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The document presents the Elevating Erie Concept Plan, which seeks to create a multi-use trail along the former Erie Canal alignment through the Town of DeWitt. The plan's goals are to provide recreational opportunities, increase transportation options, improve economic development, and brand DeWitt as more sustainable. The proposed trail would extend the existing Erie Canalway Trail through DeWitt along roads and boulevards to link with the trail in Camillus, closing a 14-mile gap. Recommendations include a shared-use path in the median of Erie Boulevard, bicycle lanes on Towpath Road, and a new bridge over I-481 to connect to Old Erie Canal State Park.

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ELEVATING ERIE CONCEPT PLAN DEWITT, NY FINAL REPORT OCTOBER 2017 This report was developed with funding assistance through the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Town of Dewitt Sam Gordon, Director of Planning and Zoning Stephanie Guereschi, Environmental Planner EDR Environmental Design and Research Andrew Obemesser Erica Tauzer Alta Planning + Design Jeff Olson, Principal Phil Goff, Project Manager Lindsay Vera, PE, Project Engineer Charles Creagh, Project Planner ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONTENTS Introduction...................................................1 Existing Conditions Assesment.....................3 Concept Plan Recommendations.................15 Design Features Toolkit...............................16 Project Recommendations Map...................18 Cross Section Locations Map.......................19 Cross Sections: • A.......................................................20 • B.......................................................24 • C.......................................................26 Evaluation Criteria........................................30 • D.......................................................32 • E.......................................................34 • F.......................................................36 • G......................................................38 Conclusion + Next Steps..............................40 This report was developed with funding assistance through the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program ii
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY The Elevating Erie Concept Plan seeks to help DeWitt achieve the following goals: 1. Provide a multi-use trail along the former Erie Canal alignment through the Town of DeWitt 2. Increase recreational and active transportation opportunities for residents, employees and visitors 3. Improve economic redevelopment opportunities along the trail corridor 4. Brand DeWitt as a more green and sustainable community 5. Leverage funding to improve multi-modal mobility, safety and aesthetics along Erie Boulevard The recommendations in this study will reduce one of the most critical gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail. Currently, the trail is comprised of a nearly 360 mile network between Buffalo and Albany, linking Rochester, Syracuse and Utica. Over 75% of the existing trail is off-road, utilizing the historic towpaths and railroads. When fully complete, the Erie Canalway Trail will be a key destination for heritage tourism, and a centerpiece for the Town of DeWitt. Introduction Only small remnants of the historic Erie Canal exist along the former alignment in DeWitt. Over the past century, the Canal has been replaced by a portion of Interstate 481, local roadways and Erie Boulevard, a six-lane state highway. The Town of DeWitt led a visionary effort called “Elevating Erie” to re-imagine the Canal as a key part of the community’s future. The Elevating Erie Concept Plan proposes to bring the Canal back to life in DeWitt, with a new multi-use trail along the former Erie Canal alignment. This would extend the current terminus of the Erie Canalway Trail at Old Erie Canalway State Park through the Town of DeWitt to the Syracuse City Line at Thompson Road. The recommended alignment incorporates public rights of way along Butternut Drive, Kinne Road, Towpath Road, Bridge Street and Erie Boulevard. The proposed trail is anticipated to run within Erie Boulevard to Downtown Syracuse and beyond, in order to link with the existing Erie Canalway Trail in Camillus, a total gap of 14 miles. The 14 mile gap is currently in the process of a subsequent planning and design study as part of the Empire State Trail (EST). As envisioned by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the EST will link the Erie Canalway Trail, the Hudson River Greenway and the Champlain Valley route into a 750-mile statewide multi-use trail network, the largest in the U.S. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVESUMMARY 1 The proposed path along the historic route of the Erie Canal in DeWitt will transform the community.
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY 12’ 13’13’ 4.5’12’13’ 13’4.5’ 30’ 6’ 7’11’ 11’7’ 6’11’ 11’ 7’ 4’6’ 6’7’ 12’ 115’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer Buffer Buffer Buffer Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane Sidewalk Sidewalk TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane Median TravelLane TravelLane 115’ Stonedust Erie Canalway Trail Erie Canalway Trail Recommendations To meet the Town’s goals, the recommended trail alignment follows the historic route of the canal. This includes portions of the historic towpath road between Kinne Road and Celi Drive and a segment of Erie Boulevard East between Bridge Street and Thompson Road. Recommendations for the 3-mile section include a paved pathway with parallel stonedust shoulder within Erie Boulevard’s median, striped bike lanes, a shared use path within the shoulder, a new trail bridge over I-481 and a sidepath along Butternut Drive. Intersection enhancements will tie all of the various sections together. In aggregate, the majority of the route will be separated from motor vehicle traffic. The trail will be designed to safely accommodate a wide range of people of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists. The proposed Erie Boulevard Trail concept is proposed in the following sections: Erie Boulevard East Taking advantage of the unused paved median, a shared use path will run through the center and be buffered from traffic. Specially designed intersection enhancements will accommodate crossings at Bridge Street and Thompson Road for the connection into Syracuse. A “road diet” to repurpose one travel lane in each direction provides the opportunity to widen sidewalks and add new street trees and can be developed as a second phase of the project. The quality of the design is intended to promote economic redevelopment along Erie Boulevard. Towpath Road Because of low traffic volumes and speeds west of Widewaters Parkway, standard bicycle lanes will provide the two-wheeled connection from Erie Boulevard further east. Pedestrian traffic will be accommodated on a new sidewalk on the north side. East of Widewaters Parkway, pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists will utilize a wide shoulder of Towpath Road, separated from traffic by Final Feasibility Concept Design for Erie Boulevard East a striped buffer and delineator posts. Adjacent to the path, a narrow remnant of the Erie Canal reminds users of the historical significance of the trail route. Connection to Old Erie Canal State Park From the east end of Towpath Road, the connection to Old Erie Canal State Park will be made using a trail bridge over I-481, adjacent to the Kinne Road Bridge. A new sidepath along Butternut Drive connects the bridge to the trailhead of the existing Canalway Trail that runs 38 miles from DeWitt to Rome, New York. Project recommendations include an enhanced trailhead with additional amenities such as bike racks, seating, an interpretive kiosk and restrooms. 2
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY EXISTING CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT 3
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Erie Canalway Trail Syracuse / DeWitt area Completed Portion Gaps Existing Studies Numerous reports over the past 20 years have solidified the importance of “closing the gap” in the Erie Canalway Trail in Central New York. The Canalway Trail Gap Segment Assessment Report (November 1998) report prepared by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) was one of many prepared by PTNY to address critical trail gaps throughout the state. The preferred option east of the Syracuse border: Utilize National Grid right-of-way adjacent to Rote 690, crossing Thompson Road and Bridge Street, to enterprise Parkway, Towpath Road and Kinne Road, to Cedar Bay Park in Dewitt. The Canalway Trail Through Syracuse report (February 1999) was developed in concert with the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee of the SMTC. The Closing the Gaps: A Progress Report on the Erie Canalway Trail (2010, 2011, 2012) prepared by the Canalway Trail Association New York (CTANY) in concert with Parks Trails New York (PTNY) released an annual report to “update Canalway corridor communities on recent progress and the current trail status across the state.” Progress in closing each of the gaps as well as obstacles present in closing additional trail gaps in the state are outlined in each report. The Closing the Gaps reports will provide insight into how construction is progressing through existing challenging areas in other ‘gap’ communities. The Campaign to Close the Gaps (Fall 2010) initiated by Senator Kristen Gillibrand’s office involved hosting a series of roundtable discussions to gather ideas for closing the gaps that existing along the trail between Utica and Albany. The Cycling the Erie Canalway: A guide to 400 miles of adventure and history along the Erie Canalway Trail (2007, 2012) guidebooks published by PTNY is a useful tool for cyclists or any trail user interested in planning a trip or locating improved areas. An on-road segment between DeWitt and Camillus is highlighted. The Friends of the Onondaga Canalway Trail (FOCT) is a public interest group advancing completion of the trail between Camillus and DeWitt. The FOCt was “designated by the Canalway Trail Management Organization (a partnership project of the NYSCC, the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, and the New York Parks and Conservation Association) as the group responsible for public participation in trailway activities such as volunteer trail maintenance in the Syracuse area.” The FOCT stopped meeting in 2003, and the maps detailing the preferred routing of the Erie Canalway Trail between the Towns of DeWitt and Camillus were “never officially adopted or accepted.” “Completing the gap in the Syracuse portion of the trail would link Syracuse and its surrounding communities to 281 miles of Erie Canalway Trail that are currently open to the public.” - (Page 6, Erie Canalway Trail Syracuse Connector Route Project, Part II) 4
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Summary of The Erie Canalway Trail - Syracuse Connector Route Project report Part 1: June 2013 - Short Term The Erie Canalway Trail - Syracuse Connector Route Project (June, 2013) report published by the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council divided the study into two sections: Part I, the short-term route, and Part II: the long-term route. The short-term route is focused on the unsigned on-road Erie Canalway Trail. The Cycling the Erie Canalway (CEC) Bike Tour utilizes a version of this route each July. The development of this route included input from the New York State Canalway Corporation (NYSCC), the City of Syracuse, Towns of Camillus and DeWitt and the SMTC. The short-term on-road route was to be utilized until an appropriate off-road route could be planned, developed, designed, and constructed. The on-road route has been adjusted to reflect changes in roadway reconstruction activity. The on-road route has been signed through Syracuse but not in DeWitt. Public Involvement The June 2013 report Erie Canalway Trail - Syracuse Connector Route Project includes a Public Involvement section that details the robust level of public involvement. A Study Advisory Committee (SAC), Working Group, and Stakeholders list were developed with the purpose of involving the public during the planning process. The SAC met four times, the first meeting was held in July 2012 to introduce the project. At this meeting the SMTC provided an introduction to the project, answered project questions, solicited Working Group members, and asked attendees to answer survey questions. The public drew desired routes on large maps displaying the Syracuse Gap in the Erie Canalway Trail. . Subsequent meetings were held in March, 2014. The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) held a Working Group meeting in November 2012 to gain insight into the on-road Erie Canalway Trail route. The Working Group consisted of volunteers from the July 2012 meeting as well as participants solicited through an online survey. A general stakeholders list was maintained, including each attendee from the first public meeting. The stakeholders list is used to disseminate pertinent project information and to notify people of upcoming public meetings. The final public meeting was held in December, 2015 at the Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse. The SMTC “provided an introduction to the Erie Canalway Trail project, an overview of the completed Part I portion of the project, and an overview of the Part II suggested trail route options and Points of Study, followed by a Q & A period.” (Page 12, Erie Canalway trail Syracuse Connector Route Project, Part II.) Part 2: June 2016 - Long Term The long term or permanent route will address the Syracuse Gap by developing a route that meets the intent of the Erie Canalway Trail across the state as a designated shared-use path that is separated from motor vehicle traffic. Routes The analysis and potential permanent route development process began at the first public meeting in 2012 and continues today. Input from stakeholders, Working Group members, Study Advisory Committee members, and cyclists (as part of both the SMTC’s Bike Corridor Study as well as from the annual Cycling the Erie Canal event survey) was invaluable in the initial production of potential route alignments. The report includes detailed maps that show the various routing options. Map 3-6: potential permanent route options in DeWitt from SMTC 2016 report EXISTINGCONDITIONSASSESSMENT 5
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Elevating Erie Ideas Competition The Elevating Erie Design Competition was a collaborative effort between the Town of DeWitt and City of Syracuse to investigate ideas to close the 14 mile gap in the Erie Canalway Trail. In the fall of 2015, both communities solicited design ideas that would identify innovative ways to create a trail within the 4 mile gap between SyracusesndDeWitt.Althoughburiedunderpavementforacentury, the canalway corridor has remained significant in the region as a primary means of transporting people and goods east and west. Filling this gap in the system is crucial, as it will help achieve the goal of creating the longest continuous bicycle and pedestrian trail in North America. The Elevating Erie Ideas Competition was an effort to both celebrate the heritage of the 200 year old canal system and initiate a dialogue in the community discussing how to best utilize and design the corridor to stimulate economic investment. Four differently branded sites within DeWitt and Syracuse were identified for potential improvements, including: • Boulevard: a four mile stretch of Erie Blvd. through both DeWitt and Syracuse • Block: a single block of Erie Blvd. in Syracuse that investigated design issues at a higher level of detail • Branch: redesign of the Widewaters area at the intersection of Towpath Road and Erie Blvd. in DeWitt • Bridge: a trail and open space bridge over I-481, where the current Erie Canalway Trail terminates at Butternut Drive in DeWitt Sixty-four competition entries were received from 16 different countries, covering the four identified sites. According to www. elevatingerie.com, the ideas competition “was a first step towards initiating a community discussion about the importance of the canal corridor, and how best to reclaim its heritage in a celebratory and stimulating fashion.” Public Survey During the competition, an on-line survey was promoted to the public to gain an understanding of: • The importance of the corridor, which included a establishing a set of prioritites for the built and natural environment • Where to focus investments, including a determination of why more specific elements and trail amenities were important Developing Alternatives The consultant team reviewed the survey results and noticed several recurring themes throughout the 1,264 completed surveys. These themes influenced the way in which we viewed potential design ideasandultimatelyaffectedthepreferredalignment.Thefollowing is a brief summary of the results from each survey question: A collection of concepts from the Elevating Erie Competition website 6
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY The four categories that competition entries focused on during the Elevating Erie Ideas Competition Priorities The highest priorities by rank include: • Pedestrian & Bicycle Transportation • Connectivity and Safety • Economic Development Community Character - What needs the most improvement? • More attractive streetscapes • Redevelopment of vacant buildings and lots • Improved development quality and attractiveness Eco-friendly Design - Which of these will most benefit the corridor? • Green infrastructure • Increase tree canopy • Landscaping the median Conectivity and Safety - Which improvments would make you feel safer? • Protected bike lanes • Pedestrian refuge areas • Traffic calming Economc Development - Which development type do you favor on Erie Boulevard? • Commercial / mixed-use developments • Retail / services • Parks / pocket parks / playgrounds Parks + Recreation - Which amenities would you prefer along Erie Boulevard? • Trails • Open spaces / event spaces / playgrounds • Picnic areas / restrooms / drinking fountains The survey responses helped to inform the development of design concepts for the DeWitt portion of the Erie Canal gap in metro Syracuse. Due to the clear preferences expressed in the survey, final design recomendations included a separation of the the Canalway Trail from traffic where feasible; streetscape improvements to encourage redevelopment and additional landscape buffers to evoke a green corridor along the former route of the Erie Canal. EXISTINGCONDITIONSASSESSMENT 7
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY This infographic summarizes the Elevating Erie competition entry ideas 8
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY 9
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY BridgeSt Demong Dr FisherRd Kinne Rd ElyDr Carnegie Dr EdwardsDr ManorDr KittellRd Carlton Dr Arbor Ln E Genesee St The H am let Ro BurrowsSt Randall Rd SedaliaCir LyndonRd E Manlius St Mapleview Rd Widewaters Pkwy DeW itt Rd LuddingtonSt Terraceview Rd AmbergateRd DroversLn ThompsonRd HillsboroPkwy FirtreeLn Butternut Dr Southgate Rd CharlesSt Doll Pkwy WilliamSt Caton Dr PelhamRd BrandonRd SmithSt Fayette Blvd Caleb Ave Mountainview Ave 3rd St CeliDr MastersRd SalemRd Haddonfield Pl Towpath Rd Hobson Ave Ethridge Rd McCool Ave ArchSt Lockwood Rd Springwater Dr Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl Bradford Pkwy Pyle Dr Crst Euclid Ave NorthridgeRd W 1st St Springfield Rd Hillsboro Pkwy Pe Hi Phillips Rd Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd Alpine Dr Phelps St Paula Dr ThompsonRd Bradford Pkwy W instonW ay Melbourne Ave Canterbury Rd StantonDr Brampton Dr ClaretCir RevereRd lmsfordRd Sunnyside ParkRd AberdeenTer PosterLn Litchfield Dr Kravec Dr Lynbrook Cir Dr Commons Park W 2nd St HathawayRd Polk St Erie Blvd Manlius Center Rd Oakmont Dr Edgemont Dr WexfordRd AgwayDr Clearview Rd LynacresBlvd C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D M E A D O W B R O O K L E Y C R E E K Canalway Trail: Old Erie CanalStatePark SYRACUSE DEWITT Cedar Bay Park DeWitt Town Park DeWitt Town Hall The redevelopment of the shopping plaza on Erie Blvd. includes a well- designed sidewalk and green buffer. The following pages provide an assessment of the Erie Canalway Trail corridor. The photo tour maps provide context regarding the varying roadway / travel lane / shoulder widths found on the roads within the site. The subsequent maps illustrate: • Motor vehicle traffic levels within the site • Opportunities and challenges to creating a trail connection through the corridor Existing Conditions Assessment + Analysis Long portions of Erie Blvd. in DeWitt feature a 30’ wide paved median. Old Erie Canalway trailhead sits at the base of the sloped portion of Butternut Drive and below the grade of the adjacent I-481. Towpath Rd. slopes to the north from Kinne Rd. and includes a 4’ shoulder on one side and 10’-12’ on the opposite side. West of Widewaters Pkwy, traffic volumes along Towpath Rd. drop significantly. 10
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY BridgeSt Demong Dr FisherRd Kinne Rd ElyDr Carnegie Dr EdwardsDr ManorDr KittellRd Carlton Dr Arbor Ln E Genesee St The H am let Ro BurrowsSt Randall Rd SedaliaCir LyndonRd E Manlius St Mapleview Rd Widewaters Pkwy DeW itt Rd LuddingtonSt Terraceview Rd AmbergateRd DroversLn ThompsonRd HillsboroPkwy FirtreeLn Butternut Dr Southgate Rd CharlesSt Doll Pkwy WilliamSt Caton Dr PelhamRd BrandonRd SmithSt Fayette Blvd Caleb Ave Mountainview Ave 3rd St CeliDr MastersRd SalemRd Haddonfield Pl Towpath Rd Hobson Ave Ethridge Rd McCool Ave ArchSt Lockwood Rd Springwater Dr Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl Bradford Pkwy Pyle Dr Crst Euclid Ave NorthridgeRd W 1st St Springfield Rd Hillsboro Pkwy Pe Hi Phillips Rd Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd Alpine Dr Phelps St Paula Dr ThompsonRd Bradford Pkwy W instonW ay Melbourne Ave Canterbury Rd StantonDr Brampton Dr ClaretCir RevereRd lmsfordRd Sunnyside ParkRd AberdeenTer PosterLn Litchfield Dr Kravec Dr Lynbrook Cir Dr Commons Park W 2nd St HathawayRd Polk St Erie Blvd Manlius Center Rd Oakmont Dr Edgemont Dr WexfordRd AgwayDr Clearview Rd LynacresBlvd C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D M E A D O W B R O O K L E Y C R E E K Canalway Trail: Old Erie CanalStatePark SYRACUSE DEWITT Cedar Bay Park DeWitt Town Park DeWitt Town Hall EXISTINGCONDITIONS-PHOTOTOUR Portions of Erie Blvd. feature damaged sidewalks... The intersection of Bridge St. and Celi Dr. is nearly impossible for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross. The 10’-12’ wide shoulder provides the foundation for a trail connection from Butternut Dr. to Erie Blvd. The Kinne Rd. bridge features a narrow sidewalk on the north side without curb ramps. ...or none at all in some places. The Bridge St. approach to Erie Blvd. provides space on the north side (right) for a spur trail. 11
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY TRAFFICVOLUME+ENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONSMAP $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BridgeSt FisherRd Kinne Rd Carnegie Dr EdwardsDr KittellRd Carlton Dr Arbor Ln E Genesee St Royal Birkdale BurrowsSt Randall Rd LyndonRd Mapleview Rd Widewaters Pkwy Ralph Ln DeW itt Rd LuddingtonSt Terraceview Rd AmbergateRd DroversLn ThompsonRd HillsboroPkwy FirtreeLn Butternut Dr Southgate Rd Doll Pkwy Caton Dr PelhamRd BrandonRd SmithSt Fayette Blvd Caleb Ave Mountainview Ave CeliDr MastersRd WestminsterRd Towpath Rd Hobson Ave Ethridge Rd Lockwood Rd Springwater Dr Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl Pyle Dr Thistlewood Ln NorthridgeRd Springfield Rd Hillsboro Pkwy Peck HillRd Highbridge Rd Phillips Rd Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd Alpine Dr Paula Dr ThompsonRd Bradford Pkwy Melbourne Ave StantonDr Brampton Dr ClaretCir RevereRd ElmsfordRd PosterLn Kravec Dr Lynbrook Cir Commons Park W 2nd St Robbins LnHathawayRd Erie Blvd Manlius Center Rd Edgemont Dr WexfordRd AgwayDr Clearview Rd LynacresBlvd C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D BUTTERNUTCREEK M E A D O W B R O O K L E Y C R E E K CANALWAY TRAIL Existing Proposed by canals/ny.gov* Proposed by LWRP SMTC Option 2 Wetlands Flood plain Environmental Remediation Area *http://www.canals.ny.gov/maps/index. html?layer=trail TRAFFIC + TRANSIT Proposed Alignment Existing Conditions Average Daily Trips 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 20.2 Miles 0 - 2,999 3,000 - 8,000 8,001 - 15,000 15,001 - 60,000 60,001 - 256,390 Sidewalks Trails Proposed Trails Bus Stops$ SYRACUSE DEWITT 690 481 Cedar Bay Park N 12
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY OPPORTUNITIESANDCHALLENGESMAP BridgeSt FisherRd Kinne Rd Edwa Arbor Ln Widewaters Pkwy R alph Ln DeW itt Rd ThompsonRd Butternut Dr 3rd St CeliDr Towpath Rd Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl W 1st St Springfield Rd Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd ClaretCir Erie Blvd WexfordRd AgwayDr C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D M E A D O W L E Y C R E E K BUTTERNUTCREEK 0 0.5 1 Mile Above-grade portion of I-481 and ramps Butternut Dr. 6-8% slope from trailhead to bridge Kinne Rd. bridge features narrow shoulders and a 5’ sidewalk on one side only Erie CanalwayTrail runs 34 miles to Rome Existing path between trail head andTown Hall / park 12’wide shoulder narrows on approach to intersection Overgrown reeds and guardrail obscure pond to passing traffic Long vacant Country Club building has become an eyesore Road / driveway crossings of 12’wide shoulder path Sloped section ofTowpath Rd. Parking lot and trail head lacks a significant visual presence Town-owned property contains vestiges of original Erie Canal 12’wide shoulder provides 2-way access for walkers and bicyclistsTraffic volumes drop significantly west of intersection Tow Path Rd. R.O.W. likely includes direct connection to Erie Blvd. Widewaters Pond could offer a significant amenity for nearby redevelopment Two-lane road with narrow shoulders Lack of sidewalks on Bridge St. Potential trail alignment contains significant wetlands Significant cross-slope within median Extremely challenging intersection to cross on foot or by bike Need to transition westbound CanalwayTrail bicyclists from south side to north side Double left-turn lanes to Bridge St. Existing footpath Traffic speeds and multiple commercial curb cuts make for a challenging environment for walking and bicycling on Erie Blvd. 30’wide portion of paved median At approximately 20,000 vehicles per day, Erie Blvd. remains under capacity for its 6-lane design Syracuse section of Erie Blvd. contains wide landscaped median Explanation of Challenge Corridor Challenge Spot Challenge Wide Intersection With High Turn Volumes CHALLENGES Text Explanation of Opportunity Corridor Opportunity OPPORTUNITIES Text N 13
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 10 Mid-Block: 10 Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 10 Mid-Block: 10 Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 16 Mid-Block: 1 Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 25 Mid-Block: 4 Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 26 Mid-Block: 4 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 34 Mid-Block: 5 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 44 Mid-Block: 3 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 21 Mid-Block: 4 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 32 Mid-Block: 11 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 19 Mid-Block: 10 Pedestrian and Bicycle Counts Lack of bike facilities, poor sidewalk conditions and gaps in the sidewalk network along Erie Boulevard create an uncomfortable environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. Despite that, a significant number of people walk or bicycle along the corridor. Recent counts along Erie Boulevard counts performed by Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) show that clearly there is significant use of the corridor by people on foot and bicyclists. The counts performed covered an 18-hour period (5:00am - 11:00pm) and included ten intersections between Kinne Road in Dewitt and South Crouse Street in Syracuse. In that 4 mile stretch, SMTC counted 1,355 pedestrians and 85 bicyclists. Within the DeWitt section of the counts, the numbers of pedestrians crossing Erie Boulevard are: • Pedestrians crossing at crosswalks: 237 • Pedestrians crossing at midblock locations: 62 • Total pedestrians counted: 299 There were 42 bicyclists recorded riding along Erie Blvd. in DeWitt. Map Source: Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council BICYCLEANDPEDESTRIANCOUNTLOCATIONSMAP 14
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY CONCEPT PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 15
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Shared lane markings are used to mark a designated bike route. They are placed in the travel lane, encouraging cyclists to travel away from the door-zone or parked vehicles. These symbols highlight the fact that the roadway is a shared space. The dotted lines represent Enhanced Sharrows - these provide extra awareness to motorists that they are sharing the lane with bicycles. Raised separated bicycle lanes are vertically separated from motor vehicle traffic. A furnishing zone between the bicycle lane and curb or motor vehicle traffic is a common feature. At intersections, the raised bicycle lane can be dropped down to the street level. Raised separated bicycle lanes are vertically separated from motor vehicle traffic. A furnishing zone between the bicycle lane and curb or motor vehicle traffic is a common feature. At intersections, the raised bicycle lane can be dropped down to the street level. Bike lanes designate an exclusive space for bicycles through the use of pavement markings and signage. Bike lanes are typically located adjacent to motor vehicle traffic and travel in the same direction as motor vehicles. Advisory bike lanes are bicycle priority areas delineated by broken white lines, separate from a center one-lane two-way travel area. Motorists may only enter the bicycle zone when no bicycles are present. Motorists must overtakebicyclistswithcautionduetopotential oncoming traffic. These bikeways are at street-level and use a variety of methods for physical protection from passing traffic. A parking lane, flexible delineator posts, or flower boxes may provide the physical separation from motor vehicle traffic. Shared Lane Marking (SLM) A.K.A. Sharrow Enhanced SLMStandard SLM Separated Bike Lane - Sidewalk Level Shared Use Path - Separated from Motor Vehicle Traffic Separated Bike Lane - Street LevelBike Lane Advisory Bike Lane Design Features Toolkit - Bicycle During the development of the design options for the individual segments, a toolkit of design elements for bicycle facilities was considered. Whole some may ultimately not be used, all were considered during the development of the design options phase of the study. Photo Credit: www.thedartmouth.com 16
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Residential zone sidewalks are important in providing pedestrians access to schools, businesses, and recreation areas. Four feet is the minimum preferred standard, and a 5-foot sidewalk is common. Commercial zone sidewalks provide pedestrians access directly to local businesses and act as important public gathering spaces for socializing and recreation. Six feet is the minimum preferred standard. The furniture zone buffer should be between motor vehicle traffic and the pedestrian through zone. Signalized road crossings are typically locations where rail trails or paths cross roadways with high traffic volumes or speed and/or connect to schools. A steeper-pitched raised crosswalk is ideal for some college campus or downtown core locations where significant pedestrian crossings occur regularly or frequently. One result of a steeper crossing is motor vehicle traffic slowed to approximately 10 MPH or less. Mobility-impaired individuals have an easier time crossing as they do not have change in grade. Residential Zone Sidewalk Signalized Road CrossingRaised Crosswalk Commercial Zone Sidewalk Design Features Toolkit - Pedestrian Pedestrian design features create a more comfortable and safe environment for pedestrians. Many of these are designed to slow motor vehicle traffic as well. Crosswalk signage at unsignalized crossings can alert motorists to the presence of pedestrians at these locations. Crosswalk Signage Pedestrian refuge islands limit pedestrian exposure in the intersection. They are recommended where a pedestrian must cross more than two lanes of traffic in one direction, locations with high pedestrian-collision rates, and locations where there are high traffic volumes and speeds. Medians or safety islands create a two- stage crossing for pedestrians, which is easier and safer. Raised Refuge Island DESIGNFEATURESTOOLKIT 17
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY FisherRd Kinne Rd Arbor Ln Widewaters Pkwy DeW itt Rd ThompsonRd o Butternut Dr 3r St CeliDr Towpath Rd Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd ClaretCir Cir Erie Blvd AgwayDr C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D M E A D O W B R O O K C R E E K 0.50.25 0.75 1.0 Mile0 Butternut Drive: (See Section F) • Add shared use sidepath on west side Enhanced Erie Canalway trailhead and Butternut Drive crossing Tow Path Road East: (See Section E) • Narrow travel lanes and add buffer with delineator posts PotentialWidewaters Common redevelopment area Erie Blvd. Road Diet: (See Sections A + B) • Recommendation: Incorporate Erie CanalwayTrail into median with striped road diet • Final Feasibility Concept: Incorporate Erie CanalwayTrail into median with improved streetscape and sidewalks Kinne Road Bridge: • Construct new trail bridge adjacent to existing bridge Towpath RoadWest: (See Section D) • Recommendation: 5’wide shoulder bikeway • Final Feasibility concept: One-way roadway eastbound, with 12’wide shared use path Erie CanalwayTrail connection to downtown Syracuse Off-street path connection to Erie Blvd. within Towpath Rd. right-of-way Natural surface path loop on south side of former canal alignment In long term, intersection would be a good candidate for a trail overpass in long term to avoid the heavy traffic and turning movements (Gateway to Le Moyne College) N 690 481Existing Shared Use Path (Paved) Proposed Shared Use Path (Paved) Proposed Natural Surface Path Proposed On-Street Improvements Special Intersection Treatment Future Road Connections LEGEND The following page displays a map that details each section drawing location along the corridor. ERIECANALWAYTRAILALIGNMENT/RECOMMENDATIONSMAP 18
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY CROSSSECTIONLOCATIONSMAP Erie Boulevard at Thompson Road Erie Boulevard at Texas Roadhouse Erie Boulevard at Kravec Drive Towpath Road - West of Widewaters Parkway Towpath Road - East of Widewaters Parkway Kinne Road Bridge Butternut Drive SECTION LOCATIONS A B C D E F G 19
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Section A Erie Boulevard East at Thompson Rd Existing Conditions From Bridge Street to the Syracuse City line at Thompson Road, Erie Boulevard’s fluctuating median width, numerous wide travel lanes, and lack of sidewalks pose both a challenge to pedestrian mobility and an opportunity for trail development. Speed limit is posted at 40 MPH, and Average Annual Daily Trips (AADT) is approximately 19,300 according to 2013 NYS DOT data. Locator Map 12’12’12’12’ 12’ 5’12’ 12’ 9’12’5’ 115’ SnowShelf SnowShelf TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TurnLane TurnLane Median Erie Boulevard east looking west towards the Thompson Road intersection 20
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Section A Erie Boulevard East at Thompson Rd Recommendation: Trail in median This option would require a narrowing of all travel lanes from 12’ to 11’, and the removal of one through- lane traveling both directions. The resulting width of the median would more closely match the 30’ existing median to the east. A guide rail would protect bicyclists from westbound traffic while a 7’ landscaped area creates a buffer between walkers, joggers, and east bound motor vehicle traffic. Final Feasibility Concept: Trail in Me- dian with streetscape enhancements and wider sidewalks In the longer term, the Town of DeWitt aspires for a more holistic enhancement of Erie Blvd. that includes an improved pedestrian environment along the edges. A new sidewalk, street trees and additional landscaping will enhance economic redevelopment opportunities as well. 115’ 11’11’ 11’ 11’ 5’11’ 11’ 7’ 2’5’ 12’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer StripedBuffer TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TurnLane TurnLane TravelLane Erie Canalway Trail 115’ 11’11’ 11’ 11’ 5’11’ 11’ 7’ 2’6’ 6’7’ 12’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer Buffer Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TurnLane TurnLane TravelLane Erie Canalway Trail Recommendation Final Feasibility Concept ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 21
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Thompson Road Existing Conditions Thompson Road is a difficult intersection for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross 22
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY BUS Gas Vacant Auto Zone ERIE BLVD EAST THOMPSONRD Recommendation: Trail In Median ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 23
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY 12’ 13’13’ 4.5’12’13’ 13’4.5’ 20’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Median 105’ Erie Boulevard East at Texas Road House Restaurant Existing Conditions At this section of roadway near the Texas Roadhouse restaurant, Erie Boulevard’s 20’ median has a substantial slope within the cross section. This poses a challenge to the development of a trail within the median area without widening it. Locator Map Section B 24
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Texas Road House Restaurant Recommendation: Trail in median This option requires the removal of the existing crash barrier fence and filling in on the down-slope portion to create an even trail bed. Raising the trail to be above the west-bound motorists is the preferred construction practice here. Final Feasibility Concept: Trail in Me- dian with streetscape enhancements and wider sidewalks In the longer term, the Town of DeWitt aspires for a more holistic enhancement of Erie Blvd. that includes an improved pedestrian environment along the edges. A new sidewalk, street trees and additional landscaping will enhance economic redevelopment opportunities as well. 5’11’ 11’11’ 11’5’ 105’ Sidewalk Sidewalk 7’ 2’ Buffer 13’ Buffer 4’ StoneDust 12’ 7’ Buffer Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane 12’ 13’13’ 4.5’12’13’ 13’4.5’ 20’ 5’11’ 11’11’ 11’6’ 6’7’ 105’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer 7’2’ 2’ Buffer 4’ StoneDust 12’ Erie Canalway Trail 7’ Buffer Shoulder Sidewalk Sidewalk Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Median 105’ Recommendation Final Feasibility Concept Section B ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 25
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY 12’ 13’13’ 4.5’12’13’ 13’4.5’ 30’ Sidewalk Sidewalk TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane Median 115’ Locator Map Erie Boulevard East at Kravec Drive Existing Conditions From Bridge Street to the Syracuse City line at Thompson Road, Erie Boulevard’s fluctuating median width (maximum of 30’ width), numerous wide travel lanes, and lack of sidewalks pose both a challenge to pedestrian mobility and an opportunity for trail development. Speed limit is posted at 40 MPH, and Average Annual Daily Trips (AADT) is approximately 21,500 according to 2013 NYS DOT data. Section C 26
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Kravec Drive Recommendation: Trail in median This option would transform the existing 30’ median into an Erie Canalway Trail segment. The existing space in the median is situated perfectly for tansformation into a trail with a landscaped area to buffer trail users from motor vehicle traffic. Along most portions of the roadway, one travel lane is each direction closest to the median is transformed into a hatched shoulder area. This road diet approach provides the opportunity to widen the median where needed, typically the approaches to intersections where left turn lanes are needed. Final Feasibility Concept: Trail in Median with streetscape enhancements and wider sidewalks In the longer term, the Town of DeWitt aspires for a more holistic enhancement of Erie Blvd. that includes an improved pedestrian environment along the edges. New sidewalks, street trees and additional landscaping will enhance economic redevelopment opportunities as well. Like the recommendation above, these amenities require reallocation of one travel lane in each direction, but incorporate the outer lanes, rather than replacing the inner travel lanes with a hatched shoulder zone. 6’ 7’11’ 11’7’ 6’11’ 11’ 7’ 4’6’ 6’7’ 12’ 115’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer Buffer Buffer Buffer Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane Stonedust Erie Canalway Trail 7’ 5’ Sidewalk 5’ Sidewalk Buffer 4’ Stonedust 7’ Buffer Buffer Lane 11’ Travel Lane 11’ Travel Lane 11’ Travel Lane 11’ Travel Lane 12’ 13’ Buffer Lane 13’ Erie Canalway Trail Recommendation Final Feasibility Concept Section C ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 27
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Thompson Road Recommendation: Trail in median Photo simulation Precedent project: Brooklyn, NY Section C 28
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Bridge Street Existing Conditions Recommendation: Trail in Median Vacant BRIDGEST ERIEBLVD ORRICK RD ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 29
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Evaluation Criteria The consultant team and the Town of DeWitt agreed upon a common set of evaluation crtieria to determine which would be the one favored by town officials and NYSDOT. The eight criteria included: 1. Trail user safety at mid-block locations 2. Trail user safety at intersections 3. Trail user access to businesses 4. Opportunities for stormwater treatment facilities 5. Opportunities for enhanced landscaping and trees 6. Impacts to motor vehicle traffic flow 7. Potential to improve transit access and service 8. Economic development potential In order to arrive at the recommendation for a design that included a shared use path in the center median, the team compared the concept with one that included bike lanes on each side of Erie Blvd, separated from traffic by a narrow, raised median. The clear preference following this scoring exercise was the Shared-use path within existing center median option. This offers an opportunity to have a separate facility for bicycles while allowing peestrians either to use the shared facility or use upgraded sidewalks along the edge of Erie Boulevard. Note that in the long term, the Town of DeWitt’s aspiration is to also provide additional landscaped buffers, green infrastructure, benches, lights and signage. Rendered image of the bike lane design option (Option 2) that was used during the early stages of the planning project Summary Scores of Evaluation Exercise 30
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Confirmation of Road Diet Proposal Of the two design options for Erie Blvd. between Thompson Road (Syracuse City Line) and Bridge Street, both involved the reduction of one travel lane in each direction. At minimum, the “road diet” retained two thru lanes, along with the left and right turn lanes. The traffic analysis used a Synchro Analysis model in order to determine the intersection level of service (LOS), the amount of delay (in seconds) and the queue lengths on the approach to the traffic signal at Bridge Street. The extent of this study did not allow for analysis of additional signalized intersections. The results of the Erie Blvd./Bridge Street intersection Synchros Analysis resulted in what the consultant team would consider acceptable level of changes to the performance of the intersection for motor vehicle drivers. The results illustrated in the adjacent table show that LOS during the PM peak period remains relatively unchanged between today’s roadway conditions and the proposed road diet condition. Delays go up slightly and queue lengths go up somewhat significantly. While increased queue lengths can be a red flag for some road diet projects, the LOS and delay scores imply that a motorist would be able to proceed through the intersection roughly as he or she would today. The primary change is that the line of cars waiting to get through the signal would simply be longer. In other words, the amount of green time for Erie Blvd. traffic allows roughly the same number of cars to flush through the Bridge Street intersection whether there are the three existing thru lanes in each direction or the proposed two. It should be noted that more-detailed and additional traffic analysis will be required at all intersections along the Erie Blvd corridor in DeWitt and ultimately Syracuse. Table 1: Summary of Erie Blvd. Synchro Analysis Bridge Road Intersection Synchro Analysis Summary ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 31
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY 11’ 11’3’ 3’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane Towpath Road - West of Widewaters Parkway Existing Conditions FromtheintersectionofCeliDrivetoWidewatersParkway,Towpath Road features one lane in each direction with narrow shoulders. The roadway width is approximately 28’. There is no sidewalk but traffic volume is quite low however, making for a reasonably comfortable bicycling environment. Locator MapSection D 32
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Final Feasibility Concept: One-way motor vehicle travel lane and 12’ Erie Canalway Trail This option would require signing and striping the roadway to become a one-way road for motor vehicles. The resulting space would enable a comfortably wide Erie Canalway Trail, buffered from motor vehicle traffic by a 3’ painted area with reflective bollards. The new roadway shown in the diagram at lower right could accommodate either one-way traffic (using the existing roadway) or two-way traffic on a new road. If the latter, the entire width of Towpath Road could become a Pedestrian / Bike promenade, in conjunction with adjacent redevelopment. In either case, the trail would run alongside Widewaters Pond -- a nod to the actual Erie Canal Waterway of the past and a way for trail users to enjoy the aesthetic waterway. Towpath Road - West of Widewaters Parkway Recommendation: Bikeable Shoulders with bi-di- rectional travel lane This option would require re-striping of the existing roadway to accom- modate a 5’ wide shoulders in each direction with no double center line striping (resulting in a 18’ wide bi-directional travel lane). Sho Sho Travel Travel 18’5’ 28’ Shoulder 5’ Shoulder TravelLanes5’ +/- 18’ 5’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane Diagram shows the proposed alignment of one-way roads within the area slated for potential future re-development. FisherRd Kinne Rd E Manlius St Widewaters Pkwy ThompsonRd Butternut Dr Ave 3rd St CeliDr Towpath Rd McCool Ave Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr W 1st St Salt Springs Rd ret Erie Blvd AgwayDr C E D A R B A Y L E Y C R E E K New road with west-bound or two-way traffic East-bound trafficFuture Erie Canalway trail 690 Final Feasibility Concept RecommendationSection D Shoul Shoul TravelLa 5’ +/- 18’ 5’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane12’ 11’3’ 2’ 28’ TravelLane Buffer Buffer Erie Canalway Trail TOWPATHROADRECOMMENDATIONS 33
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY 12’10’-12’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane 12’ ~14’ TravelLane GrassBuffer 36’ Towpath Road - East of Widewaters Parkway Existing Conditions From the intersection of Widewaters Parkway to Kinne Road, Towpath road features one lane in each direction and a wide shoulder on the south / west side of the road. At approximately 10’ in width, the shoulder provides a relatively comfortable facility for walkers and bicyclists wanting to follow the original Erie Canal alignment. It also connects with a similar width shoulder on Widewaters from Towpath Road to Bridge Street. Locator Map Section E Existing conditions include a 10’ - 12’ wide paved shoulder, ideal for striping improvements. 34
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Towpath Road - East of Widewaters Parkway Recommendation: Narrow travel lanes + install 10’ wide Erie Canalway Trail This recommendation requires the narrowing of the existing travel lanes from 12’ to 11’, and creating a stronger visual buffer between the Canalway trail and the travel lanes with a painted hatch- pattern and delineator posts. Building a sidewalk on the opposite side would be an additional optional amentity. Precedent project: Springdale, AR G 11’10’ Erie Canalway Trail Shoulder TravelLane 11’ 8’ TravelLane GrassBuffer Buffer 5’ Sidewalk Recommendation Sidewalk Optional Section E TOWPATHROADRECOMMENDATIONS 35
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY 12’ 12’4’ 3’ 4’ 35’ Shoulder Shoulder Sidewalk Travel Lane Travel Lane 35’ Kinne Road Bridge Existing Conditions The Kinne Road Bridge has 2 12’ wide travel lanes, 3’ - 4’ shoulders, and a 4’ wide sidewalk on the north side. The bridge is a critical link over I-481 in the Erie Canalway Trail system. Section F Existing conditions include a narrow sidewalk on the north side of the bridge. 36
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Section F Kinne Road Bridge Recommendation: New trail bridge The recommended crossing over I-481 is a new trail bridge adjacent to the Kinne Road Bridge. The bridge would provide a seamless connection from the south end of Towpath Road to the recommended sidepath allong Butternut Drive (see next section). An enhanced crosswalk and other improvements would be needed at the Towpath / Kinne intersection to safely accommodate access to the trail bridge. Recommendation 12’ 12’ 14’4’ 3’ 4’ 35’ 14’ Shoulder Shoulder Sidewalk Travel Lane Erie Canalway Trail Travel Lane Precedent project: Eugene, OR KINNEROADBRIDGERECOMMENDATIONS 37
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY 11’ 11’3’ 3’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane Butternut Drive - Between Trailhead and Bridge Existing Conditions From the intersection of Kinne Road to Town Hall, Butternut Drive is a sloping roadway with one lane in each direction. A 300’ long segment north of Kinne Road sits up on an embankment above the adjacent I-481 and contains guide rails. The road flattens out where it intersects with the Old Erie Canal State Park parking lot. Locator MapSection G 38
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Butternut Drive - Between Trailhead and Bridge Recommendation: Sidepath on West Side This option leaves the existing travel lanes, shoulders, and guid rails in heir current location. A retaining wall will need to be built to accommodate the preferred width of the Erie Canalway Trail. To avoid a closed drainage system the trail can be built at roadway grade with a guide rail as barrier. Back-up Option: Install Sidewalk on West Side + Stripe Bike Lanes This option requires narrowing the existing 11’ travel lanes to 10’. This allows for a 4’ bike lane to be striped in both directions, as well as a sidewak. The back-up option does not require any relocation of guide rails. 11’ 11’3’ 3’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane 10’ 10’4’6’ 4’ 28’ BikeLane BikeLane Sidewalk TravelLane TravelLane 11’ 11’2’12’ 2’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane Erie Canalway Trail Recommendation Back-up Option Section G BUTTERNUTDRIVERECOMMENDATIONS 39
Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY Conclusion and Next Steps This Elevating Erie Concept Plan has identified a recommended route to overcome the existing challenges and develop a safe and comfortable Erie Canalway Trail (ECT) through the Town of DeWitt. This project would not be possiblewithoutthededicatedeffortsofthemanyadvocacygroups,Townand City planning offices and their dedicated staff, elected officials, and countless trail enthusiasts that have been working towards this goal for decades. The timing of DeWitt’s planning work is fortuitous. In April 2017, the State’s apdopted budget included $200 million to fulfill Governor Cuomo’s vision to complete the Empire State Trail, which includes closing the 14-mile gap in the Syracuse metro area. The proposed route of the EST can capitalize on the Elevating Erie project and close the gap in the Erie Canal Trail through the Syracuse region. This is an historic opportunity for DeWitt, for the trail, and for the State of New York. Implementation of the recommendations in this report will extend many of the off-road trail qualities found along the Erie Canalway Trail through the Town of DeWitt and beyond. CONCLUSIONANDNEXTSTEPS 40
ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie Concept Plan - DeWitt, NY [ PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK ] 41

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De witt final_report_180213

  • 1.
    ELEVATING ERIE CONCEPTPLAN DEWITT, NY FINAL REPORT OCTOBER 2017 This report was developed with funding assistance through the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program
  • 2.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Town of Dewitt Sam Gordon, Director of Planning and Zoning Stephanie Guereschi, Environmental Planner EDR Environmental Design and Research Andrew Obemesser Erica Tauzer Alta Planning + Design Jeff Olson, Principal Phil Goff, Project Manager Lindsay Vera, PE, Project Engineer Charles Creagh, Project Planner ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONTENTS Introduction...................................................1 Existing Conditions Assesment.....................3 Concept Plan Recommendations.................15 Design Features Toolkit...............................16 Project Recommendations Map...................18 Cross Section Locations Map.......................19 Cross Sections: • A.......................................................20 • B.......................................................24 • C.......................................................26 Evaluation Criteria........................................30 • D.......................................................32 • E.......................................................34 • F.......................................................36 • G......................................................38 Conclusion + Next Steps..............................40 This report was developed with funding assistance through the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program ii
  • 3.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY The Elevating Erie Concept Plan seeks to help DeWitt achieve the following goals: 1. Provide a multi-use trail along the former Erie Canal alignment through the Town of DeWitt 2. Increase recreational and active transportation opportunities for residents, employees and visitors 3. Improve economic redevelopment opportunities along the trail corridor 4. Brand DeWitt as a more green and sustainable community 5. Leverage funding to improve multi-modal mobility, safety and aesthetics along Erie Boulevard The recommendations in this study will reduce one of the most critical gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail. Currently, the trail is comprised of a nearly 360 mile network between Buffalo and Albany, linking Rochester, Syracuse and Utica. Over 75% of the existing trail is off-road, utilizing the historic towpaths and railroads. When fully complete, the Erie Canalway Trail will be a key destination for heritage tourism, and a centerpiece for the Town of DeWitt. Introduction Only small remnants of the historic Erie Canal exist along the former alignment in DeWitt. Over the past century, the Canal has been replaced by a portion of Interstate 481, local roadways and Erie Boulevard, a six-lane state highway. The Town of DeWitt led a visionary effort called “Elevating Erie” to re-imagine the Canal as a key part of the community’s future. The Elevating Erie Concept Plan proposes to bring the Canal back to life in DeWitt, with a new multi-use trail along the former Erie Canal alignment. This would extend the current terminus of the Erie Canalway Trail at Old Erie Canalway State Park through the Town of DeWitt to the Syracuse City Line at Thompson Road. The recommended alignment incorporates public rights of way along Butternut Drive, Kinne Road, Towpath Road, Bridge Street and Erie Boulevard. The proposed trail is anticipated to run within Erie Boulevard to Downtown Syracuse and beyond, in order to link with the existing Erie Canalway Trail in Camillus, a total gap of 14 miles. The 14 mile gap is currently in the process of a subsequent planning and design study as part of the Empire State Trail (EST). As envisioned by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the EST will link the Erie Canalway Trail, the Hudson River Greenway and the Champlain Valley route into a 750-mile statewide multi-use trail network, the largest in the U.S. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVESUMMARY 1 The proposed path along the historic route of the Erie Canal in DeWitt will transform the community.
  • 4.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY 12’ 13’13’ 4.5’12’13’ 13’4.5’ 30’ 6’ 7’11’ 11’7’ 6’11’ 11’ 7’ 4’6’ 6’7’ 12’ 115’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer Buffer Buffer Buffer Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane Sidewalk Sidewalk TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane Median TravelLane TravelLane 115’ Stonedust Erie Canalway Trail Erie Canalway Trail Recommendations To meet the Town’s goals, the recommended trail alignment follows the historic route of the canal. This includes portions of the historic towpath road between Kinne Road and Celi Drive and a segment of Erie Boulevard East between Bridge Street and Thompson Road. Recommendations for the 3-mile section include a paved pathway with parallel stonedust shoulder within Erie Boulevard’s median, striped bike lanes, a shared use path within the shoulder, a new trail bridge over I-481 and a sidepath along Butternut Drive. Intersection enhancements will tie all of the various sections together. In aggregate, the majority of the route will be separated from motor vehicle traffic. The trail will be designed to safely accommodate a wide range of people of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists. The proposed Erie Boulevard Trail concept is proposed in the following sections: Erie Boulevard East Taking advantage of the unused paved median, a shared use path will run through the center and be buffered from traffic. Specially designed intersection enhancements will accommodate crossings at Bridge Street and Thompson Road for the connection into Syracuse. A “road diet” to repurpose one travel lane in each direction provides the opportunity to widen sidewalks and add new street trees and can be developed as a second phase of the project. The quality of the design is intended to promote economic redevelopment along Erie Boulevard. Towpath Road Because of low traffic volumes and speeds west of Widewaters Parkway, standard bicycle lanes will provide the two-wheeled connection from Erie Boulevard further east. Pedestrian traffic will be accommodated on a new sidewalk on the north side. East of Widewaters Parkway, pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists will utilize a wide shoulder of Towpath Road, separated from traffic by Final Feasibility Concept Design for Erie Boulevard East a striped buffer and delineator posts. Adjacent to the path, a narrow remnant of the Erie Canal reminds users of the historical significance of the trail route. Connection to Old Erie Canal State Park From the east end of Towpath Road, the connection to Old Erie Canal State Park will be made using a trail bridge over I-481, adjacent to the Kinne Road Bridge. A new sidepath along Butternut Drive connects the bridge to the trailhead of the existing Canalway Trail that runs 38 miles from DeWitt to Rome, New York. Project recommendations include an enhanced trailhead with additional amenities such as bike racks, seating, an interpretive kiosk and restrooms. 2
  • 5.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY EXISTING CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT 3
  • 6.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Erie Canalway Trail Syracuse / DeWitt area Completed Portion Gaps Existing Studies Numerous reports over the past 20 years have solidified the importance of “closing the gap” in the Erie Canalway Trail in Central New York. The Canalway Trail Gap Segment Assessment Report (November 1998) report prepared by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) was one of many prepared by PTNY to address critical trail gaps throughout the state. The preferred option east of the Syracuse border: Utilize National Grid right-of-way adjacent to Rote 690, crossing Thompson Road and Bridge Street, to enterprise Parkway, Towpath Road and Kinne Road, to Cedar Bay Park in Dewitt. The Canalway Trail Through Syracuse report (February 1999) was developed in concert with the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee of the SMTC. The Closing the Gaps: A Progress Report on the Erie Canalway Trail (2010, 2011, 2012) prepared by the Canalway Trail Association New York (CTANY) in concert with Parks Trails New York (PTNY) released an annual report to “update Canalway corridor communities on recent progress and the current trail status across the state.” Progress in closing each of the gaps as well as obstacles present in closing additional trail gaps in the state are outlined in each report. The Closing the Gaps reports will provide insight into how construction is progressing through existing challenging areas in other ‘gap’ communities. The Campaign to Close the Gaps (Fall 2010) initiated by Senator Kristen Gillibrand’s office involved hosting a series of roundtable discussions to gather ideas for closing the gaps that existing along the trail between Utica and Albany. The Cycling the Erie Canalway: A guide to 400 miles of adventure and history along the Erie Canalway Trail (2007, 2012) guidebooks published by PTNY is a useful tool for cyclists or any trail user interested in planning a trip or locating improved areas. An on-road segment between DeWitt and Camillus is highlighted. The Friends of the Onondaga Canalway Trail (FOCT) is a public interest group advancing completion of the trail between Camillus and DeWitt. The FOCt was “designated by the Canalway Trail Management Organization (a partnership project of the NYSCC, the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, and the New York Parks and Conservation Association) as the group responsible for public participation in trailway activities such as volunteer trail maintenance in the Syracuse area.” The FOCT stopped meeting in 2003, and the maps detailing the preferred routing of the Erie Canalway Trail between the Towns of DeWitt and Camillus were “never officially adopted or accepted.” “Completing the gap in the Syracuse portion of the trail would link Syracuse and its surrounding communities to 281 miles of Erie Canalway Trail that are currently open to the public.” - (Page 6, Erie Canalway Trail Syracuse Connector Route Project, Part II) 4
  • 7.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Summary of The Erie Canalway Trail - Syracuse Connector Route Project report Part 1: June 2013 - Short Term The Erie Canalway Trail - Syracuse Connector Route Project (June, 2013) report published by the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council divided the study into two sections: Part I, the short-term route, and Part II: the long-term route. The short-term route is focused on the unsigned on-road Erie Canalway Trail. The Cycling the Erie Canalway (CEC) Bike Tour utilizes a version of this route each July. The development of this route included input from the New York State Canalway Corporation (NYSCC), the City of Syracuse, Towns of Camillus and DeWitt and the SMTC. The short-term on-road route was to be utilized until an appropriate off-road route could be planned, developed, designed, and constructed. The on-road route has been adjusted to reflect changes in roadway reconstruction activity. The on-road route has been signed through Syracuse but not in DeWitt. Public Involvement The June 2013 report Erie Canalway Trail - Syracuse Connector Route Project includes a Public Involvement section that details the robust level of public involvement. A Study Advisory Committee (SAC), Working Group, and Stakeholders list were developed with the purpose of involving the public during the planning process. The SAC met four times, the first meeting was held in July 2012 to introduce the project. At this meeting the SMTC provided an introduction to the project, answered project questions, solicited Working Group members, and asked attendees to answer survey questions. The public drew desired routes on large maps displaying the Syracuse Gap in the Erie Canalway Trail. . Subsequent meetings were held in March, 2014. The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) held a Working Group meeting in November 2012 to gain insight into the on-road Erie Canalway Trail route. The Working Group consisted of volunteers from the July 2012 meeting as well as participants solicited through an online survey. A general stakeholders list was maintained, including each attendee from the first public meeting. The stakeholders list is used to disseminate pertinent project information and to notify people of upcoming public meetings. The final public meeting was held in December, 2015 at the Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse. The SMTC “provided an introduction to the Erie Canalway Trail project, an overview of the completed Part I portion of the project, and an overview of the Part II suggested trail route options and Points of Study, followed by a Q & A period.” (Page 12, Erie Canalway trail Syracuse Connector Route Project, Part II.) Part 2: June 2016 - Long Term The long term or permanent route will address the Syracuse Gap by developing a route that meets the intent of the Erie Canalway Trail across the state as a designated shared-use path that is separated from motor vehicle traffic. Routes The analysis and potential permanent route development process began at the first public meeting in 2012 and continues today. Input from stakeholders, Working Group members, Study Advisory Committee members, and cyclists (as part of both the SMTC’s Bike Corridor Study as well as from the annual Cycling the Erie Canal event survey) was invaluable in the initial production of potential route alignments. The report includes detailed maps that show the various routing options. Map 3-6: potential permanent route options in DeWitt from SMTC 2016 report EXISTINGCONDITIONSASSESSMENT 5
  • 8.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Elevating Erie Ideas Competition The Elevating Erie Design Competition was a collaborative effort between the Town of DeWitt and City of Syracuse to investigate ideas to close the 14 mile gap in the Erie Canalway Trail. In the fall of 2015, both communities solicited design ideas that would identify innovative ways to create a trail within the 4 mile gap between SyracusesndDeWitt.Althoughburiedunderpavementforacentury, the canalway corridor has remained significant in the region as a primary means of transporting people and goods east and west. Filling this gap in the system is crucial, as it will help achieve the goal of creating the longest continuous bicycle and pedestrian trail in North America. The Elevating Erie Ideas Competition was an effort to both celebrate the heritage of the 200 year old canal system and initiate a dialogue in the community discussing how to best utilize and design the corridor to stimulate economic investment. Four differently branded sites within DeWitt and Syracuse were identified for potential improvements, including: • Boulevard: a four mile stretch of Erie Blvd. through both DeWitt and Syracuse • Block: a single block of Erie Blvd. in Syracuse that investigated design issues at a higher level of detail • Branch: redesign of the Widewaters area at the intersection of Towpath Road and Erie Blvd. in DeWitt • Bridge: a trail and open space bridge over I-481, where the current Erie Canalway Trail terminates at Butternut Drive in DeWitt Sixty-four competition entries were received from 16 different countries, covering the four identified sites. According to www. elevatingerie.com, the ideas competition “was a first step towards initiating a community discussion about the importance of the canal corridor, and how best to reclaim its heritage in a celebratory and stimulating fashion.” Public Survey During the competition, an on-line survey was promoted to the public to gain an understanding of: • The importance of the corridor, which included a establishing a set of prioritites for the built and natural environment • Where to focus investments, including a determination of why more specific elements and trail amenities were important Developing Alternatives The consultant team reviewed the survey results and noticed several recurring themes throughout the 1,264 completed surveys. These themes influenced the way in which we viewed potential design ideasandultimatelyaffectedthepreferredalignment.Thefollowing is a brief summary of the results from each survey question: A collection of concepts from the Elevating Erie Competition website 6
  • 9.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY The four categories that competition entries focused on during the Elevating Erie Ideas Competition Priorities The highest priorities by rank include: • Pedestrian & Bicycle Transportation • Connectivity and Safety • Economic Development Community Character - What needs the most improvement? • More attractive streetscapes • Redevelopment of vacant buildings and lots • Improved development quality and attractiveness Eco-friendly Design - Which of these will most benefit the corridor? • Green infrastructure • Increase tree canopy • Landscaping the median Conectivity and Safety - Which improvments would make you feel safer? • Protected bike lanes • Pedestrian refuge areas • Traffic calming Economc Development - Which development type do you favor on Erie Boulevard? • Commercial / mixed-use developments • Retail / services • Parks / pocket parks / playgrounds Parks + Recreation - Which amenities would you prefer along Erie Boulevard? • Trails • Open spaces / event spaces / playgrounds • Picnic areas / restrooms / drinking fountains The survey responses helped to inform the development of design concepts for the DeWitt portion of the Erie Canal gap in metro Syracuse. Due to the clear preferences expressed in the survey, final design recomendations included a separation of the the Canalway Trail from traffic where feasible; streetscape improvements to encourage redevelopment and additional landscape buffers to evoke a green corridor along the former route of the Erie Canal. EXISTINGCONDITIONSASSESSMENT 7
  • 10.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY This infographic summarizes the Elevating Erie competition entry ideas 8
  • 11.
  • 12.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY BridgeSt Demong Dr FisherRd Kinne Rd ElyDr Carnegie Dr EdwardsDr ManorDr KittellRd Carlton Dr Arbor Ln E Genesee St The H am let Ro BurrowsSt Randall Rd SedaliaCir LyndonRd E Manlius St Mapleview Rd Widewaters Pkwy DeW itt Rd LuddingtonSt Terraceview Rd AmbergateRd DroversLn ThompsonRd HillsboroPkwy FirtreeLn Butternut Dr Southgate Rd CharlesSt Doll Pkwy WilliamSt Caton Dr PelhamRd BrandonRd SmithSt Fayette Blvd Caleb Ave Mountainview Ave 3rd St CeliDr MastersRd SalemRd Haddonfield Pl Towpath Rd Hobson Ave Ethridge Rd McCool Ave ArchSt Lockwood Rd Springwater Dr Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl Bradford Pkwy Pyle Dr Crst Euclid Ave NorthridgeRd W 1st St Springfield Rd Hillsboro Pkwy Pe Hi Phillips Rd Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd Alpine Dr Phelps St Paula Dr ThompsonRd Bradford Pkwy W instonW ay Melbourne Ave Canterbury Rd StantonDr Brampton Dr ClaretCir RevereRd lmsfordRd Sunnyside ParkRd AberdeenTer PosterLn Litchfield Dr Kravec Dr Lynbrook Cir Dr Commons Park W 2nd St HathawayRd Polk St Erie Blvd Manlius Center Rd Oakmont Dr Edgemont Dr WexfordRd AgwayDr Clearview Rd LynacresBlvd C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D M E A D O W B R O O K L E Y C R E E K Canalway Trail: Old Erie CanalStatePark SYRACUSE DEWITT Cedar Bay Park DeWitt Town Park DeWitt Town Hall The redevelopment of the shopping plaza on Erie Blvd. includes a well- designed sidewalk and green buffer. The following pages provide an assessment of the Erie Canalway Trail corridor. The photo tour maps provide context regarding the varying roadway / travel lane / shoulder widths found on the roads within the site. The subsequent maps illustrate: • Motor vehicle traffic levels within the site • Opportunities and challenges to creating a trail connection through the corridor Existing Conditions Assessment + Analysis Long portions of Erie Blvd. in DeWitt feature a 30’ wide paved median. Old Erie Canalway trailhead sits at the base of the sloped portion of Butternut Drive and below the grade of the adjacent I-481. Towpath Rd. slopes to the north from Kinne Rd. and includes a 4’ shoulder on one side and 10’-12’ on the opposite side. West of Widewaters Pkwy, traffic volumes along Towpath Rd. drop significantly. 10
  • 13.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY BridgeSt Demong Dr FisherRd Kinne Rd ElyDr Carnegie Dr EdwardsDr ManorDr KittellRd Carlton Dr Arbor Ln E Genesee St The H am let Ro BurrowsSt Randall Rd SedaliaCir LyndonRd E Manlius St Mapleview Rd Widewaters Pkwy DeW itt Rd LuddingtonSt Terraceview Rd AmbergateRd DroversLn ThompsonRd HillsboroPkwy FirtreeLn Butternut Dr Southgate Rd CharlesSt Doll Pkwy WilliamSt Caton Dr PelhamRd BrandonRd SmithSt Fayette Blvd Caleb Ave Mountainview Ave 3rd St CeliDr MastersRd SalemRd Haddonfield Pl Towpath Rd Hobson Ave Ethridge Rd McCool Ave ArchSt Lockwood Rd Springwater Dr Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl Bradford Pkwy Pyle Dr Crst Euclid Ave NorthridgeRd W 1st St Springfield Rd Hillsboro Pkwy Pe Hi Phillips Rd Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd Alpine Dr Phelps St Paula Dr ThompsonRd Bradford Pkwy W instonW ay Melbourne Ave Canterbury Rd StantonDr Brampton Dr ClaretCir RevereRd lmsfordRd Sunnyside ParkRd AberdeenTer PosterLn Litchfield Dr Kravec Dr Lynbrook Cir Dr Commons Park W 2nd St HathawayRd Polk St Erie Blvd Manlius Center Rd Oakmont Dr Edgemont Dr WexfordRd AgwayDr Clearview Rd LynacresBlvd C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D M E A D O W B R O O K L E Y C R E E K Canalway Trail: Old Erie CanalStatePark SYRACUSE DEWITT Cedar Bay Park DeWitt Town Park DeWitt Town Hall EXISTINGCONDITIONS-PHOTOTOUR Portions of Erie Blvd. feature damaged sidewalks... The intersection of Bridge St. and Celi Dr. is nearly impossible for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross. The 10’-12’ wide shoulder provides the foundation for a trail connection from Butternut Dr. to Erie Blvd. The Kinne Rd. bridge features a narrow sidewalk on the north side without curb ramps. ...or none at all in some places. The Bridge St. approach to Erie Blvd. provides space on the north side (right) for a spur trail. 11
  • 14.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY TRAFFICVOLUME+ENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONSMAP $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ BridgeSt FisherRd Kinne Rd Carnegie Dr EdwardsDr KittellRd Carlton Dr Arbor Ln E Genesee St Royal Birkdale BurrowsSt Randall Rd LyndonRd Mapleview Rd Widewaters Pkwy Ralph Ln DeW itt Rd LuddingtonSt Terraceview Rd AmbergateRd DroversLn ThompsonRd HillsboroPkwy FirtreeLn Butternut Dr Southgate Rd Doll Pkwy Caton Dr PelhamRd BrandonRd SmithSt Fayette Blvd Caleb Ave Mountainview Ave CeliDr MastersRd WestminsterRd Towpath Rd Hobson Ave Ethridge Rd Lockwood Rd Springwater Dr Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl Pyle Dr Thistlewood Ln NorthridgeRd Springfield Rd Hillsboro Pkwy Peck HillRd Highbridge Rd Phillips Rd Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd Alpine Dr Paula Dr ThompsonRd Bradford Pkwy Melbourne Ave StantonDr Brampton Dr ClaretCir RevereRd ElmsfordRd PosterLn Kravec Dr Lynbrook Cir Commons Park W 2nd St Robbins LnHathawayRd Erie Blvd Manlius Center Rd Edgemont Dr WexfordRd AgwayDr Clearview Rd LynacresBlvd C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D BUTTERNUTCREEK M E A D O W B R O O K L E Y C R E E K CANALWAY TRAIL Existing Proposed by canals/ny.gov* Proposed by LWRP SMTC Option 2 Wetlands Flood plain Environmental Remediation Area *http://www.canals.ny.gov/maps/index. html?layer=trail TRAFFIC + TRANSIT Proposed Alignment Existing Conditions Average Daily Trips 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 20.2 Miles 0 - 2,999 3,000 - 8,000 8,001 - 15,000 15,001 - 60,000 60,001 - 256,390 Sidewalks Trails Proposed Trails Bus Stops$ SYRACUSE DEWITT 690 481 Cedar Bay Park N 12
  • 15.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY OPPORTUNITIESANDCHALLENGESMAP BridgeSt FisherRd Kinne Rd Edwa Arbor Ln Widewaters Pkwy R alph Ln DeW itt Rd ThompsonRd Butternut Dr 3rd St CeliDr Towpath Rd Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl W 1st St Springfield Rd Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd ClaretCir Erie Blvd WexfordRd AgwayDr C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D M E A D O W L E Y C R E E K BUTTERNUTCREEK 0 0.5 1 Mile Above-grade portion of I-481 and ramps Butternut Dr. 6-8% slope from trailhead to bridge Kinne Rd. bridge features narrow shoulders and a 5’ sidewalk on one side only Erie CanalwayTrail runs 34 miles to Rome Existing path between trail head andTown Hall / park 12’wide shoulder narrows on approach to intersection Overgrown reeds and guardrail obscure pond to passing traffic Long vacant Country Club building has become an eyesore Road / driveway crossings of 12’wide shoulder path Sloped section ofTowpath Rd. Parking lot and trail head lacks a significant visual presence Town-owned property contains vestiges of original Erie Canal 12’wide shoulder provides 2-way access for walkers and bicyclistsTraffic volumes drop significantly west of intersection Tow Path Rd. R.O.W. likely includes direct connection to Erie Blvd. Widewaters Pond could offer a significant amenity for nearby redevelopment Two-lane road with narrow shoulders Lack of sidewalks on Bridge St. Potential trail alignment contains significant wetlands Significant cross-slope within median Extremely challenging intersection to cross on foot or by bike Need to transition westbound CanalwayTrail bicyclists from south side to north side Double left-turn lanes to Bridge St. Existing footpath Traffic speeds and multiple commercial curb cuts make for a challenging environment for walking and bicycling on Erie Blvd. 30’wide portion of paved median At approximately 20,000 vehicles per day, Erie Blvd. remains under capacity for its 6-lane design Syracuse section of Erie Blvd. contains wide landscaped median Explanation of Challenge Corridor Challenge Spot Challenge Wide Intersection With High Turn Volumes CHALLENGES Text Explanation of Opportunity Corridor Opportunity OPPORTUNITIES Text N 13
  • 16.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 10 Mid-Block: 10 Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 10 Mid-Block: 10 Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 16 Mid-Block: 1 Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 25 Mid-Block: 4 Pedestrians Crossing Erie Blvd. At: Crosswalk: 26 Mid-Block: 4 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 34 Mid-Block: 5 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 44 Mid-Block: 3 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 21 Mid-Block: 4 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 32 Mid-Block: 11 Pedestrians Crossing Side Streets At: Crosswalk: 19 Mid-Block: 10 Pedestrian and Bicycle Counts Lack of bike facilities, poor sidewalk conditions and gaps in the sidewalk network along Erie Boulevard create an uncomfortable environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. Despite that, a significant number of people walk or bicycle along the corridor. Recent counts along Erie Boulevard counts performed by Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) show that clearly there is significant use of the corridor by people on foot and bicyclists. The counts performed covered an 18-hour period (5:00am - 11:00pm) and included ten intersections between Kinne Road in Dewitt and South Crouse Street in Syracuse. In that 4 mile stretch, SMTC counted 1,355 pedestrians and 85 bicyclists. Within the DeWitt section of the counts, the numbers of pedestrians crossing Erie Boulevard are: • Pedestrians crossing at crosswalks: 237 • Pedestrians crossing at midblock locations: 62 • Total pedestrians counted: 299 There were 42 bicyclists recorded riding along Erie Blvd. in DeWitt. Map Source: Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council BICYCLEANDPEDESTRIANCOUNTLOCATIONSMAP 14
  • 17.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY CONCEPT PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 15
  • 18.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Shared lane markings are used to mark a designated bike route. They are placed in the travel lane, encouraging cyclists to travel away from the door-zone or parked vehicles. These symbols highlight the fact that the roadway is a shared space. The dotted lines represent Enhanced Sharrows - these provide extra awareness to motorists that they are sharing the lane with bicycles. Raised separated bicycle lanes are vertically separated from motor vehicle traffic. A furnishing zone between the bicycle lane and curb or motor vehicle traffic is a common feature. At intersections, the raised bicycle lane can be dropped down to the street level. Raised separated bicycle lanes are vertically separated from motor vehicle traffic. A furnishing zone between the bicycle lane and curb or motor vehicle traffic is a common feature. At intersections, the raised bicycle lane can be dropped down to the street level. Bike lanes designate an exclusive space for bicycles through the use of pavement markings and signage. Bike lanes are typically located adjacent to motor vehicle traffic and travel in the same direction as motor vehicles. Advisory bike lanes are bicycle priority areas delineated by broken white lines, separate from a center one-lane two-way travel area. Motorists may only enter the bicycle zone when no bicycles are present. Motorists must overtakebicyclistswithcautionduetopotential oncoming traffic. These bikeways are at street-level and use a variety of methods for physical protection from passing traffic. A parking lane, flexible delineator posts, or flower boxes may provide the physical separation from motor vehicle traffic. Shared Lane Marking (SLM) A.K.A. Sharrow Enhanced SLMStandard SLM Separated Bike Lane - Sidewalk Level Shared Use Path - Separated from Motor Vehicle Traffic Separated Bike Lane - Street LevelBike Lane Advisory Bike Lane Design Features Toolkit - Bicycle During the development of the design options for the individual segments, a toolkit of design elements for bicycle facilities was considered. Whole some may ultimately not be used, all were considered during the development of the design options phase of the study. Photo Credit: www.thedartmouth.com 16
  • 19.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Residential zone sidewalks are important in providing pedestrians access to schools, businesses, and recreation areas. Four feet is the minimum preferred standard, and a 5-foot sidewalk is common. Commercial zone sidewalks provide pedestrians access directly to local businesses and act as important public gathering spaces for socializing and recreation. Six feet is the minimum preferred standard. The furniture zone buffer should be between motor vehicle traffic and the pedestrian through zone. Signalized road crossings are typically locations where rail trails or paths cross roadways with high traffic volumes or speed and/or connect to schools. A steeper-pitched raised crosswalk is ideal for some college campus or downtown core locations where significant pedestrian crossings occur regularly or frequently. One result of a steeper crossing is motor vehicle traffic slowed to approximately 10 MPH or less. Mobility-impaired individuals have an easier time crossing as they do not have change in grade. Residential Zone Sidewalk Signalized Road CrossingRaised Crosswalk Commercial Zone Sidewalk Design Features Toolkit - Pedestrian Pedestrian design features create a more comfortable and safe environment for pedestrians. Many of these are designed to slow motor vehicle traffic as well. Crosswalk signage at unsignalized crossings can alert motorists to the presence of pedestrians at these locations. Crosswalk Signage Pedestrian refuge islands limit pedestrian exposure in the intersection. They are recommended where a pedestrian must cross more than two lanes of traffic in one direction, locations with high pedestrian-collision rates, and locations where there are high traffic volumes and speeds. Medians or safety islands create a two- stage crossing for pedestrians, which is easier and safer. Raised Refuge Island DESIGNFEATURESTOOLKIT 17
  • 20.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY FisherRd Kinne Rd Arbor Ln Widewaters Pkwy DeW itt Rd ThompsonRd o Butternut Dr 3r St CeliDr Towpath Rd Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr Sutton Pl Salt Springs Rd Hampshire Dr Pelham Rd ClaretCir Cir Erie Blvd AgwayDr C E D A R B A Y W I D E W A T E R S P O N D M E A D O W B R O O K C R E E K 0.50.25 0.75 1.0 Mile0 Butternut Drive: (See Section F) • Add shared use sidepath on west side Enhanced Erie Canalway trailhead and Butternut Drive crossing Tow Path Road East: (See Section E) • Narrow travel lanes and add buffer with delineator posts PotentialWidewaters Common redevelopment area Erie Blvd. Road Diet: (See Sections A + B) • Recommendation: Incorporate Erie CanalwayTrail into median with striped road diet • Final Feasibility Concept: Incorporate Erie CanalwayTrail into median with improved streetscape and sidewalks Kinne Road Bridge: • Construct new trail bridge adjacent to existing bridge Towpath RoadWest: (See Section D) • Recommendation: 5’wide shoulder bikeway • Final Feasibility concept: One-way roadway eastbound, with 12’wide shared use path Erie CanalwayTrail connection to downtown Syracuse Off-street path connection to Erie Blvd. within Towpath Rd. right-of-way Natural surface path loop on south side of former canal alignment In long term, intersection would be a good candidate for a trail overpass in long term to avoid the heavy traffic and turning movements (Gateway to Le Moyne College) N 690 481Existing Shared Use Path (Paved) Proposed Shared Use Path (Paved) Proposed Natural Surface Path Proposed On-Street Improvements Special Intersection Treatment Future Road Connections LEGEND The following page displays a map that details each section drawing location along the corridor. ERIECANALWAYTRAILALIGNMENT/RECOMMENDATIONSMAP 18
  • 21.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY CROSSSECTIONLOCATIONSMAP Erie Boulevard at Thompson Road Erie Boulevard at Texas Roadhouse Erie Boulevard at Kravec Drive Towpath Road - West of Widewaters Parkway Towpath Road - East of Widewaters Parkway Kinne Road Bridge Butternut Drive SECTION LOCATIONS A B C D E F G 19
  • 22.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Section A Erie Boulevard East at Thompson Rd Existing Conditions From Bridge Street to the Syracuse City line at Thompson Road, Erie Boulevard’s fluctuating median width, numerous wide travel lanes, and lack of sidewalks pose both a challenge to pedestrian mobility and an opportunity for trail development. Speed limit is posted at 40 MPH, and Average Annual Daily Trips (AADT) is approximately 19,300 according to 2013 NYS DOT data. Locator Map 12’12’12’12’ 12’ 5’12’ 12’ 9’12’5’ 115’ SnowShelf SnowShelf TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TurnLane TurnLane Median Erie Boulevard east looking west towards the Thompson Road intersection 20
  • 23.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Section A Erie Boulevard East at Thompson Rd Recommendation: Trail in median This option would require a narrowing of all travel lanes from 12’ to 11’, and the removal of one through- lane traveling both directions. The resulting width of the median would more closely match the 30’ existing median to the east. A guide rail would protect bicyclists from westbound traffic while a 7’ landscaped area creates a buffer between walkers, joggers, and east bound motor vehicle traffic. Final Feasibility Concept: Trail in Me- dian with streetscape enhancements and wider sidewalks In the longer term, the Town of DeWitt aspires for a more holistic enhancement of Erie Blvd. that includes an improved pedestrian environment along the edges. A new sidewalk, street trees and additional landscaping will enhance economic redevelopment opportunities as well. 115’ 11’11’ 11’ 11’ 5’11’ 11’ 7’ 2’5’ 12’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer StripedBuffer TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TurnLane TurnLane TravelLane Erie Canalway Trail 115’ 11’11’ 11’ 11’ 5’11’ 11’ 7’ 2’6’ 6’7’ 12’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer Buffer Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TurnLane TurnLane TravelLane Erie Canalway Trail Recommendation Final Feasibility Concept ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 21
  • 24.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Thompson Road Existing Conditions Thompson Road is a difficult intersection for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross 22
  • 25.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY BUS Gas Vacant Auto Zone ERIE BLVD EAST THOMPSONRD Recommendation: Trail In Median ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 23
  • 26.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY 12’ 13’13’ 4.5’12’13’ 13’4.5’ 20’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Median 105’ Erie Boulevard East at Texas Road House Restaurant Existing Conditions At this section of roadway near the Texas Roadhouse restaurant, Erie Boulevard’s 20’ median has a substantial slope within the cross section. This poses a challenge to the development of a trail within the median area without widening it. Locator Map Section B 24
  • 27.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Texas Road House Restaurant Recommendation: Trail in median This option requires the removal of the existing crash barrier fence and filling in on the down-slope portion to create an even trail bed. Raising the trail to be above the west-bound motorists is the preferred construction practice here. Final Feasibility Concept: Trail in Me- dian with streetscape enhancements and wider sidewalks In the longer term, the Town of DeWitt aspires for a more holistic enhancement of Erie Blvd. that includes an improved pedestrian environment along the edges. A new sidewalk, street trees and additional landscaping will enhance economic redevelopment opportunities as well. 5’11’ 11’11’ 11’5’ 105’ Sidewalk Sidewalk 7’ 2’ Buffer 13’ Buffer 4’ StoneDust 12’ 7’ Buffer Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane 12’ 13’13’ 4.5’12’13’ 13’4.5’ 20’ 5’11’ 11’11’ 11’6’ 6’7’ 105’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer 7’2’ 2’ Buffer 4’ StoneDust 12’ Erie Canalway Trail 7’ Buffer Shoulder Sidewalk Sidewalk Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Travel Lane Median 105’ Recommendation Final Feasibility Concept Section B ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 25
  • 28.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY 12’ 13’13’ 4.5’12’13’ 13’4.5’ 30’ Sidewalk Sidewalk TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane Median 115’ Locator Map Erie Boulevard East at Kravec Drive Existing Conditions From Bridge Street to the Syracuse City line at Thompson Road, Erie Boulevard’s fluctuating median width (maximum of 30’ width), numerous wide travel lanes, and lack of sidewalks pose both a challenge to pedestrian mobility and an opportunity for trail development. Speed limit is posted at 40 MPH, and Average Annual Daily Trips (AADT) is approximately 21,500 according to 2013 NYS DOT data. Section C 26
  • 29.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Kravec Drive Recommendation: Trail in median This option would transform the existing 30’ median into an Erie Canalway Trail segment. The existing space in the median is situated perfectly for tansformation into a trail with a landscaped area to buffer trail users from motor vehicle traffic. Along most portions of the roadway, one travel lane is each direction closest to the median is transformed into a hatched shoulder area. This road diet approach provides the opportunity to widen the median where needed, typically the approaches to intersections where left turn lanes are needed. Final Feasibility Concept: Trail in Median with streetscape enhancements and wider sidewalks In the longer term, the Town of DeWitt aspires for a more holistic enhancement of Erie Blvd. that includes an improved pedestrian environment along the edges. New sidewalks, street trees and additional landscaping will enhance economic redevelopment opportunities as well. Like the recommendation above, these amenities require reallocation of one travel lane in each direction, but incorporate the outer lanes, rather than replacing the inner travel lanes with a hatched shoulder zone. 6’ 7’11’ 11’7’ 6’11’ 11’ 7’ 4’6’ 6’7’ 12’ 115’ Sidewalk Sidewalk Buffer Buffer Buffer Buffer Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane TravelLane Stonedust Erie Canalway Trail 7’ 5’ Sidewalk 5’ Sidewalk Buffer 4’ Stonedust 7’ Buffer Buffer Lane 11’ Travel Lane 11’ Travel Lane 11’ Travel Lane 11’ Travel Lane 12’ 13’ Buffer Lane 13’ Erie Canalway Trail Recommendation Final Feasibility Concept Section C ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 27
  • 30.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Thompson Road Recommendation: Trail in median Photo simulation Precedent project: Brooklyn, NY Section C 28
  • 31.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Erie Boulevard East at Bridge Street Existing Conditions Recommendation: Trail in Median Vacant BRIDGEST ERIEBLVD ORRICK RD ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 29
  • 32.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Evaluation Criteria The consultant team and the Town of DeWitt agreed upon a common set of evaluation crtieria to determine which would be the one favored by town officials and NYSDOT. The eight criteria included: 1. Trail user safety at mid-block locations 2. Trail user safety at intersections 3. Trail user access to businesses 4. Opportunities for stormwater treatment facilities 5. Opportunities for enhanced landscaping and trees 6. Impacts to motor vehicle traffic flow 7. Potential to improve transit access and service 8. Economic development potential In order to arrive at the recommendation for a design that included a shared use path in the center median, the team compared the concept with one that included bike lanes on each side of Erie Blvd, separated from traffic by a narrow, raised median. The clear preference following this scoring exercise was the Shared-use path within existing center median option. This offers an opportunity to have a separate facility for bicycles while allowing peestrians either to use the shared facility or use upgraded sidewalks along the edge of Erie Boulevard. Note that in the long term, the Town of DeWitt’s aspiration is to also provide additional landscaped buffers, green infrastructure, benches, lights and signage. Rendered image of the bike lane design option (Option 2) that was used during the early stages of the planning project Summary Scores of Evaluation Exercise 30
  • 33.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Confirmation of Road Diet Proposal Of the two design options for Erie Blvd. between Thompson Road (Syracuse City Line) and Bridge Street, both involved the reduction of one travel lane in each direction. At minimum, the “road diet” retained two thru lanes, along with the left and right turn lanes. The traffic analysis used a Synchro Analysis model in order to determine the intersection level of service (LOS), the amount of delay (in seconds) and the queue lengths on the approach to the traffic signal at Bridge Street. The extent of this study did not allow for analysis of additional signalized intersections. The results of the Erie Blvd./Bridge Street intersection Synchros Analysis resulted in what the consultant team would consider acceptable level of changes to the performance of the intersection for motor vehicle drivers. The results illustrated in the adjacent table show that LOS during the PM peak period remains relatively unchanged between today’s roadway conditions and the proposed road diet condition. Delays go up slightly and queue lengths go up somewhat significantly. While increased queue lengths can be a red flag for some road diet projects, the LOS and delay scores imply that a motorist would be able to proceed through the intersection roughly as he or she would today. The primary change is that the line of cars waiting to get through the signal would simply be longer. In other words, the amount of green time for Erie Blvd. traffic allows roughly the same number of cars to flush through the Bridge Street intersection whether there are the three existing thru lanes in each direction or the proposed two. It should be noted that more-detailed and additional traffic analysis will be required at all intersections along the Erie Blvd corridor in DeWitt and ultimately Syracuse. Table 1: Summary of Erie Blvd. Synchro Analysis Bridge Road Intersection Synchro Analysis Summary ERIEBOULEVARDRECOMMENDATIONS 31
  • 34.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY 11’ 11’3’ 3’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane Towpath Road - West of Widewaters Parkway Existing Conditions FromtheintersectionofCeliDrivetoWidewatersParkway,Towpath Road features one lane in each direction with narrow shoulders. The roadway width is approximately 28’. There is no sidewalk but traffic volume is quite low however, making for a reasonably comfortable bicycling environment. Locator MapSection D 32
  • 35.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Final Feasibility Concept: One-way motor vehicle travel lane and 12’ Erie Canalway Trail This option would require signing and striping the roadway to become a one-way road for motor vehicles. The resulting space would enable a comfortably wide Erie Canalway Trail, buffered from motor vehicle traffic by a 3’ painted area with reflective bollards. The new roadway shown in the diagram at lower right could accommodate either one-way traffic (using the existing roadway) or two-way traffic on a new road. If the latter, the entire width of Towpath Road could become a Pedestrian / Bike promenade, in conjunction with adjacent redevelopment. In either case, the trail would run alongside Widewaters Pond -- a nod to the actual Erie Canal Waterway of the past and a way for trail users to enjoy the aesthetic waterway. Towpath Road - West of Widewaters Parkway Recommendation: Bikeable Shoulders with bi-di- rectional travel lane This option would require re-striping of the existing roadway to accom- modate a 5’ wide shoulders in each direction with no double center line striping (resulting in a 18’ wide bi-directional travel lane). Sho Sho Travel Travel 18’5’ 28’ Shoulder 5’ Shoulder TravelLanes5’ +/- 18’ 5’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane Diagram shows the proposed alignment of one-way roads within the area slated for potential future re-development. FisherRd Kinne Rd E Manlius St Widewaters Pkwy ThompsonRd Butternut Dr Ave 3rd St CeliDr Towpath Rd McCool Ave Gifford Pkwy ButternutDr W 1st St Salt Springs Rd ret Erie Blvd AgwayDr C E D A R B A Y L E Y C R E E K New road with west-bound or two-way traffic East-bound trafficFuture Erie Canalway trail 690 Final Feasibility Concept RecommendationSection D Shoul Shoul TravelLa 5’ +/- 18’ 5’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane12’ 11’3’ 2’ 28’ TravelLane Buffer Buffer Erie Canalway Trail TOWPATHROADRECOMMENDATIONS 33
  • 36.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY 12’10’-12’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane 12’ ~14’ TravelLane GrassBuffer 36’ Towpath Road - East of Widewaters Parkway Existing Conditions From the intersection of Widewaters Parkway to Kinne Road, Towpath road features one lane in each direction and a wide shoulder on the south / west side of the road. At approximately 10’ in width, the shoulder provides a relatively comfortable facility for walkers and bicyclists wanting to follow the original Erie Canal alignment. It also connects with a similar width shoulder on Widewaters from Towpath Road to Bridge Street. Locator Map Section E Existing conditions include a 10’ - 12’ wide paved shoulder, ideal for striping improvements. 34
  • 37.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Towpath Road - East of Widewaters Parkway Recommendation: Narrow travel lanes + install 10’ wide Erie Canalway Trail This recommendation requires the narrowing of the existing travel lanes from 12’ to 11’, and creating a stronger visual buffer between the Canalway trail and the travel lanes with a painted hatch- pattern and delineator posts. Building a sidewalk on the opposite side would be an additional optional amentity. Precedent project: Springdale, AR G 11’10’ Erie Canalway Trail Shoulder TravelLane 11’ 8’ TravelLane GrassBuffer Buffer 5’ Sidewalk Recommendation Sidewalk Optional Section E TOWPATHROADRECOMMENDATIONS 35
  • 38.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY 12’ 12’4’ 3’ 4’ 35’ Shoulder Shoulder Sidewalk Travel Lane Travel Lane 35’ Kinne Road Bridge Existing Conditions The Kinne Road Bridge has 2 12’ wide travel lanes, 3’ - 4’ shoulders, and a 4’ wide sidewalk on the north side. The bridge is a critical link over I-481 in the Erie Canalway Trail system. Section F Existing conditions include a narrow sidewalk on the north side of the bridge. 36
  • 39.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Section F Kinne Road Bridge Recommendation: New trail bridge The recommended crossing over I-481 is a new trail bridge adjacent to the Kinne Road Bridge. The bridge would provide a seamless connection from the south end of Towpath Road to the recommended sidepath allong Butternut Drive (see next section). An enhanced crosswalk and other improvements would be needed at the Towpath / Kinne intersection to safely accommodate access to the trail bridge. Recommendation 12’ 12’ 14’4’ 3’ 4’ 35’ 14’ Shoulder Shoulder Sidewalk Travel Lane Erie Canalway Trail Travel Lane Precedent project: Eugene, OR KINNEROADBRIDGERECOMMENDATIONS 37
  • 40.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY 11’ 11’3’ 3’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane Butternut Drive - Between Trailhead and Bridge Existing Conditions From the intersection of Kinne Road to Town Hall, Butternut Drive is a sloping roadway with one lane in each direction. A 300’ long segment north of Kinne Road sits up on an embankment above the adjacent I-481 and contains guide rails. The road flattens out where it intersects with the Old Erie Canal State Park parking lot. Locator MapSection G 38
  • 41.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Butternut Drive - Between Trailhead and Bridge Recommendation: Sidepath on West Side This option leaves the existing travel lanes, shoulders, and guid rails in heir current location. A retaining wall will need to be built to accommodate the preferred width of the Erie Canalway Trail. To avoid a closed drainage system the trail can be built at roadway grade with a guide rail as barrier. Back-up Option: Install Sidewalk on West Side + Stripe Bike Lanes This option requires narrowing the existing 11’ travel lanes to 10’. This allows for a 4’ bike lane to be striped in both directions, as well as a sidewak. The back-up option does not require any relocation of guide rails. 11’ 11’3’ 3’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane 10’ 10’4’6’ 4’ 28’ BikeLane BikeLane Sidewalk TravelLane TravelLane 11’ 11’2’12’ 2’ 28’ Shoulder Shoulder TravelLane TravelLane Erie Canalway Trail Recommendation Back-up Option Section G BUTTERNUTDRIVERECOMMENDATIONS 39
  • 42.
    Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY Conclusion and Next Steps This Elevating Erie Concept Plan has identified a recommended route to overcome the existing challenges and develop a safe and comfortable Erie Canalway Trail (ECT) through the Town of DeWitt. This project would not be possiblewithoutthededicatedeffortsofthemanyadvocacygroups,Townand City planning offices and their dedicated staff, elected officials, and countless trail enthusiasts that have been working towards this goal for decades. The timing of DeWitt’s planning work is fortuitous. In April 2017, the State’s apdopted budget included $200 million to fulfill Governor Cuomo’s vision to complete the Empire State Trail, which includes closing the 14-mile gap in the Syracuse metro area. The proposed route of the EST can capitalize on the Elevating Erie project and close the gap in the Erie Canal Trail through the Syracuse region. This is an historic opportunity for DeWitt, for the trail, and for the State of New York. Implementation of the recommendations in this report will extend many of the off-road trail qualities found along the Erie Canalway Trail through the Town of DeWitt and beyond. CONCLUSIONANDNEXTSTEPS 40
  • 43.
    ERIECANALWAYTRAIL-ERIEBOULEVARD Elevating Erie ConceptPlan - DeWitt, NY [ PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK ] 41