Following review of public comment on the alternatives presented at the Delaware Avenue Complete Streets public meeting in June, the Town of Bethlehem is prepared to move forward with design for Alternative 2A. Features of this alternative would include:
- Pavement resurfacing and restriping
- Additional space between travel lanes and curbs for pedestrian safety
- “Gateway” treatments at east and west end of corridor—brief extensions of existing 2-lanes sections, plus turn median
- 1 new mid-block pedestrian crossing at east end with flashing beacon (RRFB), with median
- 1 new signalized mid-block pedestrian crossing between Elsmere Ave and Delaware Plaza, with median
- Targeted sidewalk improvements and ADA curb ramps
- Targeted driveway narrowing and consolidation
- Posted speed limit reduction
While Alternative 2A showed these elements in concept form, the full design phase will now assess all of these elements in full detail to determine exact form and locations of particular elements. These include the size, location, and form of medians, whether fully raised, tapered, or flush; further analysis of turning operations at the Elsmere Avenue intersection; specific options for driveway narrowing/consolidation and placement of medians; the locations of sidewalk improvements; and more.
In the next two months, the Town will collect additional pedestrian and traffic data; engage with property owners about specific design details, such as opportunities for targeted driveway narrowing; and hold further conversations with DOT about the ability to install signalized pedestrian crossings and to reduce the posted speed limit. Another public meeting is targeted for early December, with information forthcoming later this fall.
