The City of Lowell is enhancing the French Street Corridor, specifically the section between Bridge Street and Arcand Drive, to create a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment. This revitalization project aims to widen sidewalks and improve bicycle access, aligning with modern urban design principles. As part of this initiative, a comprehensive traffic study was conducted, revealing that the traffic signal at the intersection of French Street and John Street no longer meets federal standards for signal warrants. This means that according to national guidelines, a traffic signal might not be the most effective traffic management solution for this particular location. Interestingly, the study indicated that the intersection does, however, meet the criteria for an all-way stop control, suggesting that stop signs on all approaches could be a viable alternative.
Currently, while the traffic signal is still in place, the City of Lowell has decided to implement a trial period, converting the intersection into an all-way stop. This trial will involve collecting data and public feedback to assess the effectiveness of the change. If the trial proves successful, the traffic signal will be permanently removed in 2025. Regardless of the signal’s fate, the final design plans for the French Street Corridor include a raised intersection at this location. This raised design is intended to naturally slow down vehicle traffic, enhance pedestrian safety, and improve accessibility for pedestrians and those with disabilities between the John Street Parking Garage and Boarding House Park.
Frequently Asked Questions About the French Street Intersection Changes
Why focus on this specific intersection, and why now?
The French Street Corridor project, designed to improve the overall streetscape between Bridge Street and Arcand Drive, is the driving force behind these changes. This “Complete Streets” approach aims to create a balanced and accessible environment for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. As part of this broader project, traffic engineers are required to evaluate existing traffic controls at all intersections within the corridor. This evaluation led to the finding that the traffic signal at French Street and John Street is no longer warranted based on federal guidelines, unlike the signal at Bridge Street and French Street, which continues to meet these warrants.
What are the reasons for removing the traffic signal?
While the existing traffic signal might appear functional, it presents several issues. Firstly, the current signal equipment is outdated and does not comply with contemporary design, safety, or ADA accessibility standards. Secondly, its operation is not optimized for either vehicle or pedestrian traffic flow. Therefore, modernization or a change in traffic control is necessary. The engineering recommendation to explore signal removal provides an opportunity to test a potentially more efficient and safer solution through the all-way stop trial.
Will an all-way stop cause traffic congestion or delays on French Street?
Traffic analysis indicates that implementing an all-way stop will result in minimal delays for vehicles. In fact, all-way stops can improve traffic flow on both the main street and side streets by encouraging smoother traffic movement and facilitating turns from all directions. This is especially beneficial during off-peak hours when the existing signal can cause unnecessary stops and delays.
How will pedestrian safety be ensured with an all-way stop?
Pedestrian safety is a paramount concern. It’s important to remember that pedestrians always have the right-of-way in crosswalks. The all-way stop condition enhances pedestrian safety because it requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop and assess the presence of pedestrians before proceeding. This makes an all-way stop inherently safer for pedestrians compared to uncontrolled intersections or situations where pedestrians might cross against a green light.
Why was the road narrowed at the intersection?
Narrowing the road is a deliberate design feature to further improve pedestrian safety. By reducing the width of the street at the intersection approaches and eliminating left-turn lanes, the crossing distance for pedestrians is significantly shortened. This also improves visibility and allows drivers to better anticipate the actions of other drivers at the intersection, contributing to a safer environment for everyone.
The existing signal at French and Bridge Street already causes backups past John Street. Won’t this new change exacerbate blocking the intersection?
Studies on driver behavior suggest that drivers are less likely to “block the box” in an all-way stop scenario compared to intersections controlled by traffic signals. Typically, drivers at an all-way stop will wait behind the stop line until the intersection ahead is clear, allowing vehicles to enter and exit side streets without obstruction.
Will emergency vehicle response times be affected?
No, the implementation of all-way stop control is not expected to negatively impact the response times of emergency vehicles.
Is cost savings the primary motivation for this change?
While cost is always a consideration in infrastructure projects, the primary objective of changing the traffic control at this intersection is to enhance safety for all road users and to minimize the risk of serious accidents. Moreover, maintaining a raised all-way stop intersection is indeed less expensive than the ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades required for traffic signal equipment.
How long will the trial period last?
The trial period for the all-way stop will be a minimum of 60 days, starting on December 12, 2024, and extending through early February. City engineers will closely monitor the intersection’s performance during this time. If the trial successfully achieves its goals of maintaining vehicle traffic flow while improving pedestrian safety, the all-way stop will become permanent, and the traffic signal will be deactivated and eventually removed.
Who can I contact for additional questions or to provide feedback?
For further inquiries or to share your feedback, please contact City Transportation Engineer, Elizabeth Oltman, PE, at 978-674-1405 or via email at [email protected].
Technical Details Regarding the Intersection Redesign
What will the redesigned intersection look like?
The image below illustrates the preferred design concept for the section of French Street adjacent to Boarding House Park. This design has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including the National Park Service, organizers of the Lowell Folk Festival and Lowell Summer Music Series, representatives from Lowell High School, and the Lowell Police and Fire Departments.
Understanding Traffic Signal Warrants
Transportation engineers are required to adhere to traffic signal warrants outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), when determining the necessity of a traffic signal at an intersection. The MUTCD aims to standardize traffic control devices nationwide, ensuring consistency for road users across all types of streets and facilities. This standardization is why traffic signals appear and operate similarly throughout the United States. There are nine warrants in total, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation prioritizes the 8-hour minimum vehicular volume warrant as the most critical. A comprehensive analysis of all nine warrants was conducted by a consultant and reviewed by City engineers. The findings indicate that the French Street and John Street intersection does not meet the 8-hour vehicle warrant, nor does it meet the 4-hour pedestrian volume warrant.
It’s important to note that the MUTCD guidelines caution against the assumption that traffic signals always enhance safety. Inappropriately placed signals can negatively impact safety for various road users. Therefore, a thorough engineering study is crucial to evaluate all relevant factors for a specific location. Meeting a warrant is just one factor among many in this study, not the sole determinant. Agencies can install signals even if no warrants are met, but only with documented justification based on an engineering study demonstrating that a signal is the optimal solution for overall safety and operation.
Further MUTCD insights on traffic signals highlight potential drawbacks of unjustified or poorly implemented signals: “Traffic control signals are often considered a cure-all for intersection traffic problems. This misconception has led to unnecessary signal installations, negatively affecting the safety and efficiency of traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Even justified signals can be problematic if poorly designed, placed, operated, or maintained. Improper signals can lead to: A. Excessive delays, B. Frequent disregard of signal indications, C. Increased use of less suitable alternative routes to avoid signals, and D. A significant rise in collision frequency, particularly rear-end collisions.” While Lowell hasn’t experienced issues C or D at this intersection, there is evidence of issues A and B – excessive delays and signal disobedience – at the French Street and John Street intersection.
When was the traffic analysis conducted?
Traffic counts for the analysis were recorded on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, during a regular school day at Lowell High School. The complete warrant analysis document is accessible here.
Who performed the traffic analysis?
The traffic analysis was conducted by Vanness Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB), the design firm contracted by the City of Lowell. More information about VHB can be found at [We Are VHB].
