewer & WaterNew sewer and water mainto serve MBTA station andD2 developmentNew fire hydrants

Page 18: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Improve Traffic Flow & Safety at SignalizedIntersections

Reduce Overall Intersection DelayReduce Circuitous Traffic Movements

• One-Way vs. Two-Way Webster + Prospect

Evaluate Turn Lanes at Intersections

Goals of Interim TransportationImprovements

Page 19: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Goals of Interim TransportationImprovements

Improve Pedestrian ConnectivitySignal Timing/Phasing

• Exclusive vs. Concurrent Phasing• Leading Pedestrian Interval

Page 20: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Goals of Interim TransportationImprovements

Improve Pedestrian ConnectivityCrosswalk Locations

• Shorten CrosswalkLocations where Possible

– Modify Alignment– Adding Bump-out

• Add any MissingPedestrian Links

Page 21: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Improve BicycleConnectivity

Painted Bicycle Lanes

Bike Boxes• Increase Visibility of Cyclist• Reduces Signal Delay• Facilities Left Turn Position• Helps Prevent Left Hook

Conflicts

Goals of Interim TransportationImprovements

Page 22: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Improve Bicycle ConnectivityTwo Stage Turn Queue Box

• Left Turn Safety• Formal Queue Space• Reduces Turning conflicts• Separates Turning &

Thru Bicyclists

Goals of Interim TransportationImprovements

Page 23: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Prospect/Somerville/WashingtonRecommendations from 25% DesignAdd bicycle boxes on all approachesAdd bicycle lane on Washington St NBBicycle striping thru the intersectionCrosswalk StripingSharrows on Prospect SB‘Do Not Block’ Intersection Striping onWashington Street at Municipal LotModify Turn Radius on NW CornerIncrease Leading Pedestrian Interval from 3 to 5seconds

Page 24: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Prospect/Somerville/WashingtonConcept

Page 25: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Prospect/Somerville/WashingtonSignal Operations

Page 26: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Webster/Somerville/WashingtonRecommendations from 25% DesignEliminate Webster NB left turn lane to allow full bicyclelane SB thru intersectionAdd bicycle boxes on all approachesBicycle lane on Somerville Avenue WB approaching theintersectionSharrows on Webster Avenue SBCrosswalk StripingModify lane alignment on Somerville Avenue WB tocreate left turn pocket with thru and right turn lanesShorten crosswalk distance on east side of intersectionIncrease Leading Pedestrian Interval from 3 to 5 seconds

Page 27: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Webster/Somerville/WashingtonConcept

Page 28: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Webster/Somerville/WashingtonSignal Operations

Page 29: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Webster/ProspectRecommendations from 25% Design

Add bicycle box on Webster Ave SBAdd sharrows on Webster Ave NB andProspect SBAdd bicycle facilities south of intersectionUpdate phasing to have an exclusive phasewhen crossing the north side of ProspectStreetExtend Prospect St bicycle striping intointersection

Page 30: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Webster/ProspectConcept

Page 31: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Webster/Prospect Signal Operations

Page 32: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Additional Recommendationsfrom 25% Design

Reduce cut thru traffic on Newton StreetTwo-way bicycle traffic on Newton StreetProvide additional safety measures formidblock crosswalk on Somerville AvenueImprove sight lines for pedestrian crosswalkon Webster Street at Newton Street

Page 33: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

DiscussionUtilitiesProspect St. & Webster Ave.Bicycle accommodationsPedestrian crossingsConnection with Green Line StationBus stop relocations

Page 34: Union Square Utility and Streetscape Improvements Study ... · Nov 2013 Spring 2015 Meeting #1: Nov. 18, 2013 Meeting #2- Jan. 29, 2014 Meeting #3- March 25, 2014 Ongoing Advisory

Next StepsUtility improvements:

Advance concept plans & modeling for sewer separationEarly Action – Interim Improvements:

Finish designAdvertise for bids

Street improvements– Refine concept plansBicycle accommodationsImproved pedestrian crossingsConnection with Green Line stationBus stop relocations

Streetscape Design:Plaza alternativesStreetscape concepts

Explore Federal Funding- 2015 TIGER Grant

Contact UsJennifer MolinaCity of SomervilleTransportation [email protected] x2514