HomeMy WebLinkAboutNantucket Long Range Transportation Plan 2020-20401
Nantucket
Long Range
Transportation Plan
2020 -2040
Plan Update Discussion
01/28/2019
Roadways Transit Bike / Ped Parking Airport Ferries
2
Long Range Transportation Plan Update:
Development Process
November 2018 to
February 2019
-Update Community Profile
-Solicit input on vision, goals, and objectives with
public and transportation stakeholders
-Supplement input with existing parking, open space
and Master Plan survey results
February to March
2019
Develop initial draft plan with updated project
descriptions and draft recommendations based on
objective criteria.
April to May 2019 Coordinate review of draft RTP with land use,
environmental, historic preservation, and tribal
agencies, as well as FHWA, FTA, MassDOT
May to June 2019 Conduct public review of draft
June 2019 NP&EDC approval of final RTP
3
Long Range Transportation Plan Update:
Development Process
Stakeholders to be consulted throughout process:
•Representatives of Nantucket in the Federal and State Legislature
•Select Board / County / NRTA Advisory Board
•Roads and Right of Way Committee
•Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
•Traffic Safety Work Group
•Steamship Authority
•Airport
•Commission on Disabilities
•Conservation Commission
•Council on Aging
•Council for Human Services
•Nantucket Housing Authority / Housing Nantucket
•Nantucket Public Schools
•Historic Resources stakeholders
•Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head –Cultural Resource Protection
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Federal FAST ACT
Each Regional Planning Agency (RPA) that receives federal funding must
respond to the planning requirements of the Fixing America’s Surface
Transportation (FAST) Act, signed into law on December 4, 2015.
Under the FAST ACT, transportation investments must consider the following
planning factors in the planning process:
1.Support Economic Vitality
2.Accessibility and Mobility
3.Protect and Enhance the Environment
4.Enhance Modal Integration and Connectivity
5.Efficient Management and Operation
6.Preservation of the existing transportation system
7.Safety
8.Security
9.Resiliency and Reliability
10.Enhance travel and tourism
5
Community
Profile
Zoning
Land Use
Land Use
Land Use
Environmental Considerations
Roadways
Roadways
Table 1. Automated Traffic Recorder (ATR) Counts – June to August (NP&EDC)
2015 2016 2017 2018
Milestone Road 16,602 15,396 17,200 16,850
Old South Road
15,427 15,656 15,776
Orange Street
12,772 13,896 14,697
Surfside Road
10,547
Sparks Avenue 9,649 9,908 9,868 9,064
Fairgrounds Road
8,966 9,096 8,904
Bartlett Road
8,714
Polpis Road
6,096 5,956 6,080
Nobadeer Farm Road
5706 6048 5993
Union Street 3,330 3,330 3,050 2,935
Sankaty Road
1,605 1,734 1,637
Roadways
Roadways -Crashes
Roadways –Road Condition (needs updating)
Roadways –Road Improvements (needs updating)
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Table 1. NRTA Fixed Route Passengers
Public Transportation
Table 1. Passenger Boardings by Route 2015-2018 (NRTA)
Public Transportation –
Service Expansion (needs updating)
1.1.1.1. Off-Season Winter Service
Days / Hours of Service: Add off-peak season service 7:00AM to 9:00PM
Frequency of Service: Mid-Island – 30 minutes
Miacomet – 30 minutes
Sconset via Airport – 60 minutes
Estimated Cost: $870,000
Additional vehicles needed: 0
Public Transportation –
Downtown Transit Hub (needs updating)
1.1.1.1. Wilkes Square Transit Center (downtown transit hub)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network (needs updating)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network (needs updating)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network (needs updating)
Parking Facilities (needs updating)
Airborne Travel Facilities (needs updating)
Airborne Travel Facilities (needs updating)
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
245,461 193,493 191,025 164,401 166,773 172,716 163,402 152,429 123,839 116,670 125,443
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
Airport Enplanements
Waterborne Travel Facilities (needs updating)
Steamship Wharf
(Steamship Authority)
Straight Wharf
(Hy-Line Cruises
and Freedom Cruises)
Waterborne Travel Facilities (needs updating)
Waterborne Travel Facilities (needs updating)
Waterborne Travel Facilities (needs updating)
Waterborne Travel Facilities (needs updating)
Recommendations, Prioritization, and Capital
Planning (needs updating)
Recommendations, Prioritization, and Capital
Planning (needs updating)
Project Cost Estimate 2016-2020 2021-2025 2026-2030 2031-2035 2036-2040
In-Town Bike Path, Phase 1 $1,200,000 $384,065
Surfside Rd at Bartlett Rd $700,000 $819,000
Fairgrounds Rd at Old South
Rd $700,000 $819,000
In-Town Bike Path, Phase 2 $385,000 $468,000
In-Town Bike Path, Phase 3 $440,000 $535,000
Four Corners $900,000 $1,280,000
Milestone Rotary $950,000 $1,406,000
Milestone Rd at Polpis Rd $500,000 $740,000
Milestone Rd at Monomoy Rd $500,000 $740,000
Tom Nevers Rd Path, Phase 1 $1,478,400 $2,700,000
Somerset Lane Path $739,000 $1,600,000
Bartlett Farm Road Path $654,000 $1,400,000
Pavement Management
(balance of unspent funds)$239,260 $97,218 $88,330 $667,912 $628,198
Total Programmed $2,022,065 $2,283,000 $2,886,000 $2,700,000 $3,000,000Anticipated
Federal Funding $2,261,325 $2,380,218 $2,974,330 $3,367,912 $3,628,198
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Vision and Goals
(See Attached)
LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
VISION: Equitably and legally limit vehicles on Nantucket while providing a transportation system that is
safe, accessible for all users, economical, and sensitive to the character of the Island. Comment: aligns with Strategic Goal #3 - reduce single occupancy vehicle usage via the following approach: I) live, work, play within proximity, 2) financial disincentive to using the automobile, 3) providing infrastructure for active transportation modes. Mechanisms for implementing the vision: 1. Vehicle Restrictions 2. Town and Country 3. Multi-modal 4. Parking Management
5. Wayfinding 6. Resiliency and Reliability
7. Transport between the Mainland 8. Congestion and Safety Balance
9. Environmental and Historical Sensitivity GOALS: 1. Vehicle Restriction: Reduce the number of motor vehicles on the island a) Establish a definitive limit on the numbers of vehicles transported to the island. b) Regulate the number of vehicles on island by instituting a Town-administered permit. c) Negotiate a binding agreement that guarantees year-round access to and from the mainland by water is provided to Nantucket residents. 2. Town and Country: Continue using the Town and Country overlay districts to encourage
living, working, and playing within proximity. Comment: aligns with justification for Strategic Goal #3 - live, work, play within proximity.
Objectives/Policies:
a) Improve, maintain, and acquire roads consistent with the Town and Country Overlay Districts.
Measure: All TIP and local capital roadway projects will be evaluated as part of project evaluation scoring based on location within the Town or Country overlay district. b) Require a street configuration for subdivisions in or near villages that is consistent with historic village patterns and connects streets. Measure: All proposed subdivision roadways consider neighboring roadway materials and aesthetics when submitted for review.
3. Multi-Modal: Offer an array and interconnection of transportation modes to the traveling
public.
Commented [MB1]: Per NP&EDC 12/17/19 vote
Commented [MB2]: Per NP&EDC 12/17/19 vote
Comment: aligns with Complete Streets policy, aligns with Strategic Goal #2 - connect sidewalk between downtown and midisland; and aligns with justification for Goal #3 -
providing active transportation infrastructure
Objectives/Policies: a) Expand and maintain an island wide system of shared-use paths, recreational trails, and
sidewalks by seeking funding from public and private sources to repair, modify, and install accessible and obstruction-free sidewalks and paths between the following areas:
ferry terminals, downtown public and cultural areas, bike paths adjacent to the downtown area, the Hospital, Schools, and midisland commercial areas. Measure: Complete at least one key sidewalk route that connects from Mid-Island (6 Fairgrounds Rd) to the ferries with improved standards for accessibility. b) Seek supplemental funding to increase frequency and expand hours of operation of bus service, to add ridership capacity, and induce greater utilization of the transit service. Measure: Include at least one recommended improvement of the Regional Transit Plan in
the annual Capital Improvement Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, or Parking Benefit District fund when established.
c) Seek funding to design and construct taxi stand improvements along New Whale Street and Straight Wharf.
Measure: Submit request annually to the Capital Project Committee for funding consideration.
d) Develop a program through the Town's Human Resources Department that would allow certain Town employees to work from home. Measure: Establish a baseline number of employees that telecommute regularly. e) Consult with leadership in the building trades to encourage carpooling and other means of reducing trips related to building and construction. Measure: Utilize the Builder’s Association to encourage awareness and strategies to reduce vehicle trips. 4. Parking Management: Create management policies and additional opportunities for parking
in the downtown area. Comment: needs refinement; aligns with Strategic Goal #1 - develop a parking demand
management program; and aligns with justification for Goal #3 -financial disincentive to using the automobile.
Objectives/Policies:
a) Launch a downtown parking management system based on demand management principles within the Town’s designated Parking Benefit District with revenues collected used for operation, maintenance, and improvements to parking, transit, biking, and walk facilities within the Parking Benefit District. Measure: Achieve 85% occupancy of public parking spaces. b) Continue to review and suggest modifications to the on-street space available for commercial delivery vehicles.
Measure: Include subject in annual meeting with parking stakeholders. c) Identify and evaluate peripheral parking areas to provide additional parking options for
the NRTA and downtown area.
Commented [MB3]: Same as Strategic Goal #2
Commented [MB4]: Merged private contributions with 2a above
Commented [MB5]: Moved to Goal 4 – Wayfinding
Commented [MB6]: Moved from Telecommunication goal
Commented [MB7]: Same as Strategic Goal #1
Commented [MB8]: Merged with 3a above.
Commented [MB9]: Updated language moved to 3a.
Measure: Include subject in annual meeting with parking stakeholders. d) Encourage the lodging establishments to provide or expand the use of vans whenever a
parking waiver is granted by the Planning Board. Measure: All proposed lodging establishments will be requested to evaluate service.
e) Continue to encourage downtown restaurants to persuade potential patrons, at the time reservations are made, to use taxis or the NRTA shuttle system.
f) Measure: Include subject in annual meeting with parking stakeholders.Encourage employers to purchase shuttle passes for their employees and participate in the
Emergency Ride Home program. Measure: Require as part of parking waiver requests submitted to Planning Board. 5. Wayfinding: Improve information for using the island’s transportation system. Comment: needs refinement; perhaps change to align with Complete Streets Policy "to maintain comprehensive inventory" of bike and pedestrian infrastructure needs; perhaps expand to include information on system utilization
Objectives/Policies:
a) Improve the telecommunication and network connectivity in the downtown area for data demands related to transportation facility utilization and enforcement systems.
Measure: Coordinate with telecommunication utilities as necessary to improve connectivity and bandwidth in and around the downtown area.
b) Maintain and improve information on inventory and utilization of Nantucket's roadway, ferry, airport, taxi, bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation, and parking facilities. Measure: Review available systems for collecting real-time information on transportation modes and utilization of facilities. c) Continue to publicize traffic laws that apply to bicyclists through the Nantucket Police Department. Measure: Continue to seek funding for educational material from various sources. d) Assist as necessary with updating of other information systems to inform travelers on ferries, airplanes, taxis, the shuttle, and at the Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce
of details concerning bike routes, shuttle routes, and any changes to those systems. Measure: Include educational material in annual Visitors Guide.
e) Encourage distribution of truck-route maps for downtown Nantucket to all truck drivers when they board in Hyannis.
Measure: Include subject in annual meeting with SSA Administration. f) Promote the use of NRTA Park and Ride lots for downtown access as an alternative for
island residents and visitors who reside beyond walking distance to existing shuttle routes. Measure: Include funding for promotional material in annual NRTA budget. g) Coordinate with the DPW, Visitor Services, NRTA, and other agencies to identify location and quantity of bike racks that may be necessary in the core area, at the beaches, and at the Airport to encourage and facilitate bicycle use. h) Measure: Evaluate bike rack utilization each summer season.Evaluate changes to the
Town's website and on-line services that may reduce vehicle trips. Measure: Include subject in annual meeting with parking stakeholders.
Commented [MB10]: Moved from Goal 4 - Wayfinding
Commented [MB11]: Moved from Goal 4 - Wayfinding
Commented [MB12]: Merged with 3a above
Commented [MB13]: New objective related to infrastructure needs
Commented [MB14]: Moved to Goal 3 – Parking Management
Commented [MB15]: Moved from Goal 3 – Parking Management
Commented [MB16]: Moved from Goal 2 – Multi-modal
Formatted: Font color: Auto
6. Resiliency and Reliability: Consider how transportation programs and projects would contribute to the resiliency or reliability of the transportation system.Comment: has not been
an impactful goal to date; resiliency and reliability are required considerations for the LRTP; the telecommunication objectives and policies have been merged with other goals.
Objectives/Policies:
a) Incorporate resiliency and reliability into the project evaluation scoring of capital projects to further consider air quality impact and other contributors to climate change.
b) Incorporate design elements into projects to strengthen the transportation system that is vulnerable to flooding. c) Continue to evaluate programs and policies that discourage development in vulnerable areas. d) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the public sector by replacing and modernizing the fleet of municipal vehicles. Measure: Submit at least one capital project each year that replaces a municipal vehicle
with a vehicle that has substantially less greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Transport between the mainland: Ensure that transportation to and from the island is safe, convenient, economical, and sensitive to the various areas of the island. Comment: refine to include resiliency and reliability attributes.
Objectives/Policies: a) Study all ferry wharves and adjoining streets to see how they can more efficiently handle visitor arrivals and departures. Measure: Update data and/or recommendations of the Downtown Traffic Study regularly. b) Advocate for better use of voluntary noise abatement routes. Measure: All noise complaints are collected and investigated by Airport Administration. c) Limit non-compatible land uses under and adjacent to Runway instrument approaches and established noise abatement corridors. Measure: Inform Airport Administration of all major developments in vicinity of the
Airport. d) Advocate for convenient and unimpaired access by water to and from the mainland,
including affordable fares, to be provided to Nantucket residents at all times of year. Measure: Coordinate annually with Steamship Authority Administration and analyze
ferry traffic reports monthly. e) Urge all ferry services to provide destination facilities with the number of walk-on
passengers, so that an appropriate number of shuttles, taxis, and bicycles are available on arrival. Measure: Include subject in annual discussions with SSA Administration. 8. Congestion and Safety Balance: Rely on traffic control methods that reduce congestion while maximizing public safety and livability. Comment: provides conformity with federal FAST ACT and planning best practices
Objectives/Policies:
Commented [MB17]: Conforms with recommendations of the Governor’s Commission on the Future of Transportation
Commented [MB18]: Moved to Goal 2 – Multi-modal
Commented [MB19]: Moved to Goal 4 - Wayfinding
Commented [MB20]: Included in Goal 2 – multimodal above
Commented [MB21]: Similar to 6a above
Commented [MB22]: Similar to 6a above
Commented [MB23]: Similar to 6a above
a) Consider the degree of a project's safety improvement as a key factor in evaluating and prioritizing projects for the Transportation Improvement Program.
Measure: Evaluate safety as part of the prioritization of projects for the TIP. b) Institute a variety of traffic-calming measures to slow the speed of traffic and create more
pedestrian-friendly streets in the downtown and mid-island areas. Measure: Conduct speed studies as part of the annual traffic data collection.
c) Develop alternative solutions to identified "problem intersections" along Surfside Road and Pleasant Street.
Measure: Submit at least one "problem intersection" project annually to the Capital Project Committee for funding consideration. d) Coordinate with School Administration to encourage walking and biking to the schools. Measure: Meet with School Administration prior to the beginning and end of the school year to discuss accommodations for walking and biking to school. e) Seek funding for capital improvements along established NRTA routes and at NRTA bus stops that enhance safety, accessibility, and reduce traffic congestion.
Measure: Continue to include NRTA capital requests in the annual TIP and incorporate them into roadway projects funded in the local Capital Improvement Program.
9. Environmental and Historical Sensitivity: Consider environmental and historical impacts of any transportation system improvement. Comment: provides conformity with federal FAST ACT and planning best practices Objectives/Policies: a) Continue to evaluate environmental and historical impacts of proposed projects during the criteria scoring and prioritizing of the proposed project. Measure: Prioritize projects based on minimized impacts to environmental and historical resources. b) Include protocols in construction agreements for preventing and removing invasive species identified by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program or the
Nantucket Conservation Commission as part of any transportation improvement. Measure: Include protocols in all construction contracts.
Commented [MB24]: Changes focus from truck route turning movements that have been implemented or are underway to NRTA stop enhancements, such as those recommended in the Old South Rd Corridor Study
Commented [MB25]: Similar to Goal 6a above
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Next Steps:
December 2018
to
February 2019
-Continue updating Community Profile
-Review vision, goals, and objectives with
individual transportation stakeholders
February to March
2019
Develop initial draft plan with updated project
descriptions and draft recommendations based on
objective criteria.
April to May 2018 Coordinate review of draft RTP with land use,
environmental, historic preservation, and tribal
agencies, as well as FHWA, FTA, MassDOT
May to June 2019 Conduct public review of draft
June 2019 NP&EDC approval of final RTP