Humboldt & LocustIntersection Redesign
Presented by
Peter Armstrong, Alex Snyder, Aubrey Trebilcock,
Frank Zimmerman
Problem Statement
• The Humboldt and Locust intersection is daunting to travel through both
for motorists and bicyclists
• We observed dangerous vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian behaviors that
resulted from poor intersection design.
• We recommend an innovative redesign to benefit all roadway users.
Speed Data: Intersection & Locust Street Bridge
The driver of
this vehicle
failed to
yield to a
pedestrian
who was
nearly
halfway
across the
street.
Speed Data: Intersection & Locust Street Bridge
Bicycle Level of Service Analysis Eastern approach of East Locust Street
Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsWestbound Link LOS Score: 4.74 (E)
Eastbound Link LOS Score: 6.46 (F) - No bike lane for part of link.
Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress score: 4
Bicyclists are poorly accommodated along the eastern approach
of Locust Street.
Motor vehicle speeds exceed the posted speed limits, with the
average running vehicle speed being approximately 37.5 mph.
Bicyclists and motorists are brought into potential conflict by
roadway design that forces right turning motor vehicles to cross
over the bike lane. Bicyclists traveling
The pavement along much of this corridor is in poor condition,
making cycling unenjoyable and potentially dangerous in certain
areas.
Proposed RedesignProposed RedesignProposed RedesignProposed RedesignWestbound link LOS Score: 2.16 (B)
Eastbound Link LOS Score: 2.14 (B)
Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress Score: 3
Bicyclists will be much better accommodated under the proposed
redesign.
Narrower motor vehicle lanes are designed to calm traffic and
make this corridor a less stressful place to cycle. Bicyclists also
receive the confidence of a 3-ft. buffer separating them from
motor vehicle traffic.
At no time will bicyclists be asked to cross over or mix with motor
vehicle traffic. Instead, they will be protected from the right-
turning movements of cars by protective traffic islands. Bicyclists
will receive some extra motor vehicle protection along the south
side of Locust from the bus bulb-out.
The pavement condition will be greatly improved through
reconstruction.
Pedestrian Level of Service Analysis Eastern approach of East Locust Street
Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsWestbound Link LOS Score: 4.2 (D)
Eastbound Link LOS Score: 3.81 (D)
Pedestrians are poorly accommodated along this corridor.
Excessive motor vehicle speeds and relatively high traffic
volumes make crossing the street in most locations along this
corridor a risky proposition.
Proposed RedesignProposed RedesignProposed RedesignProposed RedesignWestbound Link LOS Score: 3.59 (D)
Eastbound Link LOS Scored: 3.38 (C)
Pedestrians will be slightly better accommodated in the proposed
redesign.
Narrower motor vehicle lanes are anticipated to calm traffic to
more acceptable speeds and make crossing the street somewhat
easier. The protective traffic islands and bus bulb out that
protects bicyclists will also make crossing the street safer for
pedestrians mid-block and at the intersection.
Automobile Level of Service Analysis Eastern approach of East Locust Street
Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
Motorists are well accommodated along this corridor.
Four lanes of traffic make entering and exiting the flow of traffic
relatively easy. No backups were observed during our periods of
data collection.
Buses must pull over to pick up passengers and then re-enter the
flow of traffic. This can not only slows bus traffic, it can also
create conflict with other road users.
Proposed RedesignProposed RedesignProposed RedesignProposed Redesign
Motorists will continue to receive a high level of service.
All turning lanes are preserved, however, one lane on the north
side of the street will be reserved for buses only for a short
stretch to prevent backups caused by motorists turning right onto
Locust from Humboldt Ave.
Bus bulb-outs allow buses to stop in-lane. On eastern approach
of Locust Street, the bus stop has been relocated slightly to
facilitate the creation of a right-turn lane.
Ped & Bike Enhancement Costs
InfrastructureInfrastructureInfrastructureInfrastructure Infrastructure typeInfrastructure typeInfrastructure typeInfrastructure type CostCostCostCost
Separated Bikeway Cycle Tracks $ 204,000.00
Painted Bike lanes Green Paint $ 158,872.00
Street Furniture Bus Shelters $ 45,960.00
Islands Median Islands/Bus Bulb-outs $ 30,600.00
Curb Ramps Wheelchair Ramp/Domes $ 12,432.00
Pedestrian Signalizing Push Button/Countdown $ 11,200.00
Pavement Markings Advance Stop/Misc $ 4,188.00
Pedestrian Crossings Striped Crosswalks $ 1,400.00
TotalTotalTotalTotal $ 468,652.00$ 468,652.00$ 468,652.00$ 468,652.00
Education & Enforcement Strategies
• Easiest to educate children as they
grow - basic safety and technique in
elementary school- Safe Routes to
School program for all residents
• Organized programs and trips
• Adults need most help - teaching an
old dog new tricks
• Encouraging enforcement
Benefits of Redesign
• Enhanced connectivity for all
• Eased tensions between roadway users
negotiating the intersection
• Increased visibility and reduce conflicts
• Improved traffic flow for motorists
• Boosted safety for vulnerable users
Challenges to Implementation
• The proposed intersection has been successfully used
outside the United States for decades. However, it’s use
in the United States has been limited.
• Local residents and business owners unfamiliar with this
intersection style may oppose it.
• Snow removal could be more difficult.
• 3-4 parking spaces will be eliminated along the western
leg of Locust
Photo courtesy Google Maps
Additional Opportunities
● Bike parking at bus stops
● Bike-specific traffic
signals and signage
● “Road Diet” along Locust
Bridge.
● Rapid Beacon for Oak
Leaf Trail crossing