South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization

South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization

782 South Brewster Road, Unit B6, Vineland, New Jersey 08361

www.sjtpo.org

(856) 794-1941 (856) 794-2549 (fax)

Serving Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem Counties since 1993.

SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION Citizens Advisory Committee Monday, July 30, 2018 - 6:30 PM Vineland City Hall - Caucus Room 640 East Wood Street, Vineland, NJ AGENDA 1. Flag Salute 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes: April 30, 2018 4. Chairman’s Remarks 5. Election of Vice Chair 6. Administrative Items o Discussion of new members o Proposed 2019 meeting schedule o Discussion of CAC questionnaire o Distribution of Citizen’s Guide 7. Presentation “Public Involvement Plan (PIP) Update” – Staff, SJTPO (7:00 PM) 8. Open Discussion (7:30 PM) 9. Discussion of topics for future meetings (7:50 PM) o October 29, 2018 (last meeting of 2018) - Public comment meeting on Final Draft PIP o First meeting of 2019 (proposed date of Monday, January 28, 2019) – Topic to be determined using keypad polling 10. Upcoming SJTPO Meetings (Vineland City Hall) o Technical Advisory Committee – Monday, August 13, 2018; 10:00 AM - Workshop – New Jersey Land Use and Transit Data Application o Technical Advisory Committee – Monday, September 10, 2018; 10:00 AM o Policy Board – Monday, September 24, 2018; 10:00 AM o CAC Meeting – Monday, October 29, 2018; 6:30 PM 11. Adjournment (8:00 PM)

South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization

782 South Brewster Road, Unit B6, Vineland, New Jersey 08361

Serving Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem Counties since 1993.

Jennifer Marandino, P.E. Executive Director

Leonard Desiderio, Chairman

Benjamin H. Laury, Vice Chairman

www.sjtpo.org

(856) 794-1941 (856) 794-2549 (fax)

John W. Risley, Secretary/Treasurer

SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION Citizens Advisory Committee (Meeting Summary) Monday, April 30, 2018 - 6:30 PM Vineland City Hall - Caucus Room 640 East Wood Street, Vineland, NJ Attendees Members: Rodney Guishard, Chair Tom Garrett Harry Moore Nancy Ridgway Also in attendance: Alan Huff, SJTPO Jennifer Marandino, SJTPO Bill Schiavi, SJTPO

Patrick Bomba John F. Hall Richard Morton

Andrew Tracy, SJTPO

Minutes Approval – January 29, 2018 CAC Meeting On motion by Nancy Ridgway and seconded by Harry Moore, the minutes from January 29, 2018 were approved. Report from Chair Rodney Guishard honored the passing of Michael Hajek. Rodney Guishard and Jennifer Marandino reiterated the circumstances with NJDOT, and how staff from the Department, originally scheduled to present on the organization of NJDOT, were unable to attend. At this time, the topic is not off the table, as Jennifer Marandino continues to reach out to NJDOT. Rodney Guishard went on to discuss how he conversed with Alan Huff, Melissa Melora, and Jennifer Marandino, and together they decided to focus the April meeting topic on current technical studies, rather than cancel the meeting. Rodney Guishard mentioned that he sat in on the review committee for the Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail Network - Communications & Marketing Plan, and how TransPro, the selected firm, is partnering with the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition. Rodney Guishard mentioned the advantage of the Coalition is that hopefully we will have support even after the study is completed.

1

Current SJTPO Technical Studies – Staff; SJTPO Alan Huff introduced the presentation topic, and mentioned that SJTPO staff would like to set aside one meeting date each year to present technical studies, thus allowing CAC members to be aware of the Organization’s efforts. Alan Huff went on to discuss that technical studies are consultant-led efforts that are managed by SJTPO, and usually involve pre-project activities, such as data collection and public outreach. Alan Huff then introduced the six (6) current technical studies. The first technical study mentioned was Port of Salem Freight/Rail Intermodal Study, which Bill Schiavi presented, as he is the project manager for the study. Bill Schiavi mentioned how the study came about to identify potential infrastructure improvements that would support better movement and economic improvement at and near the Salem Freight/Rail Corridor. Roads, rail, and the Port were studied and issues were identified. Road issues included better signage promoting alternative routes to the Interstate, alternative truck routes for Downtown Salem, and signal retiming and road geometry reconfiguration at the intersection of West Broadway and Front Street. Patrick Bomba commented that he understands the use of Griffith Street, as it is ideal for large trucks using Route 49 and heading to the port, but stated that they all too often cause traffic jams at the intersection. Instead, Patrick Bomba remarked that larger trucks should use Broadway, as there is a larger swing radius. Bill Schiavi responded that the selected firm will be sure to consider the matter. Bill Schiavi went on to discuss rail issues, which center on track conditions and siding. Some of the issues have been partially addressed using TIGER funds, but more work needs to be done. Also, some industrial sites have rail sidings, others do not. Rail siding that these sites will allow for direct access to rail. Bill Schiavi then mentioned the issues regarding the Port. The issues mentioned included rail access to the Port, upgrades to several port facilities to keep and attract business, and maintaining and possibly deepening the Channel from 16 feet to 21 feet to allow larger ships to enter the Port. Bill Schiavi concluded by discussing the economic develop opportunities related to the Study. The opportunities discussed include addressing the vacant properties along the rail corridor, considering rail access to other Port properties, reactivating and upgrading the rail yard, building upon recently completed riverfront redevelopment plans by conducting environmental studies and marketing analysis, considering foreign trade and other business opportunities, such as the distribution of sand and soybeans. Harry Moore asked if the changes to the Port would allow for overseas shipping. Bill Schiavi responded that farmers have talked about sending products to Purdue in Maryland, and the only international shipping is to Bermuda. Harry Moore then stated that Bill Schiavi did not mention Carney’s Point or the Canmore Site, which each have separate rail and large siding available. Bill Schiavi responded that next year’s study will look into these locations, as its focus is on a regional perspective, not one specific location. Rodney Guishard asked who would do the dredging for the Port, if necessary. Bill Schiavi responded that the Army Corps of Engineers would dredge, if they determined that the deeper channel would be adequately used. Tom Garrett asked if Delaware or Pennsylvania would share the dredging expense. Bill Schiavi responded that it is a Federal expense. 2

The second technical study mentioned was the NJ Regional Curve Inventory and Safety Assessment, which Jennifer Marandino presented. DVRPC is leading a technical study that will result in a multi-county regional curve inventory and safety assessment to include DVRPC’s New Jersey counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer along with the counties of SJTPO including Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem. Jennifer Marandino stated that SJTPO is working collaboratively with DVRPC, as they hold the contract, as well as NJDOT and the Federal Highway Administration –New Jersey Division. Jennifer Marandino went on to explain the two goals of the study – to conduct curve advisory speed evaluations by studying horizontal curves and determining travel advisory speeds consistent with criteria set forth in the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and identifying curves with crash trends using NJDOT-approved criteria to be improved with Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds. Jennifer Marandino also noted that Rieker’s Curve Advisory Report Service (CARS) will be collecting the data by travelling the roadways twice in each direction. Richard Morton asked when the travelling of the roadways would take place, specifically day or night. Jennifer Marandino responded that time of day does not play a factor, as technology will be collecting the data, and no one is independently evaluating with his/her eyes. Rodney Guishard questioned whether we already have ample amount of data that suggests the speed for entering curves. Jennifer Marandino responded that there is a new mandate related to how speed is calculated, and that change is now triggering a re-evaluation of advisory speeds. Jennifer Marandino went on to explain another facet of the study, which focuses on systemic roadway departure crashes. Factors that will be studied include the evaluation of crash history, common roadway characteristics, definition of systemic factors, a priority list of curve locations, as well as a list of potential countermeasures. The third technical study mentioned was the Ocean Drive (CR 621) Upgrades and Bridge Improvements, which Jennifer Marandino presented, as she is the project manager for the study. The study was initiated by Cape May County to conduct Local Concept Development (LCD) services. The technical study began in the Fall of 2017 and is anticipated to finish in the Spring of 2019. Jennifer Marandino explained that this study is a huge undertaking, as well as one of the most expensive studies managed by the SJTPO, costing over $1,000,000. Local Concept Development (LCD) services is the first step in the project delivery process, with the remaining steps including Local Preliminary Engineering, Final Design and Right-of-Way Acquisition, and Construction, with each step anticipated to take approximately two years to complete. Jennifer Marandino went on to explain that the study area consists of three main bridges – Mill Creek, Upper Thorofare, and Middle Thorofare – two of which are Cape May County-owned and one that is Cape May County Bridge Commission-owned. The bridges are classified as either functionally obsolete or structurally deficient, but are safe to travel on, as they are inspected on a regular basis. Furthermore, the Local Concept Development Phase will determine alternative ranges in which to improve the structure and safety of the Ocean Drive Causeway. Richard Morton asked if it is possible to eliminate two of the three bridges. Jennifer Marandino responded that no, none of the bridges are going to be abandoned; that is not an alternative for this situation. Rodney Guishard asked about the safety ratings and what the numbers mean, specifically Middle Thorofare’s “Bridge Sufficiency” rating of 7/100. 3

Jennifer Marandino responded that the bridge is structurally deficient based upon today’s standards, and the bridge has also passed its expected service life since it was built in 1939. Tom Garrett asked if the bridges will be widened to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists? Jennifer Marandino responded that this question will be likely be a priority identified during the community involvement/public outreach phase. Jennifer Marandino added that based upon initial conversations the consulting firm is aware that the bridges are used by bicyclists who work in the adjacent restaurant industry. The fourth technical study mentioned was the Cumberland County Bike/Ped Safety Action Plan, which Alan Huff presented, as he is the project manager for the study. Alan Huff stated that the goal of this data-driven study is to use federal funds through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to better address bicycle and pedestrian safety issues. The idea for the plan was based on a similar study done in the City of Newark, but goes farther by implementing and advancing projects and safety strategies, and will hopefully be feasible to complete in the remaining SJTPO counties. Tom Garrett asked which locations in the County will advance for HSIP funds. Alan Huff responded that no locations have been identified at this time. That will be determined by the process. Rodney Guishard asked how much this study costs to complete. Alan Huff responded that it is expensive, totaling approximately $345,000. It is paid for through HSIP funds. Rodney Guishard asked about the accuracy of crash data. He has seen many bicycle crashes that he assumes have not been reported. Alan Huff responded that he has a high degree of confidence in the accuracy of the crash data, and that data from serious bicycle crashes has been captured. The fifth technical study mentioned was the Regional Signal Timing Initiative, which Andrew Tracy presented, as he is the project manager for the study. Andrew Tracy explained that the FHWA recommends the re-timing of traffic signals every two to three years, as traffic patterns change. The process is said to be a lowcost method of improving congestion and safety. This specific initiative builds upon prior data collection efforts from FY 2016 and 2017, and will optimize a total of 38 signals – 6 in Atlantic County, 13 in Cumberland County, and 19 in Cape May County. John Hall asked why no signals in Salem County were being re-timed. Andrew Tracy responded that SJTPO reached out to Salem County but they do not have many traffic signals, and they could not identify any County-owned signals that they would re-time. Rodney Guishard asked what process was used to identify the signals that are to be re-timed. Andrew Tracy responded that the signals had to already have modern traffic signal controller equipment. The sixth technical study mentioned was the Automated Pavement Condition Data Collection, which Andrew Tracy presented, as he is the project manager for the study. Andrew Tracy explained that this is a pilot effort to conduct an automated method where the roadway is scanned at speed, which may be more cost-effective. The FHWA encourages the automated effort, as it encourages “pavement preservation” methods. Andrew Tracy went on to explain that the consulting firm, Michael Baker International owns the vehicle with the technology, known as Laser Crack Measurement System. The data was collected on 260 miles of municipal roads in Vineland. Alan Huff introduced the seven (7) upcoming technical studies. The first upcoming technical study mentioned was the Regional Pavement Condition Data Collection, which Andrew Tracy presented, as he will be the project manager for the study. Andrew Tracy stated that if the 4

pilot study succeeds and if funding is in place, in the next year SJTPO hopes to conduct a region-wide pavement data collection of the 1,463 miles of county roadways. The second upcoming technical study mentioned was the Program Support Data Collection, which Andrew Tracy presented, as he will be the project manager for the study. Andrew Tracy noted that the traffic data collection for the counties may include, but are not limited to traffic counts, intersection counts, asset inventories, and freight movement data. Andrew Tracy mentioned that the scope for the study has not been established; however, the funding has been programed into the UPWP. The third upcoming technical study mentioned was the Professional and Technical Services Study, which Andrew Tracy presented on behalf of David Heller, who will be the project manager for the study. Andrew Tracy stated that this study is done periodically for the purposes of air quality emissions inventory. This study will develop SJTPO’s portions of emissions estimates needed by both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). For this study, the NJDEP is conducting Statewide emissions inventory and needs all three MPOs in the State to contribute their share to the inventory. Andrew Tracy went on to explain that the study will also collect data for the national emissions inventory, which is required by the USEPA. The fourth upcoming technical study mentioned was the SJTPO Regional Freight Plan Development Study, which Bill Schiavi presented, as he will be the project manager for the study. Bill Schiavi noted that NJDOT recently completed a Statewide Freight Plan, which had a heavy focus on North Jersey due to its major freight activity, as well as the State network. From this Plan, SJTPO recognized the need for its own study to assess priorities in the SJTPO region, and from this study the State Plan can be amended to included elements from SJTPO’s study. The fifth upcoming technical study mentioned was the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Network Communications and Marketing Plan, which Alan Huff presented, as he will be the project manager for the study. Alan Huff mentioned that the Plan is modeled from the Circuit Trails running through the DVRPC region. The Organization is partnering with the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy, and will kick the project off in June of 2018. The effort will establish a brand, identify audiences, opportunities, and challenges, establish SJTPO’s aspirational trail network, among other things. The sixth upcoming technical study mentioned was the Regional Roundabout Feasibility Assessment, which Alan Huff presented, as he will be the project manager for the study. Alan Huff stated that 30% of fatal and serious injury crashes occur at intersections in New Jersey - that is two times higher than the national rate. Roundabouts have been shown to drastically reduce severe crashes at intersections. For the assessment, a consultant will help identify high crash areas and in those areas, ten would be selected for possible roundabouts. The effort would include educating the public, gaining stakeholder support, among other things. [Update: due to limited staff resources, this effort will be postposed, likely for one year.] Nancy Ridgway remarked that she went through three roundabouts while in Maryland. She also stated that they have a calming effect and she sees no problem with them. Harry Moore stated that Gloucester County constructed two roundabouts, and they have been received by the public very well. Rodney Guishard asked if Mayflex Circle (Airport Circle) at the Atlantic City Airport was a candidate for a roundabout. 5

Jennifer Marandino responded that Mayflex Circle was a large traffic circle and roundabouts are much narrower, so a roundabout was not feasible. The seventh upcoming technical study mentioned was the Regional Sidewalk Inventory, which Alan Huff also presented, as he will be the project manager for the study. Alan Huff mentioned that the goal of this study is to improve the quality of TAP and Safe Routes projects, by focusing on filling in network gaps. The study will include State, county, and municipal facilities, the presence and gaps in sidewalks, accessibility of curb ramps, as well as crosswalk presence. SJTPO also hopes to work alongside DVRPC and NJTPA. [Update: The funding source identified to advance this effort was made unavailable for this effort by NJDOT. SJTPO will continue to seek funding for this effort or seek to advance a scaled-back effort internally. This effort will be delayed as a result] Three internal efforts were mentioned. Alan noted that one effort is to update the 2010 Public Involvement Plan (PIP), which is to be completed by Melissa Melora. Jennifer Marandino then mentioned an increased emphasis on linking performance to planning. Andrew Tracy mentioned the update to the Congestion Management Process, the federally required activities for all MPOs. Included in the update is a broad, regionwide congestion screening to identify congested locations. Rodney Guishard asked for clarification on the Performance Based Planning effort. Andrew Tracy responded that the Federal government wants SJTPO to start keeping track of the performances of various aspects of the transportation infrastructure in a quantifiable way so they can track from year to year if things are getting better. Alan Huff stated an increased effort on incorporating safety into all projects. Alan Huff noted that crash statistics in New Jersey are too high and continue to rise. The Local Safety Program, funded through HSIP funds, can only fund a limited number of projects. Through discussions with NJDOT, the SJTPO has realized that safety needs to factor into all funded projects. High Crash locations determined by Network Screening lists must now be reviewed to determine safety issues, and proven countermeasures should be considered. Low-cost countermeasures will be considered, such as reduced travel lanes, rumble strips, and signage improvements, as they can be more easily implemented. Alan Huff mentioned the topic of bicycle and pedestrian priority areas. Alan Huff stated that this is how SJTPO can implement Complete Streets into our work. To do so, SJTPO will map elements of where bicyclists and pedestrians are located or should be located to a greater degree, such as schools, bus stops, parks, and community centers. These elements will then be used to establish priority areas. Thus, when projects are proposed in these areas, they will address these modes as well. As a final part of the presentation, Alan Huff asked the CAC members, what the SJTPO should look at in the future. Rodney Guishard suggested that SJTPO make the tools they use, such as the roadway surface scanner, available on the local level. Tom Garrett mentioned that the SJTPO website is hard to navigate and that it is not conducive to conveniently providing feedback and advocates for a more user-friendly platform. Nancy Ridgway commented that she lives in a rural area with many traffic signals. She suggests that at night, some signals, where traffic volumes are low, should turn into flashing red or yellow signals, so people do not waste time or gas. A study to look at opportunities to do this across the region should be considered. 6

Richard Morton commented that there is a need to study bicycle and pedestrian access for parks across the region. Harry Moore asked if SJTPO could make a list of best practices or checklist for municipalities to use as a guide when redoing highways or implementing complete streets. Upcoming SJTPO Meetings • Technical Advisory Committee Monday, May 7, 2018; 10:00 AM • Policy Board Monday, May 21, 2018; 10:00 AM • CAC Meeting Monday, July 30, 2018; 6:30 PM (Public Involvement Plan) Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.

7

Current SJTPO Technical Studies Citizens Advisory Committee | April 30, 2018

South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization www.sjtpo.org

Talking About Technical Studies… • What is a Technical Study? • Current Technical Studies • Upcoming Technical Studies • A Few Other Efforts to Mention Keep up with schedule for SJTPO technical studies on our Request for Proposals (RFP) page at www.sjtpo.org/rfp

What is a Technical Study? FY 2018 UPWP 18/400: Technical Program • Consultant-led efforts, managed by SJTPO • Typically involve critical pre-project activities • • • • • •

Planning Studies (large-scale or major regional facilities) Data collection (traffic counts, pavement condition, etc.) Analyze data Public outreach Identify projects (safety) Assemble applications for funding

• Can directly make limited improvements (signal timing) Learn more about SJTPO technical studies within UPWP at www.sjtpo.org/upwp

Current Technical Studies 1. Port of Salem Corridor Freight/Rail Intermodal Study 2. New Jersey Regional Curve Inventory and Safety Assessment 3. Ocean Drive (CR 621) Upgrades and Bridge Improvements Local Concept Development Study 4. Cumberland County Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Action Plan 5. Regional Signal Timing Initiative 6. Automated Pavement Condition Data Collection

1

Port of Salem Freight/Rail Intermodal Study William Schiavi

Road Issues: Alternate Routes, Intersection

Hook Road: Better signage promoting alternative route

Alternative Truck Route for Downtown

West Broadway & Front: Signal timing & geometry

1

Port of Salem Freight/Rail Intermodal Study Rail Issues: Conditions, Siding

Siding needed for some sites, and some facilities are underused Track Conditions have been partly addressed with TIGER funds

1

Port of Salem Freight/Rail Intermodal Study Port Issues:

Rail Access to Port is being addressed

Some Port facilities need upgrading

Channel needs to be maintained to 16 feet; could use deepening to 21 feet

1

Port of Salem Freight/Rail Intermodal Study Economic Development:

Address Vacant properties along rail corridor

Consider providing rail access to other Port properties

Continue riverfront environmental & economic revitalization efforts

1

Port of Salem Freight/Rail Intermodal Study Economic Development (cont’d):

Investigate additional business opportunities for Port: Sand & Soybeans Reactivate & Upgrade the rail yard

2

NJ Regional Curve Inventory and Safety Assessment Jennifer Marandino Dual Focus: 1. Curve advisory speed evaluations by studying horizontal curves (2009 MUTCD) 2. Identify curves with crash trends (HSIP funds)

2

2

NJ Regional Curve Inventory and Safety Assessment Systemic Roadway Departure • Focus Crash Type Analysis • Evaluate crash history for roadway/lane departure • Document common roadway characteristics • Define systemic factors • Priority list of curve locations • List of potential countermeasures

3

Ocean Drive (CR 621) Upgrades and Bridge Improvements Jennifer Marandino • Local Concept Development (LCD) • Local Preliminary Engineering • Final Design/ROW Acquisition • Construction

3

3

Ocean Drive (CR 621) Upgrades and Bridge Improvements Local Concept Development Phase: • Data Collection Fall 2017 • Document Existing Conditions / Develop Purpose and Needs Winter 2017/2018 • Develop Alternatives Spring 2018 • Analyze Alternatives Summer 2018 • Select Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) / Concept Development Report Fall 2018

3

Ocean Drive (CR 621) Upgrades and Bridge Improvements Existing Bridge Conditions: Condition

Mill Creek

Upper Thorofare

Middle Thorofare

Bridge Sufficiency  47.3  34  7  (out of 100) (Functionally Obsolete) (Structurally Deficient) (Structurally Deficient) Superstructure  (scale of 1‐9)

5  (Fair)

5  (Fair)

6  (Satisfactory)

Deck  (scale of 1‐9)

5  (Fair)

4  (Poor)

4  (Poor)

Inspection Year

2016

2016

2015

3

Ocean Drive (CR 621) Upgrades and Bridge Improvements Community Involvement: • Public Outreach is iterative • Local Officials

• Mayor and Council, County Freeholders • Police, Fire, Public Safety, and Emergency Management • Planning and Engineering Departments

• Stakeholders • Public Information Center

4

Cumberland Co Bike/Ped Safety Action Plan Alan Huff

Goal: Use federal safety funds (Highway Safety Improvement Program) to better address bike/ped safety issues • Data-driven program • Bike/ped data is woefully lacking • Project Development • Consultant-led technical assistance

4

Cumberland Co Bike/Ped Safety Action Plan • Modeled from the Newark Ped & Bike Safety Action Plan (2016) • Create bike/ped steering committee • Analyze all bike/ped crashes in the county • Establish a toolkit of strategies • Videos to promote innovative strategies • Pedestrian Road Safety Audits (Ped RSAs) • Fully advance 10 projects for HSIP funding

4

Cumberland Co Bike/Ped Safety Action Plan How the process will work • Analyze all data, identify Top 100 • Committee narrows to Top 25 • Public identifies Top 10 • ID crash problems, list of potential solutions (Ped RSAs, etc.) • Committee & public select solutions • Create & submit complete HSIP packages

5

Regional Signal Timing Initiative Andrew Tracy • FHWA recommends re-timing signals every two to three years • Low-cost method of improving congestion & safety • Builds off prior efforts: • FY 2017 Traffic Signal inventory • FY 2016-2017 Traffic Data Collection

5

Regional Signal Timing Initiative • 38 signals to be optimized: • 6 in Atlantic County • 13 in Cumberland County • 19 in Cape May County

• Trafficware Synchro used to simulate traffic, develop optimal timing plans

6 Automated Pavement Condition Data Collection Andrew Tracy

• FHWA encourages “pavement preservation” methods • Applying right treatment at the right time • Cost-effective road maintenance

• Data collected on 260 miles of municipal roads in Vineland • Pilot effort: will inform regionwide data collection

6 Automated Pavement Condition Data Collection • Data collected with LCMS (Laser Crack Measurement System) • Automated, low-cost method • Locates cracks, ruts, potholes, etc.

Upcoming Technical Studies 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Regional Pavement Condition Data Collection Program Support Data Collection Professional & Technical Services SJTPO Regional Freight Plan Development Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail Network Communications & Marketing Plan 12. Regional Roundabout Feasibility Assessment 13. Regional Sidewalk Inventory

7

Regional Pavement Condition Data Collection Andrew Tracy

• Upcoming FY 2019 study • Pavement condition data for 1,463 miles of county roadways • • • •

371 200 539 353

miles miles miles miles

in Atlantic in Cape May in Cumberland in Salem

• Provide data needed for datadriven pavement preservation

8

Program Support Data Collection Andrew Tracy • Upcoming FY 2019 study • Traffic data collection to support future studies and project development efforts • May include: • • • • •

Traffic counts Intersection counts Asset inventories Freight movement data Other data, as needed

9

Professional and Technical Services David Heller • The SJTPO region does not meet Federal Air Quality standards (Non-Attainment Area for Ozone) • Can be especially harmful for sensitive groups – children, elderly, asthmatics, and people who work outside

9

Professional and Technical Services • Ozone comes from many sources (Power Plants, Refineries) but mobile sources (cars, trucks) are a significant component. • SJTPO provides estimates to the State to evaluate these standards and establish realistic goals to improve air quality

10

SJTPO Regional Freight Plan Development William Schiavi • New Jersey DOT recently completed a Statewide Freight Plan • Mostly focused on State network • Minor mention of regional facilities • Heavily focused on North Jersey due to higher volumes

• Lesson: SJTPO needs a regional freight plan to assess priorities in our region and help identify project needs • State Plan can then be amended to include elements of regional plan

10

SJTPO Regional Freight Plan Development • Identify freight generators in our region • Identify freight network – transportation facilities used to transport that freight • All modes (highway, rail, maritime, aviation, etc.)

• Identify performance-based factors to evaluate system and find shortcomings that limit freight movement • Ex: tight intersection geometries, limited overpass height, bridge weight limits, rail speed and weight limits, etc. • Use that to generate project ideas

11

Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail Network Communications & Marketing Plan Alan Huff • 2016 regional transportation plan, Transportation Matters • …develop and implement a vision for a regional trail network to connect major attractions within the region and to neighboring regions

• Cape May County is leading the way • Our model is The Circuit Trails • Partnered with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

11

Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail Network Communications & Marketing Plan • Project kicks-off in June • Establish a brand • Identify audiences, opportunities, and challenges • Update our inventory • Determine what is part of the system (on-road vs off-road, etc.) • Establish our aspirational network • Identify critical missing links • Promote the story of these gaps

Inventory from Transportation Matters (2015)

Off-road facilities Others to assess

12

Regional Roundabout Feasibility Assessment Alan Huff

Why focus on roundabouts? • 30% of fatal and serious injury crashes occur at intersections* (2x US rate) • Roundabouts DRASTICALLY cut severe crashes at intersections: • Stop controlled by 82%** • Signalized by 78%**

Traffic Circles

≠

Roundabouts

*Source: 2015 NJ SHSP. www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/safety/pdf/2015strategichighwaysafetyplan.pdf **Source: FHWA. https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/roundabouts/

12

Regional Roundabout Feasibility Assessment How the process will work • Identify high crash locations • Narrow-in to find appropriate locations • Go to the public, get buy-in • Get jurisdictional/stakeholder support • Complete Local Safety Application packages to fund improvements

13

Regional Sidewalk Inventory Alan Huff Goal: More TAP, Safe Routes, & other projects that fill in network gaps • Advanced as a top priority of our Technical Advisory Committee • Includes State, County, & Municipal • FHWA noted activity is an eligible expense • Will advance as quickly as we can alongside DVRPC and NJTPA

13

Regional Sidewalk Inventory We expect to include: • Presence of sidewalks • Gaps in sidewalks • Accessible curb ramps • Crosswalk presence • State, County, & Municipal facilities • Condition of facilities • Hope to include a tool for owners to see and maintain data

A Few Other Internal Efforts to Mention • • • 14. 15.

Public Involvement Plan (PIP) Melissa Melora Performance Based Planning David Heller Congestion Management Process (CMP) Andrew Tracy Incorporating Safety In all Projects Alan Huff Bike/Ped Priority Areas Alan Huff & William Schiavi

14

Incorporating Safety Alan Huff Crash statistics are too high and rising • The Local Safety Program (Highway Safety Improvement Program) can fund a limited number of projects • Safety needs to be incorporated into ALL (SJTPO-approved) projects • Any funds spent on a high crash location should address safety • All roadways can be safer

14

Safety in High Crash Locations Alan Huff Any funds spent on a high crash location should address safety • On Network Screening lists (Intersection, HRRR, Ped Spot, Ped Corridor) • Identify and address the safety issues • Consider Proven Safety Countermeasures • Justify if Proven Safety Countermeasures not included

14

Safety in All Projects Alan Huff All roadways can be safer • Create list of low-cost countermeasures • Reduced travel lane 12ft lane ->11ft lane + 1ft shoulder • Rumble strips, high friction surface treatment, signage improvements, etc.

• Identify conditions in which countermeasures would be applicable • Apply countermeasures to projects as conditions permit

15

Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Areas Alan Huff & William Schiavi Reduce bicycle/pedestrian fatalities & serious injuries • 2016 regional transportation plan, Transportation Matters • Evaluate all transportation projects that receive funding through the SJTPO process for their inclusion of complete streets elements, including bicycle, pedestrian, and transit accommodation

• Addresses Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) interest in advancing Complete Streets

15

Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Areas • Identify and map relevant elements: • • • •

Schools Bus stops Density Crashes

• • • •

Parks, libraries, etc. Environmental justice Community centers Etc.

• Use these to establish priority areas • Any projects proposed in priority areas would need to address appropriate modes to receive funding

Example: WILMAPCO

What should we look at in the future • Typically we address critical pre-project activities • • • • • •

Planning studies (large-scale or major regional facilities) Data collection (traffic counts, pavement condition, etc.) Analyze data Public outreach Identify projects (safety) Assemble applications for funding

• Or directly make limited improvements (signal timing)

Thank you! Jennifer Marandino Executive Director [email protected]

Alan J. Huff

David Heller

Andrew Tracy

William Schiavi

Program Manager – Safety Initiatives & Public Outreach [email protected]

Program Engineer - Capital Programming & Project Development [email protected]

Program Manager – Systems Performance & Subregional Program [email protected]

Principal Planner [email protected]

SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR 2019 Monday, January 28, 2019 – 6:30 PM (Reorganization Meeting) Monday, April 29, 2019 – 6:30 PM Monday, July 29, 2019 – 6:30 PM Monday, September 30, 2019 – 6:30 PM

Meeting Location To Be Determined