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Traffic Flow Improvements

The redesign of the roadway network at the Arts and Transit Project will alleviate existing congestion by reducing peak-hour traffic-generating land uses and by eliminating the concentration of conflicting traffic movements at the intersection of Alexander Street and University Place. A new roundabout will remove a traffic light and nearby parking at the problematic intersection. It will encourage the natural flow of traffic toward University Place and provide an arrival point to both the campus and community when approaching from the south.

A new signalized pedestrian crossing at Forbes College that will be synchronized with a light at the transit plaza entrance will move pedestrians away from the vehicular intersection. Farther to the south, the transit plaza will reduce traffic congestion by providing off-the-road access to the Wawa and drops-offs for the community jitney, shuttles, buses, taxis, the Dinky and the arts venues. By removing these functions from the intersection of Alexander Street and University Place, the proposed design will improve traffic flow and create more controlled distribution of traffic. A road linking to the West Garage (Lot 7) will provide access for University employees, visitors and patrons of the arts directly from Alexander Street.

The existing administrative uses and parking lots on the site contribute to peak-hour morning and afternoon traffic as employees travel to and from work. The replacement of these with cultural and retail uses will reduce peak-hour volumes, since visitors will be drawn to the neighborhood in the evenings, afternoons or weekends when the roads are less congested. All the public and commuter parking spaces that are currently on the site will be replaced.

Roadway Improvements

Roadway improvements

Provide a roundabout to improve traffic flow (A)

A roundabout will encourage the natural flow of traffic. It eliminates the signal and multiple conflicting traffic movements.

Improve pedestrian crossing at Alexander Street (B)

The Forbes College pedestrian crossing will be moved farther south and away from the intersection of Alexander Street and University Place. It will be synchronized with a light to the south, which allows crossing without a separate phase.

Create improved access to West Garage (Lot 7) (C)

A direct link to the West Garage(Lot 7) will allow convenient access for campus visitors and arts patrons, reduce vehicle miles traveled and carbon emissions, and free up parking on local streets.

Relocate parking maneuvers off busy streets (D)

Wawa parking, Dinky drop-off/pick-up and parking, taxis, and other traffic maneuvers create congestion in the area. A public transit plaza is specially designed to take these parking and drop-off/pick-up maneuvers off Alexander Street and University Place.

Provide bike lanes and amenities (E)

Carefully planned bike lanes and a bike center in the transit plaza can further reduce traffic congestion and pollution by providing better resources for bikers.

Reduce University-generated peak-hour traffic volumes

By replacing peak-hour administrative uses currently housed on the site with off-peak academic and cultural uses, University-generated peak-hour traffic will be reduced.

The proposed design reconfigures roadways, the Dinky rail line and parking areas to improve traffic flow and create a multimodal transportation hub at the new station.

load and distribution
This diagram compares traffic and parking loads and distribution before and after the transportation hub improvements (click diagram to view larger version).
Lot 7 access
A new road linking the West Garage (Lot 7) directly to Alexander Street would provide access for University employees, visitors and patrons of the arts (click diagram to view larger version).