JAMESTOWN – A proposed $4.2 million project that will be considered by the Jamestown City Council this week, could turn Washington Street into a three-lane roadway with bicycle and pedestrian lanes.
Council will see a presentation from the New York State Department of Transportation on Monday night regarding possible changes to be done because the street needs to be milled and resurfaced.
DOT proposed three alternatives for Council to consider. The first is not to do anything.
The second plan is to mill and resurface with ADA improvements while maintaining existing lane configuration for both NY Route 430 (Washington Street) and NY Route 394 (Fairmount Avenue).
In addition, the alternative would replace and/or modify 11 traffic signals along both Washington Street and Fairmount Avenue, replacing all signage, placing new striping, and correcting drainage deficiencies associated with the closed drainage system by cleaning and drainage structure repairs.
The third plan, which the state recommends, is to mill and resurface with ADA improvements along with a four-lane to three-lane ‘road diet’ conversion of Washington Street from Fluvanna Avenue to West Second Street while maintaining the same lane configuration on Fairmount Avenue.
This configuration would result in the creation of a two-way left-turn lane along with new five feet bike lanes with a two feet buffer on along both sides of the street.
In addition, the alternative would replace and/or modify 1 traffic signals along both Washington Street and Fairmount Avenue, replace all signage, place new striping, and correct drainage deficiencies associated with the closed drainage system by cleaning and drainage structure repairs.
State officials say driver safety on Washington Street will increase through the addition of a two-way left turn lane while better accommodating pedestrians through high visibility crosswalks and additional sidewalk connectivity and upgraded curb ramps.
Bicycle safety will also be increased on Washington Street through addition of five-foot bike lanes with two-foot buffer lanes in both directions.
Traffic signals along both Washington Street and Fairmount Avenue will additionally be replaced or modified.
Officials say on average Washington Street sees over 12,000 vehicles per year while Fairmont Avenue sees over 15,000.
The timeline for the $4,209,000 federally funded plan is to obtain design approval this spring, finalize the design this summer, open bids in the fall and complete the project by next fall.
A full look at the proposal is posted below:
[pdf-embedder url=”http://new.wnynewsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ProposedRoadworkPDF.pdf”]
I think the “3 lane may work on Washington only if the lights were timed well. Don’t know that I would agree with a 3 lane on fairmount Ave.
This is great, especially since council doesn’t have to pay for it. Nearly 1/4 of Jamestown households don’t have cars so the ability to bike safely will help a lot of families. Plus it’s a good way to get exercise.