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The Byberry Road bridge over the CSX-Trenton Line tracks is Structurally Deficient
- A structurally sound bridge over the CSX– Trenton Line tracks would be provided under the Reduced Impact Alternative.
Vehicular congestion and delay impedes travel in the project area
- Vehicular congestion and delay would be reduced and travel throughout the project area would be vastly improved with the Reduced Impact Alternative.
- The average system delay for vehicles in the Reduced Impact Alternative is projected to be about 80 percent less than in the No Build Alternative.
- Under the Reduced Impact Alternative, travel times would be reduced by 30 to 50 percent when compared to the No Build Alternative. Average delay at intersections would be reduced by half at most of the signalized intersections in the project area.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
- The Reduced Impact Alternative is projected to draw almost half of the traffic off Byberry Road in the area from Philmont Avenue to Bustleton Avenue, and almost two-thirds of the traffic east of Bustleton Avenue, when compared to the no-build conditions.
- Emergency vehicles experience delay due to traffic congestion in the study area. The Reduced Impact Alternative would reduce the response time for emergency vehicles and effectively address the congestion currently along Byberry Road and other roads in the study area.
Traffic Collection and Distribution
- Local and regional traffic currently share road ways when traveling east and west through the study area because of the limited number of crossings of the CSX tracks. The Reduced Impact Alternative would provide improvements for the transition between the six-lane, limited access highway and the free-access local roadways. For the Reduced Impact Alternative, regional traffic would remain on the Woodhaven Extension to Bustleton Avenue or Philmont Avenue, while mostly local traffic would utilize Byberry Road.
Summary and Conclusion
As an alternative that has evolved from comments from local citizens and planning officials, the Reduced Impact Alternative incorporates the latest in traffic planning and design principles, and results in a plan that is sensitive to environmental resources while reflecting community values and future planning initiatives. Although the improvements are scaled-back from the Bustleton Avenue Alternative Modified described in the May 2003 DEIS, the Reduced Impact Alternative results are still notable:
- An 80 percent reduction in overall system delay;
- A 30 to 50 percent improvement in travel times;
- A Level of Service D or better at all but three intersections during PM Peak hour (Note: delays at all three intersections are 30 to 80 percent less than No-Build conditions); and
- An overall reduction in property impacts.
In summary, the Reduced Impact Alternative meets the project needs while responding to community concerns.
