Possible Solutions

When looking at possible solutions on Willow we've separated out the intersections and the "through street" to make it easier to analyze and pose solutions. Some reminders of our challenges:

Low cost vs high cost-- for now we're roughly ranking the solutions in this way: If it's low cost, then chances are it's easier to implement (and even reverse if people don't like it). If things are working well with low cost solutions, it will be relatively easy to upgrade them when the funds are available for the city.

Neighbors gotta like it/ City's gotta like it-- here we're thinking about what might be most likely to succeed. So things that push traffic to other streets may not be popular with the traffic receiving streets.

A great resource that the city put together on pedestrian issues city wide is:

http://www.somervillema.gov/CoS_Content/documents/SafeSTART%20Nov%202006%20full%20report.pdf

So What do we have for solutions? Below is a start: Stay tuned because I'm sure we'll add a few more based on your comments and the feedback we get on this blog and at the Willow Street Block Party (Oct 14)

Intersection of Elm and Willow

Curb extensions-- from least expensive to most

• Paint-- Bright and bold-- will force a lot of cars to make wide turns. Some will ignore it.
• Planters-- Picture planted perennials, bushes and grasses. May need to be maintained by neighbors. Planters vary tremendously in quality from Plastic ones you get at home depot, to wood, terracotta, cement (with many treatments such as stains imprints, mosaics etc), Metals. The sky's the limit. Cost would be a limiting factor.
• Planters and paint combined
• Extend the sidewalk/ push out the curb
  

Raised Crosswalk-- Can be made out of many materials. Cost will vary depending on drainage issues (moving curbs) and materials chosen.

Traffic signal changes--

• All Way stop
• Roundabout
• Signalize (put in traffic lights -- see comment on earlier entry)

Intersection at Willow and Summer

Curb extensions-- from least expensive to most

• Paint-- Bright and bold-- will force a lot of cars to make wide turns. Some will ignore it.
• Planters-- Picture planted perennials, bushes and grasses. May need to be maintained by neighbors. Planters vary tremendously in quality from Plastic ones you get at home depot, to wood, terracotta, cement (with many treatments such as stains imprints, mosaics etc), Metals. The sky's the limit. Cost would be a limiting factor.
• Planters and paint combined
• Extend the sidewalk/ push out the curb

Gangwalks/ Dutch Crossing
Essentially paint the entire intersection with cross hatches

Raised Intersection/ Speed Table
Same as above, but it would a be a noticeable rise in elevation. Costs vary from $30K (asphalt) to $100K (Brick/ Granite/ issues with drainage to deal with). This would be done in conjunction with an all way stop at the intersection (see below).

Raised Crosswalk-- Can be made out of many materials. Cost will vary depending on drainage issues (moving curbs) and materials chosen.

Traffic signal changes--

• All Way stop (can be done with existing signals by turning to blinking red)
  
• No right on red
• Pedestrian walk lights
  

Intersection at Willow and Highland

Consider/ look at pedestrian signalization to see how it works. Otherwise we will address this intersection with treatments proposed for the "through street", the whole section of willow between Elm and Highland.

Willow: the through street

Speed Cushions (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/roadworks/cushions.htm)

Narrow the Street/ Travel lane
Add bike lanes
Add shared lane markings
Both bikelanes and shared lane markings (bike lane would be contra flow)
Consider putting a bike lane inside the parked cars up against the curb

Change the street back to two way-- would look and work much like Willow from Highland to Broadway.