ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street
City of Taunton
June 2009
Prepared for:
Massachusetts Highway Department
Prepared by:
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
38 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table of Contents
Background .................................................................................................................................2
Project Data.................................................................................................................................2
Project Location Description .....................................................................................................3
Road Safety Audit Observations ...............................................................................................5
Safety Issue #1.
Safety Issue #2.
Safety Issue #3.
Safety Issue #4.
Intersection Control ............................................................................................ 7
Limited Sight Distance and Stop Line Locations ............................................... 8
Speed................................................................................................................... 8
Sign Visibility, Placement, and Conformance .................................................... 9
Recommendations .....................................................................................................................10
List of Appendices
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
RSA Meeting Agenda
RSA Audit Team Contact List
Detailed Crash Data
Additional Information
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Locus Map.............................................................................................................................. 4
Project Location and Observations......................................................................................... 6
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 2
Proposed Safety Enhancement Summary............................................................................. 11
Page i
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Background
The intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street in Taunton is in the Top 5% of High Crash
Locations in the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD). The
City of Taunton and SRPEDD requested that a Road Safety Audit (RSA) be conducted at this high crash
location to identify the safety issues and potential safety enhancements because of the relatively high
number of crashes at this location.
Additionally, this intersection meets the initial criteria for eligibility for Highway Safety Improvement
Project (HSIP) funding. Based on the results of this RSA, SRPEDD may consider including this location
in those to receive HSIP funding for design improvements.
Project Data
The audit team conducted an RSA for the intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street in
Taunton, Massachusetts, on May 18, 2009. The RSA agenda is provided in Appendix A. Table 1 lists
the audit team members and their affiliations. Appendix B provides contact information for all team
members.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Jim Hadfield
Lisa Estrela-Pedro
Jacqueline Schmidt
Bruce Pontes
Mark Slusarz
Robert Gregory
Tim White
Lisa Schletzbaum
Bonnie Polin
David Matton
Michelle Langone
Agency/Affiliation
SRPEDD
SRPEDD
SRPEDD
Taunton Police Safety Office
Taunton City Engineer
MassHighway District 5
Federal Highway Administration
MassHighway Safety
MassHighway Safety
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
Page 2
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Project Location Description
The intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street is located in the City of Taunton, as shown
in Figure 1. The intersection is located within a residential and school zone. Three of the four corners
are residential in nature, and the fourth consists of wetlands. Located to the northeast off Williams Street
are Taunton High School, John F. Parker Middle School, and the new Elizabeth Pole Elementary School.
Due to the nearby schools, the intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street has a crossing
guard helping pedestrians cross the street from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. and from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays
during the school year. The Old Elizabeth Pole Elementary School is located to the west of the intersection; however, the school no longer functions as a school but is used by the School Department for afterschool programs, daycare, and administration.
In order to begin assessing the possible safety issues, prior to the RSA the team reviewed a collision
diagram and crash detail summary based on the crash records supplied by the Taunton Police Department.
Of the 34 crashes related to the intersection from 2006 through 2008, 74% were angle crashes. Crashes
typically occurred on dry pavement (56%), during the day (56%), and between the hours of 10:00 a.m.
and 6:00 p.m. (71%). Although the study intersection is located adjacent to Taunton High School, only
approximately 32% of the crashes involved young drivers (aged 17–19). The detailed intersection crash
data from 2006 through 2008 are provided in Appendix C. Other intersection data such as traffic
volumes and additional intersection information provided by the City of Taunton and SRPEDD are
provided in Appendix D.
Prior to 2004, the intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street was a T intersection, with the
Riverway ending at its intersection with Williams Street. Williams Street was the major roadway, and the
Riverway was stop-controlled. In 2004, an extension of the Riverway to Route 140 was constructed east
of the intersection to provide additional capacity, in conjunction with the intersection of Williams Street/
Route 140, and to enhance the connection between Route 140 and Route 44. Upon completion of that
construction, the intersection of the Riverway and Williams Street became a four-leg intersection. The
intersection traffic control changed as a result, so that Williams Street is now stop-controlled and the
Riverway is no longer under stop-control.
The intersection is the junction of the following roadways, which are categorized according to Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation Office of Transportation Planning functional classifications:
Gordon Owen Riverway is an urban collector roadway west of the intersection with Williams Street and a
local roadway east of the intersection with Williams Street. The Riverway, which is owned by the City of
Taunton, runs east–west and connects Route 44 to Route 140 in Taunton. It has one travel lane in each
direction, with wide shoulders. The posted speed limit along the Riverway west of Williams Street is 40
miles per hour for both the eastbound and westbound directions, with a reduction to 25 miles per hour in
the eastbound direction just prior to the intersection. The posted speed limit is consistent with the speed
regulations.
Page 3
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Figure 1.
Locus Map
DON
GOR
WAY
IVER
EN R
OW
SITE
N
Not to scale.
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Williams Street is a local roadway north of the intersection with Gordon Owen Riverway and an urban
collector south of the intersection with the Riverway. William Street runs north–south in the area of its
intersection with the Riverway. Williams Street is owned by the City of Taunton and has one travel lane
in each direction. At its intersection with the Riverway, Williams Street is stop-controlled.
Road Safety Audit Observations
Figure 2 provides a summary of the intersection characteristics. The safety issues and possible enhancements were determined in the RSA conducted on May 18, 2009. Based on RSA team discussions and
field observations, the safety issues include:






Adherence to posted speed limit signs;
Lack of adequate intersection control;
Inadequate pavement markings;
Restricted sight distance;
Peak period congestion; and
Sign visibility.
Several of these possible enhancements require further study and engineering judgment before determining the feasibility of implementation. The sections following the table provide descriptions of the
safety issues determined during the RSA. For each issue, possible enhancements, estimated safety payoff,
time frame, and cost are provided. Safety payoff estimates are based on the approximate percent of
crashes reduced by enhancement and are categorized as low (<30%), medium (31% to 70%), and high
(>71%). The time frame is categorized as short-term (<1 year), mid-term (1 to 3 years), or long-term (>3
years). The costs are categorized as low (<$10,000), medium ($10,001 to $50,000), or high (>$50,001).
Page 5
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Figure 2.
Project Location and Observations
Skating Rink
y
wa
er
Riv
wen
Gordon O
Co
Old Elizabeth Pole
Elementary School
un
ty
Taunton High School
& Middle School
et
tre
S
ms
llia
i
W
Bridge
Ro
ad
(R
ou
te
14
0)
Wetlands
N
Not to scale.
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #1. Intersection Control
Observation:
Based on the crash data provided in Appendix C,
approximately 74% of the crashes at the intersection of
Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street were angle
crashes. RSA team discussions noted that long vehicle
queue lengths and delay, as well as the sight distance
issue on Williams Street, may lead to driver frustration
and willingness to accept smaller gaps in traffic on
Gordon Owen Riverway—resulting in the high
percentage of angle crashes.
Enhancements:
Looking northbound on Williams
Street.
1. Upgrade intersection traffic control using a different device such as all-way stop control,
traffic signals, or roundabout. In 2004, traffic volume data were collected and analysis
conducted at this intersection to determine what would be the best intersection control.
A four-way stop controlled intersection would operate poorly; however, it would improve
the overall intersection safety. Based on the volume data, the peak-hour, four-hour, and
eight-hour traffic signal warrants are met for the installation of a traffic control signal.
However, additional turning lanes are warranted and may require land takings. Further
analysis needs to be conducted to determine if a roundabout would be a suitable traffic
control device at this intersection.
2. Install flashing warning signs for the Riverway northbound approach to the bridge when
the intersection control is changed at Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street.
3. Adjust the approach roadways to one-way configurations. Although this would reduce
some of the vehicle conflicts at this intersection, it would overburden other intersections
in the area.
Page 7
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #2. Limited Sight Distance and Stop Line
Locations
Observation:
As previously stated, approximately 74% of the crashes at
the intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street
were angle crashes. Field observations indicated that
vehicles roll forward and stop in front of the stop lines on
Williams Street (see photo). If a vehicle stops at the current
stop line location, sight distance is limited by adjacent
houses, overgrown shrubs and trees, the roadway alignment,
and bridge railings, and therefore may contribute to the high
percentage of angle crashes.
Enhancements:
Vehicle stopping location on Williams
Street northbound.
1. Trim and maintain shrubs and trees located on the northeast southeast corner of the
intersection.
2. Relocate and re-stripe stop lines and crosswalk and associated wheelchair ramps located
on Williams Street.
Safety Issue #3. Speed
Observation:
Field observations noted that vehicles traveling on
Gordon Owen Riverway do not reduce their speed prior
to the intersection with Williams Street. The speed
regulations for Gordon Owen Riverway were established
in 1978, prior to the construction of Riverway extension.
Enhancements:
1. Review speed regulations along Gordon Owen
Riverway.
Speed limit sign on Gordon Owen
Riverway.
2. Stripe edge lines on Gordon Owen Riverway to
establish 12-foot travel lanes, thereby reducing the appearance of a wider lane and
potentially slowing vehicles down.
3. Install experimental optical speed bars on Gordon Owen Riverway. It should be noted
that the optical speed bars are not yet approved by MassHighway.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Safety Issue #4. Sign Visibility, Placement, and Conformance
Observation:
Field observations noted that some regulatory and warning signs
are located where they inadvertently block other signs. Additionally, some warning signs prior to the intersection are missing
or too small for prevailing conditions or do not conform to the
MUTCD. For example, vehicles traveling eastbound on Gordon
Owen Riverway have an “Intersection Ahead” warning sign
followed by a “Curve Ahead” warning sign.
Enhancements:
1. Review and possibly increase the size of warning signs
located on Gordon Owen Riverway and Williams Street,
per recommendations in the MUTCD.
Sign cluster on Gordon Owen
Riverway.
2. Relocate signs that are blocking other signs, and provide adequate sign spacing.
3. Install “Stop Ahead” warning signs on Williams Street and eliminate the existing
“Intersection Ahead” warning signs.
4. Review the location of the “Intersection Ahead” and “Curve Ahead” warning signs on the
Gordon Owen Riverway eastbound approach.
5. Install chevrons on the bridge at the outside curve on Gordon Owen Riverway and
possibly relocate the “Curve Ahead” warning sign to the southeast corner, departure side
of the intersection.
6. Review “Junction Route 140” Northbound and Southbound sign locations at the
intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street to eliminate or reduce sign
clutter.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Recommendations
Based on its observations and discussions, the RSA team identified the issues and possible enhancements
that could improve the safety at the intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street in Taunton,
Massachusetts. A summary of these safety issues and possible enhancements is provided in Table 2.
Several short-term recommendations include:

Improving the existing pavement markings by relocating the stop lines on Williams Street and
adding edge lines to narrow the travel lanes on Gordon Owen Riverway;

Improving sign visibility and placements on all intersection approaches; and

Maintaining the vegetation areas located adjacent to the intersection.
To enhance the safety at the intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, the long-term
recommendation is to improve the intersection control by means of the installation of a roundabout or
traffic signals. Further study needs to be conducted to determine the most effective and safe intersection
control for Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Table 2. Proposed Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Intersection Control
Limited Sight
Distance and Stop
Line Locations
Speed
Signage
Improvements
Safety Enhancement
Upgrade the intersection traffic control using a different device such
as all-way stop control, traffic signals, or roundabout.
1. All- way stop control
2. Traffic signal
3. Roundabout
Install flashing warning signs for Riverway northbound approach to
bridge when the intersection control is changed at Gordon Owen
Riverway/Williams Street.
Adjust approach roadways to one-way configurations.
Trim and maintain shrubs and trees located on the northeast corner
of the intersection
Relocate and re-stripe stop lines and crosswalk on Williams Street.
Review locations of speed limit signs along Gordon Owen Riverway.
Stripe edge lines on Gordon Owen Riverway to establish 12-foot
travel lanes, thereby reducing the appearance of a wider lane and
potentially slowing vehicles down.
Install experimental optical speed bars on Gordon Owen Riverway.
It should be noted that MassHighway has not yet approved optical
speed bars.
Review and possibly increase size of warning signs on Gordon Owen
Roadway and Williams Street per MUTCD recommendations.
Relocate signs that are blocking other signs, and provide adequate
sign spacing.
Install “Stop Ahead” on Williams Street and eliminate the existing
“Intersection Ahead” warning signs.
Review location of “Intersection Ahead” and “Curve Ahead” warning
signs on the Gordon Owen Riverway eastbound approach.
Install chevrons on the bridge at the outside curve on Gordon Owen
Riverway and possibly relocate the “Curve Ahead” warning sign to
the southeast corner, departure side of the intersection.
Review locations of “Junction Route 140” Northbound and Southbound signs at the intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams
Street to eliminate or reduce sign clutter.
Safety Payoff
1.
2.
3.
Low
High
High
Time Frame
1.
2.
3.
Short-term
Long-term
Long-term
Cost
1.
2.
3.
Low
High
High
Mid
Mid-term
Mid
Mid
Mid-term
Mid
Mid
Short-term
Low
Mid
Mid
Short-term
Short-term
Low
Low
Mid
Short-term
Low
Unknown
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Low
Short-term
Low
Page 11
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Road Safety Audit
Taunton – Gordon Owen Riverway at Williams St.
Meeting Location: “Old” Elizabeth Pole School
110 County Street, Taunton
Monday, May 18, 2009
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Type of meeting:
High Crash Location – Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
10:00 AM
Welcome and Introductions
10:15 AM
Review of Site Specific Material
• Crash, Speed & Volume Summaries– provided in advance
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
10:45 AM
Visit the Site
• Drive to the intersection
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
12:15 AM
Completion of RSA
• Discuss observations and finalize findings
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
1:00 PM
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on May 18th, participants are encouraged to drive
through Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street intersection and
complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List with a focus on safety.
• All participants will be actively involved in the process throughout. Participants
are encouraged to come with thoughts and ideas, but are reminded that the
synergy that develops and respect for others’ opinions are key elements to the
success of the overall RSA process.
• After the RSA meeting, participants will be asked to comment and respond to the
document materials to assure it is reflective of the RSA completed by the
multidisciplinary team.
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Participating Audit Team Members
Date:
May 18, 2009
Audit Team Members
Jim Hadfield
Lisa Estrela-Pedro
Jacqueline Schmidt
Bruce Pontes
Mark Slusarz
Robert Gregory
Tim White
Lisa Schletzbaum
Bonnie Polin
Dave Matton
Michelle Langone
Location: “Old” Elizabeth Pole School, 110 County Street, Taunton
Agency/Affiliation
Email Address
Phone Number
SRPEDD
jhadfield@srpedd.org
(508) 824-1367
SRPEDD
lestrela@srpedd.org
(508) 824-1367
SRPEDD
jschmidt@srpedd.org
(508) 824-1367
Taunton Police Safety Office
bponters@tauntonPD.com
(508) 821-1471 x121
Taunton City Engineer
coteng@tmlp.net
(508) 821-1027
MassHighway District 5
robert.gregory@mhd.state.ma.us
(508) 884-4245
Federal Highway Administration
Timothy.A.White@fhwa.dot.gov
(617) 494-3290
MassHighway Safety
lisa.schletzbaum@mhd.state.ma.us
(617) 973-7685
MassHighway Safety
bonnie.polin@mhd.state.ma.us
(617) 973-7991
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
dmatton@hshassoc.com
(617) 482-7080
Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates
mlangone@hshassoc.com
(617) 482-7080
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Crash Data Summary
Intersection of Gordon Owen Riverway and Williams Street
2006-2008
Crash
Number
Crash Day Crash Date
Time of Day
Manner of
Collision
Weather
Light Condition Condition
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Friday
02/03/06
11:30 Angle
Daylight
Rain
Friday
05/05/06
14:12 Angle
Daylight
Clear
Wednesday
06/14/06
20:12 ---Saturday
06/24/06
18:29 ---Wednesday
07/05/06
15:07 ---Thursday
09/14/06
15:54 ---Saturday
09/23/06
10:57 Angle
Daylight
Clear
Friday
09/29/06
12:15 Angle
Daylight
Rain
Saturday
10/07/06
12:13 Angle
Daylight
Cloudy
Thursday
12/07/06
16:27 Angle
Dark - lighted road Clear
Thursday
12/07/06
16:36 Rear-end
Dusk
Clear
Monday
12/18/06
17:50 Angle
Dark - lighted road Clear
Tuesday
03/20/07
9:23 Angle
Daylight
Clear
Friday
04/27/07
10:08 Angle
Daylight
Cloudy
Thursday
06/07/07
18:52 Angle
Daylight
Clear
Sunday
07/22/07
14:11 ---Friday
09/14/07
19:30 Angle
Dusk
Clear
Saturday
09/15/07
11:53 Angle
Daylight
Rain
Monday
09/17/07
15:29 ---Thursday
09/27/07
11:36 ---Wednesday
10/03/07
6:57 Angle
Daylight
Cloudy
Sunday
11/11/07
18:00 Angle
Dark - lighted road Clear
Tuesday
12/18/07
7:40 Angle
Daylight
Clear
Friday
02/22/08
8:01 ---Tuesday
03/04/08
11:25 Angle
Dark - lighted road Rain
Wednesday
03/12/08
13:31 Angle
Daylight
Rain
Wednesday
03/26/08
10:58 Angle
Daylight
Cloudy
Thursday
07/03/08
15:33 Angle
Daylight
Clear
Friday
07/04/08
13:40 Angle
Daylight
Cloudy
Wednesday
08/27/08
16:37 Angle
Daylight
Clear
Tuesday
09/23/08
6:35 Angle
Dawn
Clear
Wednesday
10/22/08
14:08 Angle
Daylight
Cloudy
Friday
10/24/08
16:12 Angle
Daylight
Clear
Thursday
12/11/08
14:16 Angle
Daylight
Rain
non-school months
weekend days
young driver involvement
* First column of Driver's Age data represents the Age of the driver with associated Driver Contributing Code.
Road
Surface
Driver Contributing Code
Wet
Dry
----Dry
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
-Dry
Wet
--Dry
Dry
Dry
-Wet
Wet
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Wet
Dry
Wet
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings
No Improper Driving
----Failed to yield right of way
Followed too closely
Failed to yield right of way
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings
Followed too closely
Failed to yield right of way
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings
Failed to yield right of way
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings
-Driving too fast for conditions
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings
--Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings
Failed to yield right of way
Glare
-Failed to yield right of way
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road markings
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Failed to yield right of way
Summary
34
Total Crashes
Manner of Collision
Angle
Rear-End
Unknown
25
1
8
73.5%
2.9%
23.5%
Dry
19
55.9%
Monday
2
5.9%
Road Surface
Wet
Unknown
7
8
20.6%
23.5%
Tuesday
4
11.8%
Wednesday
7
20.6%
6:00am-10:00am 10:00am-2:00pm
5
11
14.7%
32.4%
Dawn
1
2.9%
Daylight
19
55.9%
Day of Week
Thursday
Friday
7
8
20.6%
23.5%
2:00pm-6:00pm
13
38.2%
Lighting
Dusk
2
5.9%
Saturday
4
11.8%
Time of Day
6:00pm-10:00pm 10:00-2:00am
5
0
14.7%
0.0%
Dark-lighted
Unknown
4
11.8%
2:00am-6:00am
0
0.0%
8
23.5%
Sunday
2
5.9%
Source: Taunton Police Department
Driver's Age*
87
89
22
38
82
26
18
48
28
36
21
17
19
82
25
28
56
18
19
28
61
19
28
72
35
21
75
18
17
27
27
36
41
37
51
34
17
78
53
83
73
17
28
29
48
58
66
18
27
18
32
20
Comments
-----
--
---
--
23
Police Detail directing traffic when crash happened
Police report notes DOB as '02 however Google estimate is 21
Road Safety Audit—Gordon Owen Riverway/Williams Street, Taunton
Prepared by Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc.
Appendix D. Additional Information
TAUNTON
Gordon Owen Riverway @ Williams St
2004 - 2006 Collision Diagram
St
s
m
a
illi
W
# 16
# 18
11,
0,
1
,
,9
,7
3
#
# 33
11
#1
,
24
9,
1
,
13
2
,3
29
,
28
# 21
#2
2
# 4, 5
3
4
#
7
5, 2
2
,
17
# 8, 34, 35, 39
#6
? #26
ay
rw
ve
Ri
en
Ow
4,
,1
2
#1
2,
,2
0
,2
15
,
31
0,
3
,
23
40
8,
3
,
37
M
on
ord
nG
11
Ho
# 36
40 Total Crashes
29 Angle Crashes (73%) - 15 Injury (51%)
GEOMETRIC DESIGN
Issue
Comment
A. Speed – (Design Speed; Speed Limit & Zoning; Sight Distance; Overtaking
Are there speed-related issues along the corridor?
Please consider the following elements:
• Horizontal and vertical alignment;
• Posted and advisory speeds
• Driver compliance with speed limits
• Approximate sight distance
• Safe passing opportunities
B. Road alignment and cross section
With respect to the roadway alignment and crosssection please consider the appropriateness of the
following elements:
• Functional class (Urban Principal Arterial)
• Delineation of alignment;
• Widths (lanes, shoulders, medians);
• Sight distance for access points;
• Cross-slopes
• Curbs and gutters
• Drainage features
C. Intersections
For intersections along the corridor please consider all
potential safety issues. Some specific considerations
should include the following:
• Intersections fit alignment (i.e. curvature)
• Traffic control devices alert motorists as
necessary
• Sight distance and sight lines seem appropriate
• Vehicles can safely slow/stop for turns
• Conflict point management
• Adequate spacing for various vehicle types
• Capacity problems that result in safety problems
D. Auxiliary lanes
• Do auxiliary lanes appear to be adequate?
• Could the taper locations and alignments be
causing safety deficiencies?
• Are shoulder widths at merges causing safety
deficiencies?
E. Clear zones and crash barriers
For the roadside the major considerations are clear
zone issues and crash barriers. Consider the following:
• Do there appear to be clear zones issues?
⎯ Are hazards located too close the road?
⎯ Are side slopes acceptable?
• Are suitable crash barriers (i.e, guard rails,
curbs, etc.) appropriate for minimizing crash
severity?
• Barrier features: end treatments, visibility, etc.
F. Bridges and culverts – (if necessary)
Are there specific issues related to bridges and culverts
that may result in safety concerns?
G. Pavement – (Defects, Skid Resistance, and Flooding)
• Is the pavement free of defects including
excessive roughness or rutting, potholes, loose
material, edge drop-offs, etc.) that could result
in safety problems (for example, loss of
steering control)?
• Does the pavement appear to have adequate
skid resistance, particularly on curves, steep
grades and approaches to intersections?
• Is the pavement free of areas where flooding or
sheet flow of water could contribute to safety
problems?
• In general, is the pavement quality sufficient
for safe travel of heavy and oversized vehicles?
H. Lighting (Lighting and Glare)
It is important to consider to the impacts of lighting.
Some specifics include the following:
• Is lighting required and, if so, has it been
adequately provided?
• Are there glare issues resulting from headlights
during night time operations or from sunlight?
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
Issue
I. Signs
Signage is a critical element in providing a safe
roadway environment. Please consider the following:
• Are all current signs visible (consider both
night and day)? Are they conspicuous and
clear? Are the correct signs used for each
situation?
• Does the retroreflectivity or illumination appear
satisfactory?
• Are there any concerns regarding sign
supports?
J. Traffic signals
• If present, do the traffic signals appear to be
designed, installed, and operating correctly?
• Is the signal processing the traffic efficiently?
• Is the controller located in a safe position?
(where it is unlikely to be hit, but maintenance
access is safe)
• Is there adequate sight distance to the ends of
possible vehicle queues?
K. Marking and delineation
• Is the line marking and delineation:
⎯ appropriate for the function of the road?
⎯ consistent along the route?
⎯ likely to be effective under all expected
conditions? (day, night, wet, dry, fog, rising
and setting sun, oncoming headlights, etc.)
• Are centerlines, edgelines, and lane lines
provided? If not, do drivers have adequate
guidance?
Comment
ROADWAY ACTIVITY
Issue
With respect to roadway activity please consider safety
elements related to the following:
• Pedestrians
• Bicycles
• Public transportation vehicles and riders
• Emergency vehicles
• Commercial vehicles
• Slow moving vehicles
Comment
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Issue
Weather & Animals
From an environmental perspective it is important to
consider any potential impacts. Most notably is likely
to be the impacts of weather or animals, including:
• Possible effects of rain, fog, snow, ice, wind on
design features.
• Has snow fall accumulation been considered in
the design (storage, sight distance around
snowbanks, etc.)?
• Are there any known animal travel/migration
routes in surrounding areas which could affect
design?
Comment