Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Study
Fall River, MA
Public Information Meeting #2
November 21, 2013
Fall River Heritage State Park
Fall River, MA
Agenda
Welcome and Introductions
Overview of Study Process
Review of Study Goals and Objectives
Summary of Existing and Future No-Build Conditions
Review of Issues, Constraints and Opportunities
Alternatives Development
Alternatives Analysis
Welcome and Introductions
MassDOT - Ethan Britland – Project Manager
Study Team
Joe Cahill – Consultant Team Project Manager (TranSystems)
Lenny Velichansky – Consultant Deputy Project Manager/Traffic (TranSystems)
Teresa Sandell – Traffic and Roadway Design (TranSystems)
Jill Barrett – Public Involvement (Fitzgerald & Halliday)
Margaret Collins – Land Use/Economic Development (Cambridge Economics)
Sudhir Murthy – Traffic (TrafInfo)
Deanna Peabody – Traffic (TrafInfo)
Study Process
Task 1
Task 2
Develop Goals &
Objectives,
Evaluation Criteria
and Public
Involvement Plan
Task 3
Identify Existing and
Future No-Build
Conditions and
Evaluate Issues
Task 4
Task 5
Analyze Alternatives
Develop Final
Recommendations
Develop
Transportation
Alternatives
Task 1
Task 1
Goals and Objectives
Study Area
Evaluation Criteria
Public Involvement Process
Goals and Objectives
Goals and Objectives
Objectives
 Provide better multimodal connectivity between Fall River
neighborhoods and its waterfront
 Enhance multimodal access to the future South Coast Rail
 Balance local and regional mobility
 Improve and enhance safety conditions
 Increase opportunities for economic development and land use
 Minimize potential impacts to the environment and community
Focus Area
Braga Bridge
Wilbur Avenue
Regional Transportation Impact Area
Veterans
Memorial
Bridge
I-195/Route 79
Interchange
Design-Build
Project
N. Main
Street
Route 79 /
Davol Street
Corridor
Eastern
Avenue
Watuppa Pond
Highland
Avenue
Taunton River
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria Categories






Mobility
Safety
Health and Environmental Effects
Land Use and Economic Development
Community Effects
Cost
Public Involvement Plan
Working Group Meetings
Local officials & community members
7 meetings
Provides input to the team on the study process
Represents respective organizations with
two-way communication
Public Meetings
2 meetings
Newsletters
Study Website: www.mass.gov/massdot/route79
Task 2
Task 2
Existing Conditions
Future No-Build Conditions
Issues, Constraints and Opportunities
2035 Developments (No-Build Scenario)
Restaurant on Remington Ave.
125 New Jobs
Marina at City Pier
6 New Jobs
Commonwealth Landing Mill
Population – 112
525 New Jobs
Regata Club
70 New Jobs
South Coast Rail
Focus Area Total
Population – 112
726 New Jobs
Existing and Future No-Build Conditions
Traffic
Level of Service Criteria
2012 Existing Traffic Operation – Regional Level
Legend
Braga Bridge
Wilbur
Ave
AM PM
Veterans Memorial
Bridge
Taunton River
President
Avenue
Eastern Avenue
Watuppa Pond
2035 No-Build Traffic Operation – Regional Level
Legend
Braga Bridge
Wilbur
Ave
AM PM
Veterans Memorial
Bridge
Taunton River
President
Avenue
Eastern Avenue
Watuppa Pond
2012 Existing Traffic Operation – Focus Area Level
Legend
AM PM
2035 No-Build Traffic Operation – Focus Area Level
Legend
AM PM
Existing and Future No-Build Conditions
Safety
Three-Year Crash History (2008-2010)
10 Crashes
Rate = 1.00
3 Crashes
Rate = 0.28
14 Crashes
Rate = 1.21
9 Crashes
Rate = 0.54
2 Crashes
Rate = 0.18
48 Crashes
Rate = 1.75
16 Crashes
Rate = 0.84
6 Crashes
Rate = 0.48
45 Crashes
Rate = 2.00
7 Crashes
Rate = 2.09
Existing and Future No-Build Conditions
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Routes
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Routes
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Routes
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Routes
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Routes
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Routes
Quequechan River Bike Trail and Regional Connections
Existing Path
Wilbur
Avenue
Planned Path
Future Connector
Braga Bridge
Proposed
Quequechan
River Bike
Trail
Veterans
Memorial
Bridge
N. Main Street
Future
Connector
Existing
Quequechan
River Bike
Trail
President
Avenue
Watuppa Pond
Taunton River
Existing and Future No-Build Conditions
Transit
Future Transit – South Coast Rail
Existing and Future No-Build Conditions
Issues, Constraints and
Opportunities
Issues & Constraints - Transportation
High crash rates on President Avenue and Davol Street
A number of crashes involving pedestrians
Lack of continuity in pedestrian paths of travel
Lack of designated provisions for bicycles
Limited connectivity between areas east and west of Rte. 79
Opportunities - Transportation
Excess capacity on Route 79 allows some flexibility in
development of alternatives
Reconfiguration of Route 79/Davol Street Corridor will
facilitate safety and circulation improvements for all modes
Issues & Constraints – Economic Development and Land Use
Economic:
Low income/high unemployment/poverty
Low Real Estate prices indicate weak demand
Land Use:
Underutilized sites on the west side of Davol Street
Shallow sites on east side of Davol St.
Rail barrier on east side of study area from Central to Pearce
Street
Opportunities – Economic Development and Land Use
• South Coast Rail – Transit Oriented Development potential
• Good supply of redevelopment sites along the river
• Riverfront becoming a regional draw
Task 3
Task 3
Transportation Alternatives
Development
Transportation Alternatives Development
Short-Term Improvements
Mid-Term Improvements
Long-Term Alternatives
Transportation Alternatives Development
Short-Term and Mid-Term
Improvements
Short-Term Safety Improvements
45 Crashes
Rate = 2.00
Short-Term Safety Improvements
Short-Term Safety Improvements
Short-Term Safety Improvements
Short-Term Safety Improvements
48 Crashes
Rate = 1.75
16 Crashes
Rate = 0.84
Short-Term Safety Improvements
Short-Term Safety Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Short-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Mid-Term Bicycle Circulation Improvements
Transportation Alternatives Development
Long-Term Alternatives
Long-Term Alternatives
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Route 79
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Task 4
Task 4
Alternatives Analysis
Assumed Development Mix
Based on Commonwealth Landing Mill
Consistent with 2002 Harbor Plan
 5-Story Buildings
Retail: One Floor
Office: One Floor
Residential: 3 Floors
Maximum Development Potential
Maximum Physical Build-Out
Land Use
Alternative 1
Elevated Route 79
Alternative 2
Urban Boulevard
Alternative 3
Boulevard with
Frontage Roads
Parcel Size 10.1 ac
Parcel Size: 10.6 ac
Parcel Size: 15.0 ac
Retail
265,912 sf
280,041 sf
398,209 sf
Residential
797,737 sf
840,122 sf
1,194,626 sf
Office
265,912 sf
280,041 sf
398,209 sf
1,329,561 sf
1,400,204 sf
1,991,044 sf
Total Developable Area
Supported Development Potential
Maximum Build-Out Supported by Proposed Roadway Infrastructure
Alternative Component
Development Area
Parking Requirements*
Open Space within Parcels
Construction Cost
* Assumes structured parking
Alternative 1
Elevated Rte. 79
Alternative 2
Urban Boulevard
1.3m sf (100% of max) 1.2m sf (85% of max)
Alternative 3
Frontage Roads
0.3m sf (15% of max)
960 spaces
877 spaces
296 spaces
2.45 ac (24%)
3.73 ac (35%)
13.37 ac (89%)
$100m
$55m
$55m
Braga Bridge
Wilbur
Ave
Alternative 1 - Traffic Operation: Regional Level
Veterans Memorial
Bridge
Taunton River
Highland Avenue
President
Avenue
Eastern Avenue
Watuppa Pond
Alternative 1 - Traffic Operation: Focus Area Level
Legend
AM PM
Alternative 2 – PM Peak Hour Traffic Diversions
Braga Bridge
Wilbur
Ave
Westbound diversion
200 vehicles per hour
Veterans Memorial
Bridge
Eastbound diversion
300 vehicles per hour
Taunton River
Highland Avenue
President
Avenue
Eastern Avenue
Watuppa Pond
Braga Bridge
Wilbur
Ave
Alternative 2 - Traffic Operation: Regional Level
Veterans Memorial
Bridge
Taunton River
Highland Avenue
President
Avenue
Eastern Avenue
Watuppa Pond
Alternative 2 - Traffic Operation: Focus Area Level
Legend
AM PM
Alternative 3 – PM Peak Hour Traffic Diversions
Braga Bridge
Wilbur
Ave
Westbound diversion
100 vehicles per hour
Veterans Memorial
Bridge
Eastbound diversion
200 vehicles per hour
Taunton River
Highland Avenue
President
Avenue
Eastern Avenue
Watuppa Pond
Braga Bridge
Wilbur
Ave
Alternative 3 - Traffic Operation: Regional Level
Veterans Memorial
Bridge
Taunton River
Highland Avenue
President
Avenue
Eastern Avenue
Watuppa Pond
Alternative 3 – Traffic Operation: Focus Area Level
Legend
AM PM
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79
Alternative 1: Elevated Limited Access Rte. 79
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 2: Urban Boulevard
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Alternative 3: Boulevard with Frontage Roads
Evaluation Matrix – Mobility
Alternatives
MOBILITY
No Build
Rating
Diversions
Number of
Traffic Signals
Operation
Discussion
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
2 – At Grade Route 79
Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
Discussion
No Diversions
No Diversions
500 Vehicles Diverted
300 Vehicles Diverted
2 Traffic Signals
On Davol Street
7 Traffic Signals
On Davol Street
4 Traffic Signals
On Route 79
6 Traffic Signals
On Route 79 and
Davol Street
1 Intersection Operates
at Level of Service D
1 Intersection Operates
at Level of Service F
1 Intersection Operates
at Level of Service D
2 Intersections Operate
at Level of Service D
All Intersections
Operate at Level of
Service C or better
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
1 Intersection Operates
at Level of Service E
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Mobility
Alternatives
MOBILITY
Rating
Travel Time
Route 79 *
(minutes)
Travel Time
Davol Street *
(minutes)
Pedestrian Delay
(along President Ave
from Lindsey St to
Bicentennial Park)
Pedestrian Time
Savings
(Turner St to City Pier)
(Existing travel time is
17 min 34 sec)
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
No Build
Discussion
AM
Northbound 1.3
Southbound 1.3
AM
Northbound 2.7
Southbound
Rating
PM
1.3
1.3
PM
2.7
1.8 2.6
Discussion
AM
Northbound 1.3
Southbound 1.3
AM
Northbound 2.8
Southbound
2 – At Grade Route 79
Boulevard
Rating
PM
1.3
1.3
PM
3.7
2.0 2.3
Discussion
AM
Northbound 2.4
Southbound 2.7
AM
Northbound 2.4
Southbound
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
PM
2.9
2.9
PM
2.4
1.4 1.4
Discussion
AM
Northbound 3.4
Southbound 3.3
AM
Northbound 3.9
Southbound
1.6 1.7
Distance: 450 feet
PM Peak Hour:
1 min 24 sec
Distance: 450 feet
PM Peak Hour:
1 min 24 sec
Distance: 450 feet
PM Peak Hour:
1 min 46 sec
Distance: 450 feet
PM Peak Hour:
2 min 55 sec
Distance: 3,400 feet
0 min 0 sec
Distance: 560 feet
PM Peak Hour:
13 min 30 sec
Distance: 560 feet
PM Peak Hour:
13 min 8 sec
Distance: 560 feet
PM Peak Hour:
11 min 59 sec
* Travel Time along Route 79 and Davol Street is measured between Cedar Street and the Route 6 Overpass (approximately 1 mile)
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Some
Moderate
PM
3.5
4.5
PM
4.7
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Safety Considerations
Alternatives
SAFETY
No Build
Rating
Pedestrian and
Bicycle Safety
Discussion
• Existing wheelchair
ramps and
sidewalks do not
meet current design
standards and ADA
requirements
• No designated
bicycle facilities are
provided within the
corridor
• Sidewalks provided
along one side of NB
and SB Davol
Streets
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
• ADA compliant
crossings at all
intersections and
driveways.
• Designated
sidewalks and bike
facilities provided
throughout project
limits.
• East-west access
provided for
bicycles and
pedestrians along 4
cross streets
without conflict from
vehicular traffic
2 – At Grade Route 79
Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
• ADA compliant
crossings at all
intersections and
driveways.
• Designated
sidewalks and bike
facilities are
provided throughout
project limits.
• Pedestrians and
bicyclists have long
crossing distances
and conflicts at
Route 79
intersections.
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Discussion
• ADA compliant
crossings at all
intersections and
driveways.
• Designated
sidewalks and bike
facilities are
provided throughout
project limits.
• Pedestrians and
bicyclists have long
crossing distances
and conflicts at
Route 79
intersections.
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Safety Considerations
Alternatives
SAFETY
No Build
Rating
Vehicular
Safety
Discussion
• High crash locations
at President Avenue
at Lindsey Street,
President Avenue at
North Main Street, UTurn near Cedar
Street, and Lindsey
Street at Brownell
Street
• One east-west
crossing limits
emergency response
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
• Eliminated approach
at high crash location
of President Avenue
and Lindsey Street
• North Main Street
intersection improved
by adding protected
left turn phase (short
term)
• U-Turn visibility and
signage improved
(short term)
• Additional crossings
provide improved
emergency response
times
2 – At Grade Route 79 Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
• Eliminated approach
at high crash location
of President Avenue
and Lindsey Street
• North Main Street
intersection improved
by adding protected
left turn phase (short
term)
• Unsafe access to
Brownell is eliminated
• U-Turn near Cedar
Street is eliminated
• Additional crossings
provide improved
emergency response
times
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
Discussion
• Eliminated approach
at high crash location
of President Avenue
and Lindsey Street
• North Main Street
intersection improved
by adding protected
left turn phase (short
term)
• Lindsey & Brownell
Intersection
reconfigured
• U-Turn near Cedar
Street is eliminated
• Additional crossings
provide improved
emergency response
times
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Health and Environmental Effects
Alternatives
HEALTH AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS
No Build
Rating
Discussion
•
Sustainable
Design
Emissions *
* PM Peak Hour values provided
•
Existing corridor has
35.0 acres of
impervious area (57%
impervious)
No treatment or Best
Management
Practices are in place
for existing
stormwater prior to
discharge into the
impaired, wild &
scenic Taunton River
Total Corridor Emissions:
• CO – 6.55 kg
• NOx – 1.27 kg
• VOC – 1.52 kg
Total Regional Emissions:
• CO – 454,600 kg
• NOx – 8,318 kg
• VOC – 10,026 kg
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
•
•
•
Alternative is 72%
impervious area,
increased over existing
impervious area by 9.1
acres.
Shifted roadway allows for
more effective area for
implementation of best
management practices.
Stormwater treated
through BMPs prior to
discharge will help
improving the Taunton
River’s condition
Total Corridor Emissions:
• CO – 11.91 kg
• NOx – 2.31 kg
• VOC – 2.77 kg
Total Regional Emissions:
• CO – 454,700 kg
• NOx – 8,319 kg
• VOC – 10,027 kg
2 – At Grade Route 79 Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
•
•
•
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
Alternative is 64%
impervious area,
increased from existing
impervious area by 4.3
acres.
Shifted roadway and wide
median creates more area
for landscaping and best
management practices.
Stormwater treated
through BMPs prior to
discharge will help
improving the Taunton
River’s condition
•
•
•
Total Corridor Emissions:
• CO – 21.19 kg
• NOx – 4.13 kg
• VOC – 4.91 kg
Total Regional Emissions:
• CO – 454,800 kg
• NOx – 8,321 kg
• VOC – 10,030 kg
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Discussion
Alternative is 51%
impervious area,
decreased from existing
impervious area by 3.9
acres.
Shifted roadway and wide
median creates most area
for landscaping and best
management practices.
Stormwater treated
through BMPs prior to
discharge will help
improving the Taunton
River’s condition
Total Corridor Emissions:
• CO – 24.70 kg
• NOx – 4.79 kg
• VOC – 5.72 kg
Total Regional Emissions:
• CO – 454,700 kg
• NOx – 8,319 kg
• VOC – 10,029 kg
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Land Use and Economic Development
Alternatives
LAND USE AND
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
No Build
Rating
Discussion
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
2 – At Grade Route 79
Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
Discussion
Economic
Development
Potential
• Development
potential is limited
to existing parcels
along Davol Street
• Perpetuates
riverfront barrier
• Only east-west
connection is at
President Avenue
• Highest
development
potential
• Complicated access
to businesses for
regional traffic
• 3 new east-west
connections
improve access to
businesses
• High development
potential
• Better local
business access
• 3 new east-west
connections
improve access to
businesses
• Low development
potential
• Creates the most open
space, including parcel
near Old Brightman
Street Bridge
• Parcels can be used
for Riverfront parking
• 3 new east-west
connections improve
access to businesses
Socio-Economic
and
Fiscal Impacts *
• Limited to
developments on
existing parcels
along Davol Street
• 1,730 Jobs
• 1,450 Housing Units
• $54 Million
Disposable Income
• $3.5 Million Property
Taxes
• 1,550 Jobs
• 1,300 Housing Units
• $48 Million
Disposable Income
• $3.1 Million Property
Taxes
• 330 Jobs
• 275 Housing Units
• $10.3 million
Disposable Income
• $665,000 Property
Taxes
* All estimates for Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 are in addition to the No-Build Alternative
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Community Effects
Alternatives
COMMUNITY
EFFECTS
No Build
Rating
Discussion
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
•
•
•
Pedestrian and
Bicycle
Accommodations
•
•
No provisions for
bicyclists
Only east-west
connection for
pedestrians is at
President Avenue
4,900’ of sidewalk
Pedestrian travel
time from
Lindsey Street to
Bicentennial Park
along President
Avenue: 3.5 min
•
•
•
•
•
Sidewalk or shared use
path is provided along
Davol Streets and 4 eastwest connecting roads
providing access to the
waterfront and South
Coast Rail.
Bicycle accommodations
provided throughout the
project limits
Extends shared use path
from Veterans Memorial
Bridge to the waterfront
and South Coast Rail
5,300’ of sidewalk
8,100’ of shared use path.
Pedestrian travel time
from Lindsey Street to
Bicentennial Park along
President Avenue: 3.5
min
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
2 – At Grade Route 79 Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rating
Sidewalk or shared use path
is provided along 4 east-west
connecting roads, Route 79
and Davol Street to provide
access to waterfront and
South Coast Rail.
Waiting to cross large Route
79 intersections increases
pedestrian and bike delay.
Bicycle accommodations
provided throughout the
project limits
Extends shared use path
from Veterans Memorial
Bridge to the waterfront and
South Coast Rail
6,800’ of sidewalk
8,000’ of shared use path.
Pedestrian travel time from
Lindsey Street to
Bicentennial Park along
President Avenue: 4 min
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Discussion
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Some
Sidewalk or shared use path
is provided along 4 east-west
connecting roads and
frontage roads to provide
access to South Coast Rail
and waterfront
Waiting to cross large Route
79 intersections increases
pedestrian and bike delay.
Bicycle accommodations
provided throughout the
project limits
Extends shared use path
from Veterans Memorial
Bridge to the waterfront and
South Coast Rail
5,800’ of sidewalk
8,200’ of shared use path.
Pedestrian travel time from
Lindsey Street to
Bicentennial Park along
President Avenue: 5 min
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Community Effects
Alternatives
COMMUNITY
EFFECTS
No Build
Rating
Local
Connectivity
Discussion
• No access provided
from Brightman
Street to Route 79
• Only east-west
connection is at
President Avenue
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
• 3 new two-way cross
streets are
constructed providing
access to the
waterfront, including
direct access to South
Coast Rail.
• Converts Brightman
Street to two-way road
with access to NB
Route 79.
• Access from
Brightman Street to
SB Route 79 on-ramp
via Lindsey Street and
NB Davol Street
2 – At Grade Route 79
Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
• 3 new two-way cross
streets constructed
for access to the
waterfront, NB and
SB Route 79 and
direct access to
South Coast Rail.
• Converts Brightman
Street to two-way
road with direct
access to and from
NB Route 79 and
access to SB Davol
Street and SB Route
79.
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Discussion
• 3 new cross streets
are constructed for
access to the
waterfront, NB and
SB Route 79 and
direct access to
South Coast Rail.
• Converts Brightman
Street to a two-way
road with direct
access to and from
NB Route 79 and
access to SB Davol
Street and Route 79.
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Community Effects
Alternatives
COMMUNITY
EFFECTS
No Build
Rating
Visual Impacts
Discussion
• “Visual barrier” of
Route 79 remains
• No open land
available for green
space, landscaping,
or redevelopment
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
• “Visual barrier”
created by Route 79
is worsened by
raised elevations
• Roadway shift
creates 10.1 acres
for green space and
redevelopment.
2 – At Grade Route 79
Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
• At-grade Route 79
removes “visual
barrier” between Fall
River and the
waterfront.
• Roadway shift
creates 15.0 acres
for green space and
minor
redevelopment.
• Median between NB
and SB Route 79
allows for
landscaping.
• At-grade Route 79
removes “visual
barrier” between Fall
River and the
waterfront.
• Roadway shift
creates 10.6 acres
for green space and
redevelopment.
• Large median allows
for boulevard type
landscaping.
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Discussion
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Community Effects
Alternatives
COMMUNITY
EFFECTS
No Build
Rating
Construction
Impacts
Discussion
• No
construction
impacts
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
• Construction will
likely require 3
major construction
stages (Davol
Street
Construction, NB
Route 79
Construction, and
SB Route 79
Construction) and
4 construction
seasons due to
construction of 10
bridges
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
2 – At Grade Route 79 Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
Rating
• Construction will likely
require 3 construction
stages and 3 seasons
(Davol Street
Construction, NB
Route 79
Construction, and SB
Route 79
Construction).
• Proposed Route 79 NB
construction must
occur under traffic and
while maintaining all
existing access to
businesses,
intersections and
roadways.
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Discussion
• Construction will likely
require 4 construction stages
(Davol Street Construction,
NB Route 79 Construction,
SB Route 79 Construction,
Ramp Construction) over 3
construction seasons
• NB Route 79 must be
constructed prior to NB
Davol Street construction to
maintain access to all
roadways.
• Reconstruction of the
southbound ramps along
Route 79 and Route 6 will
require complicated staging
and potential detours.
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Evaluation Matrix – Cost
Alternatives
COST
No Build
Rating
Construction
Cost *
Discussion
$0
1 – Elevated Route 79
with Cross Connections
Rating
Discussion
$100 Million
2 – At Grade Route 79
Boulevard
Rating
Discussion
3 – At Grade Route 79
with Frontage Roads
Rating
$55 Million
Discussion
$55 Million
* All costs are in 2013 dollars
Legend
Benefits
Impacts
Neutral
Some
Moderate
Substantial
Alternatives vs. Study Objectives
Study Objective
Provide better multimodal connectivity between Fall River
neighborhoods and its waterfront
Enhance multimodal access to the future South Coast Rail
Balance local and regional mobility
Improve and enhance safety conditions
Increase opportunities for economic development and land use
Minimize potential impacts to the environment and community
NoBuild
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Alt. 3
Existing and Future No-Build Conditions
Next Steps
Next Steps and Study Schedule
Aug
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Task 4
Task 5
Task 6
Define Study Area Goals and Objectives
Data Collection, Future Year Conditions,
Issues Definition, Constraints Identification
Alternatives Development
Alternatives Analysis
Draft and Final Recommendations
Final Report
Sep
W
2012
Oct
Nov
Dec
W
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
2013
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
W PP
W
W = Working Group Meeting
P = Public Informational Meeting
(P) = Public Informational Meeting if Necessary
W
W PP
W (P)
Questions
Questions or Comments?
www.mass.gov/massdot/route79