DuBois & King transportation planners and engineers studied alternatives to improve bicycle and pedestrian access and safety along US Route 302 in the Town of Berlin. The study area is seeing significant commercial and residential growth, and is lined with businesses, driveways, turn lanes, signs, a rail crossing, utilities, and traffic signals. The roadway cross-section varies from two to five lanes and is one of the most heavily traveled traffic corridors in central Vermont.
After reviewing a number of alternatives in collaboration with the Town of Berlin, VTrans, and the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, it was concluded that the implementation of a “road diet” to reduce the number and/or width of travel lanes (known as “right-sizing”) was the safest and most cost effective option. The addition of crosswalks, consolidating the wide driveway openings of area businesses, and the creation of bulb-outs and/or pedestrian refuge islands will further enhance the corridor. VTrans has endorsed the concept, which will be piloted during the 2015 summer construction season.
Project participants included the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Town of Berlin. Watch the video below for more information on how the Road Diet will work from VTrans’ Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager.
