Village Crosswalk Improvements

Public Meeting - April 30, 7pm, Town Office

Get your questions answered and provide feedback on improvement alternatives for two key intersections:

• Mechanicsville Road intersection - possible new crosswalk
• Silver Street intersection - possible crosswalk improvements

With support from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, we hired transportation experts from Hoyle & Tanner to evaluate these locations - e.g., existing conditions, safety issues, and possible improvements.  This meeting is your opportunity to learn more and provide feedback.

Can't/didn't attend the meeting?  See the bottom of this page for the April 30 presentation.  Contact Alex Weinhagen (Town Planner) with questions and comments - aweinhagen@hinesburg.org or 802-482-4209.

This is phase 2 of a comprehensive crosswalk safety assessment in the village area. See below for the project overview, and the results of the phase 1 study that focused on three other crosswalks.

Overview

With the help of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), we are following up on pedestrian safety recommendations from a 2014 Route 116 Corridor Study.  We are evaluating design options and coming up with cost estimates for improvements to seven crosswalk areas along the "Main Street" section of Route 116 in the village area.  Five of the seven are existing crosswalks that could use enhancements to improve pedestrian safety – e.g., colored/textured materials, rapid flashing beacons. Two of the seven are intersections that lack any existing crosswalks.  One of these needs special attention for traffic calming and pedestrian safety as it serves as the southern gateway to the village (Buck Hill Rd intersection).

Phase 1 (2022-2023)

study complete - March 2023

• Mid-block near United Church (10580 Route 116)
• Mid-block near Hinesburg Community School (10888 Route 116)
• Buck Hill Road intersection

SEE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR A LINK TO THE PHASE 1 FINAL REPORT (March 2023)

Phase 1 Report Recommendations

United Church Existing Crosswalk - First, add a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to improve visibility and pedestrian safety.  Second, add curbing and drainage to stop water ponding and ice build up on the sidewalk (east side of Route 116).

Hinesburg Community School Existing Crosswalk - Alternative 1, add a RRFB to improve visibility and pedestrian safety.  Alternative 2, add a RRFB at the crosswalk; add an advance RRFB warning sign to the west to alert drivers earlier (as they come around the curve by Silver Street); add curbing on north side to the west of the crosswalk to visually narrow the road by the crosswalk.

Buck Hill Road Intersection - Multiple alternatives recommend adding a split median - raised if VTrans would allow, otherwise textured with contrasting surface treatment.  Also implement village gateway improvements outside of the road right of way to signal drivers to slow down - e.g., additional tree plantings, street lights, artwork, a larger Hinesburg village sign.

Phase 1 Implementation

Thanks to a partnership with the owner of Kelley's Field senior housing and a grant from AARP, the United Church RRFB installation should be complete by the end of May 2023!

Improvements to the HCS crosswalk and the Buck Hill Road intersection will require a funding source, additional design work, and State permits.  Stay tuned, and don't hesitate to reach out to ask about or advocate for ACTION.

for more information, contact Alex Weinhagen (Town Planner), aweinhagen@hinesburg.org, 802-482-4209