Project Purpose: Intersections along Pine Street include Maybell Avenue, South Tyler Avenue, and South Fremont Avenue have been selected for the analysis. With this demonstration project, we are reviewing the existing conditions and the conditions with the temporary bulb-outs on the street corners. Rather than constructing the bulb-outs with concrete, we are using temporary delineators. The design of the bulb-outs and no parking areas were determined based on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) highways and street design policies.

Project Duration: The Town intends to have the bulb-outs in place for August and September 2023.

What is sight distance? As many motorists experience when turning onto Pine Street, sight distance is a safety issue at many Pine Street intersection approaches. Intersection sight distance is typically defined as the distance a motorists can see approaching vehicles before their line of sight is blocked by an obstruction near the intersection. The driver of a vehicle approaching or departing from a stopped position at an intersection should have an unobstructed view of the intersection, including any traffic control devices, and sufficient lengths along the intersecting roadway to permit the driver to anticipate and avoid potential collisions. Examples of obstructions include trees, parked vehicles, utility poles, or buildings (FHWA, 2011). Sight distance also impacts pedestrians crossing the street; a common obstruction for pedestrians is vehicle parking, which may force pedestrians to walk onto the pavement to check for oncoming vehicles if permitted too close to a crosswalk. By prohibiting parking and implementing bulb-outs near intersections sight distance can be improved for both drivers and pedestrians.

What are bulb-outs? Bulb-outs are sidewalk extensions that project into the roadway or parking area, reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians while providing a better view to the pedestrian of oncoming traffic and allowing vehicles to better see pedestrians. Bulb-outs can also slow down traffic and provide additional space for landscaping, downtown beautification, and/or public art.

Your feedback is important! Please provide your feedback on the comment map or idea wall by October 15, 2023, regarding your experience with the demonstration project as a motorist, bicyclist, pedestrian, downtown visitor, business owner, child, adult, etc.!