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