Phase: Local Concept Development

Purpose and Need:

The purpose of this project is to address safety, operational, and accessibility concerns at the study intersections.  The need is driven by the deficiencies, lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and antiquated traffic signal equipment which contribute to crashes and diminished traffic operations.  The close proximity of Moody Park, the Rubino Academy High School, commercial businesses, and numerous residential neighborhoods to the project location results in high pedestrian, bicycle, and transit usage which further reinforces the need for improvements at each intersection. 

Description:

In an effort to increase vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian safety, Mercer County has focused on improving intersection facilities and safety for all road users. This Local Concept Development (LCD) Study will investigate the four following intersections located in Ewing Township:

1.            Parkside Avenue (CR 636) and Buttonwood Drive (Signalized)

2.            Parkside Avenue (CR 636) and Spruce Street (CR 613) (Signalized)

3.            Prospect Street (CR 627) and Buttonwood Drive (Signalized)

4.            Prospect Street (CR 627) and Spruce Street (CR 613) (UnSignalized)

Background:

The study intersections form four corners which encompass Moody Park as well as a residential neighborhood, commercial businesses, and the Rubino Academy High School. All four roadways within the project limits consist of a single lane in each direction and varying turning lane configurations at each intersection. All intersecting roadways are under the jurisdiction of Mercer County except for Buttonwood Drive which is under Ewing Township’s jurisdiction. Parkside Avenue and Spruce Street are classified as Urban Minor Arterials and have a posted speed limit of 35 mph while Prospect Street and Buttonwood Avenue are classified as Urban Major Collectors, and both have a posted speed limit of 25 mph. 

Parkside Avenue (CR 636) and Buttonwood Drive form a four-legged intersection. A single dedicated left, through, right, and receiving lane are provided along each direction of Parkside Avenue, while two undedicated outgoing and one receiving lane are provided along each direction of Buttonwood Drive which results in the left lane typically being used for left turns and the right lane accommodating right turns and through movements. Both dedicated right turns along Parkside Avenue are channelized with a small concrete island to compensate for the intersection skew. Frank Moody Park is located in the southeast quadrant of the intersection, while residential properties are located in the other three quadrants. NJ Transit bus stops are located at the far side along both Parkside Avenue approaches.  

Parkside Avenue (CR 636) and Spruce Street (CR 613) form a three-legged intersection, with large radius channelized right turn lanes along the Parkside Avenue eastbound and Spruce Street approaches.  It should be noted that CR 636 transitions to the local name Ewingville Road at a point east of the intersection. The unsignalized intersection of Parkside Avenue and Poland Street forms a T intersection immediately west of the Spruce Street intersection. The Parkside Avenue westbound approach consists of a through lane, left turn lane, and single receiving lane, while the eastbound approach consists of a through/right turn lane, hatched median, and single receiving lane. Spruce Street consists of a single left/right turn lane and receiving lane separated by a narrow concrete median. The surrounding land use is a mix of commercial and residential, with a small shopping center in the southeast quadrant, a gas station in the southwest quadrant, and a realtor and various residential units (including The Point by Campus Student Living Apartments) located along the northerly side of the T intersection.

Prospect Street (CR 627) and Buttonwood Drive form a four-legged intersection, with varying skew angles between all approaches due to angle points along both roadways which occur within the intersection. Each approach consists of a combined left/through/right lane and a single receiving lane.  The surrounding land use is primarily residential, except for Frank Moody Park occupying the northeast quadrant.  Bicycle lanes are provided along the north and east approaches. 

Prospect Street (CR 627) / Ewingville Road and Spruce Street (CR 613) forms a four-legged intersection, with stop control provided along the Prospect Street and Ewingville Road approaches. Each approach of Spruce Street consists of a single through/right lane, left turn lane, and receiving lane, while the Prospect Street and Ewingville Road approaches consist of a single left/through/right lane and receiving lane. 7th Street intersects Prospect Street approximately 100 feet immediately to the west of the study intersection. A gas station is located in the southeast quadrant of the intersection and the remaining quadrants are all single-family residences. Crosswalks are only provided along the north and west approaches, with school crossing signs provided for the Spruce Street crossing. The lack of signalization, high traffic volumes, and high operating speeds make pedestrian crossing movements difficult for the average road user.

The existing intersections do little to calm traffic, which reduces safety particularly for non-motorized road users.  The existing traffic signal equipment is dated and does not meet current design standards.  Some intersection approaches lack sufficient sight distance due to the intersection skew and dense roadside vegetation.  While some sidewalks and curb ramps have been recently reconstructed, many existing segments and areas within the project limits still do not meet ADA design standards or are in poor condition.  The close proximity of Moody Park, the Rubino Academy High School, various commercial businesses, and numerous neighborhoods makes the need for pedestrian, bicyclist, and transit user improvements at each intersection even more critical. 

Proposal:

It is the goal of this Local Concept Development Study to identify the contributing factors, deficiencies, and Controlling Substandard Design Elements (CSDEs) which contribute to crashes and diminish traffic operations and accessibility within the project limits.  The Project Team will investigate all reasonable alternatives which address the project’s Purpose and Need while minimizing impacts and disruptions to local residents, parks, businesses, utilities, road users, and the environment. 

Anticipated Project Schedule:

It is anticipated that the Local Concept Development phase of this project will be substantially complete within 12-months of its commencement.  Project timeline includes a six-month extension for review and finalization.  The first Public Information Center Meeting will be held in the Fall of 2024. The second Public Information Center Meeting, where the project alternatives are introduced and the Preliminary Preferred Alternative is selected, will occur in the early Spring of 2025.

Contact:

For further information, please contact:

Jason Mildenberg, P.E., Assistant County Engineer

Email: jmildenberg@mercercounty.org

Phone: 609-989-6600

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