The following are the planning studies funded by the NJTPA and completed during fiscal years 2004 and 2005:
1. Bergen County: Enhancing Access and Mobility Along the Kinderkamack Road/Pascack Valley Intermodal Corridor
$125,000
Subregional and Consultant Effort
The purpose of this study was to identify mobility, accessibility, safety and quality-of-life improvements along Kinderkamack Road, the primary north-south commercial thoroughfare in Corridor 9 of the Regional Transportation Plan. The study area included the alignment of Kinderkamack Road (County Route 503) from Route 4 north to the state line including abutting land uses, intersections and interfaces with eight railroad stations along the Pascack Valley Line. The product of this study is a blueprint of coordinated, implementable strategies for improvements and enhancements to Kinderkamack Road (involving all relevant modes of travel: auto, commercial (truck), bus, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, park-and-ride) that will be promoted for inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and the County Improvement Program (CIP).
The final report consists of two sections, the Intermodal Corridor Study conducted by the consulting firm and Improving Pedestrian Access to Transit conducted by County staff.
The Intermodal Corridor Study detailed the existing conditions in the corridor, explored alternative options and developed a “blueprint” of transportation solutions that can be recommended and advanced for inclusion in the PDWP, the TIP and the CIP. Improving Pedestrian Access to Transit examined the pedestrian facilities surrounding the nine transit stations in the study area and seeking ways to improve them.
2. Hudson County: Northern Hudson County Bicycle and Pedestrian Study
$100,000
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This study analyzed and evaluated pedestrian and bicycle conditions in the northern Hudson County towns of Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken and West New York. Pedestrian hot spots were examined based on the NJDOT Safety Management System data and specific improvements are recommended. Hudson County is New Jersey’s most densely populated and urbanized county. While Census 2000 indicates that Hudson County residents walk and bike more than any other county, there are few facilities available to pedestrians and bicyclists. Safety and security is a major concern for many residents.
Ultimately, this study resulted in the identification of non-motorized access and safety problems at five priority locations within Guttenberg, North Bergen and Union City and developed specific improvement concepts to address these problems. A package of improvements was developed for each location. Modest improvements can be easily implemented such as curb ramps with detectable warning strips and improved crosswalk striping. To improve pedestrian visibility, leading pedestrian signal timing was recommended as were curb extensions. Curb extensions and reduced curb radii were included to slow down the speed of turning vehicles and improved lane definition was also included. Following the concept designs is a section fully exploring all potential funding sources to move these concepts into the implementation phase.
3. Hunterdon County: Bikeway Implementation Plan, Southwestern Loop
$39,021
Subregional Effort
The purpose of this study was to advance bicycling in Hunterdon County by analyzing the transportation system and making recommendations for current and future bicycle compatibility. The New Jersey Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan – Phase 2 (NJDOT, 2004) lists its number one goal as the creation of a bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure by planning, designing, constructing and managing transportation and recreation facilities that will accommodate and encourage use by bicyclists and pedestrians and be responsive to their needs.
This study identifies physical impediments to constructing a bikeway including shoulder width, drainage structures, bridge crossings, vertical and horizontal geometry, speed limits and abutting land uses. These features were analyzed for a selected loop route with spur routes, which is a hybrid of routes contained in the Hunterdon County Bicycle and Pedestrian Element.
Specifically, the study conducted a needs assessment that was used to develop strategies and concept statements for further advancement in the project pipeline as
well as identifying potential funding sources. This new hybrid route, the proposed Southwestern Loop, is now ready for the NJDOT scoping phase and is also “application ready” for funding.
4. Jersey City: The Grand Jersey, Morris Canal & Liberty Harbor Regional Access Study
$92,307
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This study examined alternatives to improve regional access to destinations of major significance in and around Liberty State Park as well as circulation within the study area. The study evaluated the needs and benefits of a variety of access and circulation schemes to improve multi-modal regional access. Routes that were examined included Communipaw Avenue, Johnston Avenue, Garfield Avenue, Jersey Avenue, Grand Street, Bergen Light Rail., New Jersey Turnpike, Newark Bay Extension and Jersey City Boulevard.
This study recommends location specific transportation projects that can be advanced through the NJTPA project pipeline. Five topics were looked at in the study area: traffic mitigation; truck movements; bicycle and pedestrian accommodations; transit service; and shared parking opportunities. For each topic, needs and problem areas were identified and recommendations were made. Jersey City then prioritized these recommendations. Possible funding sources were identified. Based on this study, Jersey City has identified specific projects that can be advanced in the project pipeline. They are found on pages 8 -12 of the final Jersey City report. Specifically they deal with the following locations: Liberty Harbor North Connector Road; Burma Road Realignment at Caven Point Road; Signalization at Phillips Street and Audrey Zapp Brive; Truck Movement Improvements at the Intersection of Communipaw and Garfield; Linden Avenue at Route 185; Signal-Timing Optimization along Route 440; Transit Service to and in Liberty State Park; Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations in Liberty State Park and Vicinity; Johnston Avenue Improvements; Jersey Avenue Bridge; and a Shared Parking Facility at NJ Transit HBLRT Liberty State Park and Ride.
5. Middlesex County: Route 18 Pedestrian Crossing Study
$80,000
Subregional Effort
The purpose of this study was to improve existing problem areas along a commercialized section of Route 18 in Middlesex County. The study area, Route 18 between Route 516 to Naricon Place, has the potential to generate significant pedestrian traffic. Currently the many stores and recreational facilities on the northbound and southbound sides of Route 18 are inaccessible to transit users, pedestrians and bicyclists, Daily traffic volumes range from 52,000 to 74,000. Several fatalities have occurred recently.
In keeping with the main purpose of this study was to improve pedestrian movements and access to public transit along the Route 18 corridor. By making pedestrian and public transit access to commercial, recreational and employment sites along this highly congested corridor safer and more appealing, more people will use walking and biking as mode choices and be less reliant on the automobile. This will also alleviate traffic congestion in the study area. The study identified existing conditions that currently hinder pedestrian access and mobility between bus stops and destination sites. The report includes short- and long-term recommendations in Volume 1 and the resultant problem statements in Volume 2. They address improvements to crosswalks, sidewalks, traffic signals and geometric realignments. Middlesex County intends to advance these recommendations with the appropriate municipal, county and state level support and advance these problem statements through the NJTPA project pipeline. The County is working closely with East Brunswick Township, Keep Middlesex Moving Inc., NJ DOT and NJ Transit to facilitate implementation.
6. Monmouth County: State Route 33 Corridor Study
$87,500
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This study has developed a comprehensive transportation corridor improvement plan containing concept improvement plans and detailed recommendations designed to maintain and/or improve accessibility, mobility and mitigate congestion from growth in travel demand anticipated along this corridor. Key objectives were: to identify transportation problems and acceptable solutions for Route 33 using industry accepted technical traffic analysis review approaches; develop feasible solution strategies and improvement concept plans that can be advanced to implementation through various agencies; and conduct continuing local and community involvement throughout the study.
This study expands the usual focus in corridor studies from simply improving vehicle movement through a limited series of safety and congestion-related roadway improvements to include land use, access management and environmental issues. These are significant elements that shape the types of mobility solutions available to the study area. This study placed land use development, environmental and access management issues first in corridor problem definition and identification of future travel demand levels. Through subsequent coordination and visioning with local communities along the corridor, a better understanding of mobility needs was identified. An array of potential transportation modes and strategies best suited to corridor needs were screened and selected, and developed into improvement concept plans appropriate to the needs of specific locations.
7. Monmouth County: The Asbury Park Transportation Improvement Study
$80,000
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This comprehensive transportation study supports numerous redevelopment efforts currently underway in Asbury Park. The transportation improvement strategies and recommendations that have resulted from this study will, in turn, stimulate further redevelopment in Asbury Park. This was a later proposal approved by the Board of Trustees November 10, 2003. Work began January 2004.
The missing element of the Asbury Park revitalization renaissance was a comprehensive transportation study that supported the redevelopment efforts and utilized transportation improvement strategies to stimulate further redevelopment. This study provides that missing element by recommending improvements to existing transportation services and facilities, particularly the James J. Howard Transportation Center, and developing improved gateway corridors accessing the nearby communities, services, businesses and attractions that will grow in the new Asbury Park.
This study presents specific improvements and strategies, establishes improvement priorities and provides agencies and partners with defined projects that can be advanced for implementation by the county and/or municipalities, the transportation community and redevelopment/ economic development organizations.
8. Morris County: Circulation Element & Transportation Model Development
$123,421
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This proposal continues work begun in FY 2003 to update the Morris County Circulation Element of the Master Plan. The updated Circulation Element identifies and addresses transportation issues in Morris County and recommends a coordinated multi-faceted approach in dealing with existing and future transportation problems. Simultaneously, Morris County began to develop a computer model structured specifically to address the planning goals and strategies identified in the NJTPA’s RTP.
The completed Circulation Element recommends the use of travel demand management strategies, maintaining and improving existing transportation facilities and infrastructure, and improving the accessibility and efficiency of public transportation. The Morris County Division of Transportation coordinated with NJDOT, NJ Transit, the NJTPA, TransOptions, the Morris County Planning Board, the Morris County Department of Engineering, the 39 municipalities and various citizen’s groups to develop and write this plan.
9. Passaic County: The Transportation and Smart Growth Strategy Evaluation Model
$135,000
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This study developed and implemented a set of transportation modeling/simulation tools for assessing performance measures in response to development and transportation system changes. These tools will be used to test and refine the district level and county level strategies identified in the RTP. These tools can also be used for additional corridors and sub-areas in the county. The analytical tools developed are very adaptable to various scales of analyses and will be used at the regional, county, municipal, corridor and sub-area scales. This was a later proposal that was approved by the Board of Trustees November 10, 2003. Work began January, 2004.
As Passaic County moves to participate more strongly in regional growth and implement the State’s policies of Highlands Preservation (which impact 120 of the 194 square miles of Passaic County) and metropolitan revitalization, it must address the performance of its transportation to ensure economic development while maintaining a high quality of life and the continuation of its environmental assets.
Passaic County will use this model to advance the following key transportation initiatives:
• Address major safety and congestion issues on its roadways (i.e. Union Boulevard interchanges with US 46 and I-80 in Totowa, Hamburg Turnpike/Valley Road in Wayne)
• Promote non-roadway transportation alternatives , particularly the Passaic Bergen Rail Line
• Increase the opportunities for non-auto modes, such as enhanced bus service as well as bicycle and pedestrian projects
This model will enhance Passaic County’s ability to successfully target its resources by providing improved information on the performance of its transportation system, the impact of land use development and the results of the strategies used.
10. Somerset County: Transportation Oriented Development Opportunities in Somerset County
$130,000
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This study identifies three pilot TOD sites along Somerset County’s two rail corridors and busiest bus corridors with emphasis on Routes 22, 27, 28 and 202. A set of recommendations were developed for each pilot site to advance TOD planning. This study will also serve to educate and market the benefits of TOD planning at the local level.
From an initial list of five possible study areas the following three were selected as pilot TOD sites:
• Bound Brook Station Area – Downtown Bound Brook was selected because of its proximity to the Bound Brook Station and the proposed Greenway, its status as a designated Transit Village, recent redevelopment activity such as the Brooks Theater, other redevelopment opportunity sites, interest from the development community, redevelopment in nearby South Bound Brook, strong market potential for TOD development and municipal support.
• Somerville Station Area- Former Somerville Landfill, Somerville Borough was selected as a large, publicly owned parcel with significant redevelopment potential. The parcel is ideally located near the Somerville Station and close to downtown.
• The Relocated North Branch Station Area – Route 22/28 Industrial Area, Branchburg Township was selected to capitalize on the relocation of the underutilized North Branch Station. The extent of large, underutilized parcels of land, the presence of major employers, proximity to the Raritan Valley Community College, the strong real estate market and the need for an identifiable town center provide significant potential for TOD implementation.
In addition to specific recommendations for each of the three sites four categories of recommendations common to all sites are included: density and mix of uses; parking; access from major roadways; and performance measures.
11. Somerset/Middlesex Counties: I-287 Raritan River Crossings Mobility Enhancement Implementation Plan
$234,350
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This study builds on the I-287 Easton Avenue/River Road Interchange Planning Study, a joint project initiated by Middlesex and Somerset Counties and NJDOT to advance a bundle of strategies to address congestion at the I-287 interchanges in Franklin (Somerset) and Piscataway (Middlesex) Townships.
This Mobility Plan includes a series of short- and long-term roadway and mobility improvements as part of its Travel Demand Management Plan, Transit Enhancement Plan, Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, Local Master Plan Amendments (Land Use and Circulation), Transit-Friendly/Supportive Design Guidelines, Way-Finder Signage Program and an ITS Feasibility Assessment. Each of these elements contains a detailed list of strategies and a series of “hand-off projects” for various implementing agencies.
The study included a significant public involvement effort including the Steering Committee, focus groups, community surveys, technical subcommittees and public information sessions. The study prioritizes its final recommendations in an implementation matrix which further identifies possible implementing agencies and funding or planning assistance.
12. Union County: Community Shuttle Efficiency Project
$77,503
Subregional and Consultant Effort
The purpose of this study was to develop viable, technical operating plans, using shared or regionalized program components to maximize the effectiveness of the three new shuttles at train stations in Union County. These shuttles will serve two rail stations on the Raritan Valley Rail Line and serve additional municipalities, all of which are located within the boundaries of the South Avenue/Route 28 Transportation Corridor.
This study included the following municipalities: Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Plainfield, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains and Westfield. The study developed or documented operating plans for each municipality. Accompanying the plans are the anticipated financial and ridership impacts.
This study’s process and the preparation of route proposals provide a prototype for other shuttle bus proposals in Union County. For each service proposal in this study, illustrative schedules were prepared to demonstrate the feasibility of the shuttle bus service and its coordination with train arrivals and departures. Key statistics were presented for each proposed service regarding ridership. and operating expenses. A capital program was specified to support the service and a flexible management plan was outlined to operate the service.
13. Union County: Port Area District 151: Parking & Intermodal Facility Study
$100,011
Subregional and Consultant Effort
This study developed a strategic “Parking and Intermodal Facility Plan” for the Port Area District 151, located in the eastern part of Union County. Both the Kapkowski Road Transportation Planning Study (KRTPS) and the Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link (NERL)-MOS-3 Study documented major infrastructure improvements needed in the Port Area District 151. Both studies identified the potential for park ‘n ride and intermodal facilities as well as other TDM and TSM strategies. Key to this effort is the identification of intermodal facilities that can reduce automobile trips in the study area, thus allowing for greater development density. An analysis of parking needs and transportation demand was critical.
This study recommends the creation of a multi-modal transportation center that would serve as a focal point to tie in the proposed NERL Elizabeth segment, Elizabeth Ferry and Kapkowski Road improvements to the study area. The objective of the study was to identify strategies to balance district parking needs with the need to reduce SOV usage and promote development density in this fast growing port area of the City of Elizabeth just south of Newark International Airport. Three possible sites were considered and a site layout concept was developed for each which illustrates each site’s access, on site bus staging, passenger accommodations and building footprints. Imagery was created for the site that received the strongest recommendation. Cost estimates were based on the developed sketch plans including general facility operation and maintenance cost estimates. Possible funding sources were also explored.