Project Description:

    The purpose of the North Avenue Signals and Safety Project is to update traffic signal infrastructure and improve safety for pedestrians, drivers, and transit users along North Avenue. Traffic signal upgrades will include higher visibility signals with back plates, controllers, communication hardware, and radar detection. Pedestrian accommodations include pedestrian countdown signals, audible push buttons, curb extensions/bumpouts, mid-block crossings, and ADA ramps. There is a long-term need for updated infrastructure with improved safety and accessibility along this corridor.

    Traffic Signal upgrades are planned for the following:

    • North Ave & Arch St
    • North Ave & Federal St
    • North Ave & Sandusky St
    • North Ave & Cedar St

    Pedestrian safety improvements will also occur at the following un-signalized intersections:

    • North Ave & Reddour St
    • North Ave & Boyle St
    • North Ave & Linden
    • North Ave & Middle St
    Aerial Shot

    Figure 1 - Project Location Map

    Crash Data

    Figure 2 - Project Crash Data

    *Federal at North has the highest frequency of crashes in the corridor.


    Recommended Alternative

    The selected alternative focuses on enhancing pedestrian safety and better transit reliability throughout the corridor. Key elements include:

    • Road Diet- Maintain one through-lane in each direction between Arch and Cedar plus a left-turn lane
    • Intersection Bump-outs- Reduce crossing distances by up to 30%
    • Bus Pullouts w/ Que-jumping technology - Reduce bus blockages while boarding and reduce delays
    • On-street Parking - Addition of on-street parking spaces to buffer southern sidewalk from live traffic
    • Traffic Signal Upgrades - Upgraded infrastructure at Arch, Federal, Sandusky, Cedar and James Streets. Traffic Signal coordination will be provided from Arch Street to James street along North Ave.

    North Avenue Upgrades

    Construction Information

    Project Schedule:

    Construction is anticipated to start in October 2024 and be completed in June 2026


    Overview:

    During the first couple months, the contractor will install the concrete median area as well as miscellaneous signal infrastructure. During this time, one travel lane in each direction will be maintained.

    After the median area is complete, the intersection bump-out work on the southern side of North Avenue will be installed. During this time, the eastbound travel lane will be maintained. Impacts to westbound traffic are anticipated during working hours and will require the detour shown below in purple.

    After the bump-out work on the southern side of North Avenue is installed, the intersection bump-out work on the Northern side of North Avenue will be installed. During this time, the eastbound travel lane will be maintained. Impacts to westbound traffic are anticipated during working hours and will require the detour shown below in purple.

    Once the bump-out work is completed, the corridor will be paved and the new traffic signals will be energized.



    Detour Information:

    Vehicular Detour - while constructing the intersection bump-outs along North Avenue, a detour will be required for westbound traffic. This detour will only be required during working hours. Eastbound traffic will be maintained at all times.



    Pedestrian Detour - while constructing the intersection bump-outs along North Avenue, pedestrian detours will be required. Construction will only occur on one corner of an intersection at a time in order to minimize impacts to pedestrian traffic.