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Home : BRPC Archive : Transportation Planning : Access Study : Meeting Background and Materials
Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative An Auto-Oriented Improvements Package Draft - August 10, 2000 The North-Central Berkshire Access Study must include at least one TSM alternative in its "short list" of alternatives. This document summarizes potential auto-oriented TSM solutions. These TSM solutions will ultimately be combined to form a TSM alternative. The auto-oriented TSM solutions target streets and intersections in the study area that:
Auto-Oriented Improvements, Lee - Lenox Eaton Street/Elm Street Traffic Patterns in Lee: The intent of this improvement is to minimize roadway use conflicts in downtown Lee. The improvement consists of changing Eaton Street to one-way traffic eastbound and changing Elm Street to one-way traffic northbound. Left Turn Restrictions in Lee: The intent of this improvement is to improve traffic flow through downtown Lee by eliminating left-turn conflicts. The improvement consists of left-turn restrictions in Lee from Route 20 onto Eaton Street, Franklin Street, and Academy Street. The removal of the right-turn restriction from Route 20 southbound onto Canal Street should also be considered in this improvement High Street Couplet (One-Way) with Main Street in Lee: The intent of this improvement is to distribute traffic demand in downtown Lee between Main Street (Route 20) and High Street. The improvement consists of dedicating Main Street to one-way traffic southbound and dedicating High Street to one-way traffic northbound. This improvement would allow vehicle right-of-way to be reduced on Main Street, thereby opening up opportunities for parking, pedestrian, and bicycle improvements. Parking Enforcement in Lee: The intent of this improvement is to enhance safety and traffic flow in downtown Lee. The improvement consists of the elimination of angle parking on Main Street and/or the reconfiguration of diagonal parking to parallel parking. The improvement should also investigate development of off-street parking areas that are accessible to the downtown. Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation in Lee: This improvement consists of providing bicycle and pedestrian facilities to encourage the use of alternative transportation. It includes street furniture, bicycle racks, information kiosks, improved walkways, signing, and pedestrian signal equipment. Event Management for Tanglewood in Stockbridge/Lenox: The intent of this improvement is to enhance safety and traffic flow during special events at Tanglewood. The improvement consists of the development of a comprehensive traffic management plan, coordination with local officials/police, and designation of transit staging areas, overflow parking lots, and emergency management plans. Signalized Massachusetts Turnpike Ramps in Lee: The intent of this improvement is to increase safety and capacity at the turnpike ramp intersection with Route 20. Currently, it is difficult to turn left from the off-ramp onto Route 20 because the intersection is unsignalized. The new signal would be coordinated with adjacent signals at Routes 20 and 102 and Route 20 and Shopping Center Drive. Signage Program in South County: The intent of this improvement is to coordinate directional and guide sign messaging in South County. A comprehensive signage program should include guidance to town centers, cultural attractions, public parking facilities, transit facilities, and other points of interest. Signing should be evaluated for all major roadways and upgraded and/or replaced to ensure consistency and proper visibility. Auto-Oriented Improvements, Pittsfield - Dalton One-Way Street Pairs in Pittsfield: The intent of this improvement is to reduce travel times and accident rates in downtown Pittsfield, while providing an opportunity to enhance signal timing. The improvement consists of creating one-way street pairs on East Street and East Housatonic, and/or First Street and Second Street, and/or Tyler Street and Burbank Street. Intersection Geometry Improvements in Pittsfield: The intent of this improvement is to reduce accident rates and improve lane utilization in downtown Pittsfield. This improvement consists of a detailed study to determine if lane arrangements at intersections are allocated effectively. Reassignment of approach lanes can increase safety and efficiency. In addition, minor widening can make turns easier for trucks and delivery vehicles. Closed Loop Traffic Signal System in Pittsfield: The intent of this improvement is to enhance operations and safety in downtown Pittsfield. The improvement consists of upgrading and optimizing the existing interconnected signal system in the downtown. Installation of Traffic Signals in Pittsfield: The intent of this improvement is to improve operations and safety in downtown Pittsfield. The improvement consists of a detailed signal warrant analysis and the installation of traffic signals and geometric enhancements at the following intersections: First Street at Burbank Street and Stoddard Avenue; North Street at Burbank Street and Tyler Street; East Housatonic Street at Bartlett Avenue and Pomeroy; and East Street at Second Street. Parking Enforcement in Pittsfield: The intent of this improvement is to enhance safety and traffic flow in downtown Pittsfield. The improvement consists of the elimination of on-street parking on select blocks, where necessary, or restriction of parking during peak commuter periods. The improvement should also investigate the development of off-street parking areas. Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation in Pittsfield: This improvement consists of providing bicycle and pedestrian facilities to encourage the use of alternative transportation. It includes street furniture, bicycle racks, information kiosks, improved walkways, signing, and pedestrian signal equipment. Signage Program in Central County: The intent of this improvement is to improve and coordinate directional and guide sign messaging in Central County. A comprehensive signage program should include guidance to town centers, cultural attractions, public parking facilities, transit facilities, and other points of interest. Signing should be evaluated for all major roadways and upgraded and/or replaced to ensure consistency and proper visibility. Auto-Oriented Improvements, Adams - North Adams One-Way Couplet in Adams: The intent of this improvement is to improve traffic flow and safety in downtown Adams and provide opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The improvement consists of implementing a one-way couplet on Park Street (Route 8) and Depot or Summer Streets. One-way operations generally ease the friction between vehicles and bicycles on streets. Intersection Geometry Improvements in Adams: The intent of this improvement is to reduce accident rates and better lane utilization in downtown Adams. This improvement consists of a detailed study to determine if lane arrangements at intersections are allocated effectively. Reassignment of approach lanes can increase safety and efficiency. In addition, minor widening can make turns easier for trucks and delivery vehicles. Intersection Geometry Improvements in North Adams: The intent of this improvement is to reduce accident rates and better lane utilization in downtown North Adams. This improvement consists of a detailed study to determine if lane arrangements at intersections are allocated effectively. Reassignment of approach lanes can increase safety and efficiency. Parking Enforcement in Adams: The intent of this improvement is to enhance safety and traffic flow in downtown Adams. The improvement consists of the elimination of on-street parking on select blocks, where necessary, or restriction of parking during peak commuter periods. The improvement should also investigate the development of off-street parking areas. Parking Enforcement in North Adams: The intent of this improvement is to enhance safety and traffic flow in downtown North Adams. The improvement consists of the elimination of on-street parking on select blocks, where necessary, or restriction of parking during peak commuter periods. The improvement should also investigate the development of off-street parking areas. Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation in North County: This improvement consists of providing bicycle and pedestrian facilities to encourage the use of alternative transportation. Street furniture, bicycle racks, information kiosks, improved walkways, signing and pedestrian signal equipment is all included. Signage Program in North County: The intent of this improvement is to improve and coordinate directional and guide sign messaging in North County. A comprehensive signage program should include guidance to town centers, cultural attractions, public parking facilities, transit facilities, and other points of interest. Directional signage should also be installed to guide travelers between north County towns and the Massachusetts Turnpike and other regional access routes. Signing should be evaluated for all major roadways and upgraded and/or replaced to ensure consistency and proper visibility. 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