Top_logo
Citizen Citizens | Group Orgs | Gov Gov | Media Media
No Pedestrian Signal is Archived 53 People want this fixed
This is where you cross Route 34 with no pedestrian crossing signals to guide you. A life or death situation every time. Due to be fixed eventually, but it would be nice if it happened sooner.

submitted by Mark almost 2 years ago

Collegefrontagemarkings_med
Img_5368_med
Pedsignboston_med
Photo_med
Like these pictures? Check out the gallery

116 Comments

Kelley wrote almost 2 years ago

I work in two different buildings one on North Frontage Rd. and one on S. Frontage Rd. Crossing over RT 34 at this intersection is always very dangerous (ie. I have seen multiple car accidents). For all of those walking to the Yale New Haven hospital, please add a crosswalk.

jon wrote almost 2 years ago

The intersection of College Street and North Frontage Road is extremely dangerous for pedestrians. It is the only one along North or South Frontage Road through this section that has no pedestrian signals. Pedestrians are potential pinballs as cars come skyrocketing off of the connector. The city doesn't seem to care; I've brought this to their attention before. Perhaps if they get sued by someone who gets hurt, this notification will serve to help the injured individual make their case that the city has been derelict in their obligation to try to ensure safety.

almost 2 years ago

I heard that the crosswalk will be a consideration with the construction of the Cancer Center. I really wish we knew WHEN it's going to happen. What's the time line and why does it have to wait until the Cancer center is completed? It's not like they are on the same block.

A watcher was added
over 1 year ago
A watcher was added
over 1 year ago
A watcher was added
over 1 year ago
Another person wants this fixed!
about 1 year ago
Another person wants this fixed!
10 months ago
10 months ago

it is ridiculous that this still hasn't been fixed. how many more people have to get hit by traffic and die?

Brian Tang wrote 10 months ago

I think the fundamental issue here is that the SE and NW corners of this intersection were designed to allow for high-speed turns. If those two corners could be made tighter, I think that would really help reduce the chance of a pedestrian being hit by a turning vehicle.

Depending on the drainage situation, I think it might be possible to lay some concrete down right on the asphault to extend these two corners out as a temporary fix. I'm pretty sure it's doable. I don't know how they keep water from freezing in the boundary and pushing the slab away from the pavement. It might only last a season or two.

For more money, the city could tear up the asphault at the corners and really redo them. That would cost quite a bit of money but could probably be done within a relatively short timeframe if the board of Aldermen decide this is that important of a priority and put the money there. My guess would be that it would take a few tens of thousands of dollars to redo these corners.

Laying concrete down on top of the asphault could probably be done for a tenth of that, but at that price it wouldn't last long.

Installing ped signals and a new timer to allow for a third (ped) cycle would require underground wiring (there are signal hook-ups only on the NE and SW corners) in addition to all the new signal equipment that would be needed. I think that would probably add up to something close to $1 million.

If you want to actually be fully compliant with today's standards, you would want to have fully actuated signals and turn lanes so that nobody has to wait through any needless cycles. Unfortunately, that would mean installing a completely new signal with detector loops and everything...which I think usually costs $1 - 3 million.

Brian Tang wrote 10 months ago

Actually, even better would be to install raised crosswalks at the south and west sides of this intersection (the crosswalks where peds are most likely to be hit due to turning vehicles failing to yield). This would likely cost less than putting in ped signals and would likely perform better both in terms of pedestrian safety and traffic flow.

There will be the usual resistance from the emergency response people and the people who plow the streets. Hopefully, however, the emergency response people can be convinced that the reduced danger of traffic injuries and fatalities would more than make up for the slightly increased response times. As for the snow plow people, a raised crosswalk consists of two gradual grade changes with a sidewalk in between. There is absolutely no reason why they should have trouble plowing it.

Google "raised crosswalk" if you are not sure what I'm talking about.

10 months ago

raised crosswalks are used in thousands of places that are much snowier than new haven. if city snowplowers are resisting, call their bullshit for what it is

Brian Tang wrote 10 months ago

I don't know if they have resisted in New Haven (I don't know of any raised crosswalks that have ever been pursued here). I'm just anticipating resistance because I heard they resisted in Boston (even through raised devices are used right across the river in Cambridge).

Transportation Dept. wrote 10 months ago

Following a recommendation by the Yale Medical School Traffic Safety Committee last year, Yale New Haven Hospital commissioned work on curb extensions at this intersection. Construction will start later this year. The City believes this work, coupled with the new traffic signal, will substantially improve this intersection and we appreciate YNHH's effort on this project."

Mark Abraham wrote 10 months ago

Great work, Yale Traffic Safety Group, City and others! I look forward to seeing the new curb returns and signals. They will make it easier for people to cross. I hope that the group can find ways to be even more aggressive about making sure that there are no more injuries at this intersection. The only way to do that is to slow down traffic to about 20 MPH.

I just wish this would have happened earlier, given the literally thousands of people in the medical district who have publicly expressed concerns about this intersection over the past 10 years, and the number of people who have been seriously injured at it.

Brian Tang wrote 9 months ago
Collegefrontagemarkings_med

Here's a plan diagram I drew of the current situation (click to enlarge).

Resident wrote 9 months ago

can rumble strips be installed, or the lanes narrowed on route 34? has the DOT investigated this more?

traffic speeds really need to be brought down, or people will keep getting hit no matter how many signals you put up.

interestingly one of the students called it a death zone in yesterday's news article. it's unfortunate that that is how the heart of our city is perceived.

how many have to die before the DOT cares? give me a number.

Another person wants this fixed!
9 months ago
Brian Tang wrote 9 months ago
Img_5368_med

I wonder if signs like this might help (photo taken just outside South Station in Boston, MA).

Brian Tang wrote 9 months ago
Pedsignboston_med

The last photo might have been hard to make out. Here's a clearer version. At this intersection in Boston, they have installed two small signs, one angled toward turning drivers that says "YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS ON TURNS," and one angled toward pedestrians that says "WATCH FOR TURNING VEHICLES." I think it might be a good idea to install this sort of sign at a few places in New Haven. The danger would be if drivers interpret it as meaning that they only have to yield to pedestrians on turns at those particular intersections (e.g. N. Frontage and College, Trumbull and Whitney, etc.) and not everywhere else, the same way that drivers interpret the "NO RIGHT TURN ON RED" signs as meaning that right turns are only prohibited at those particular intersections when in fact right turns on red are illegal throughout downtown, not just at those intersections.

I'd be curious to hear what other people think on the idea of putting up these sort of signs. We have similar signs at Whitney and Trumbull, but I hear they don't work very well there. I have suggested (in a comment here on SCF) revising the wording to say "TURNING VEHICLES YIELD TO PEDS ON GREEN," with "GREEN" followed by a green circle to make them consistent with the signs that say "YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON GREEN [followed by a green circle]" that are often installed adjacent to left turn lane signals. Let me know what you think.

Another person wants this fixed!
9 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
9 months ago
Noam Harel wrote 9 months ago

The new signal between College and York on N. Frontage tends to cause gridlock at College and N. Frontage due to cars backed up at the red light. I have an alternative solution, with rationale explained below:

1. Make Rt34W Exit 2 a LEFT-TURN ONLY onto College.
2. Add pylons across N. Frontage at the West side of College that allows cars turning right from College to turn, but does not allow cars blasting straight through Exit 2 to go straight.
3. Add a YIELD TO PEDS IN CROSSWALK sign for the cars turning right on to N. Frontage.

The reason the signal between College and York was installed in the first place was partly intended to smooth out the merge between N. Frontage and Rt34W. But if cars were no longer allowed to simply blast through Exit 2 on the way to York/34W, then the merge at that point would be minimal, since only a few cars turn from College onto N. Frontage. Therefore, the signal would no longer be necessary, avoiding gridlock. It would probably also smooth flow off of Rt34 Exit 3 due to the easier merge. And most importantly, this would eliminate the speeding cars/trucks that use Exit 2 as a shortcut to get to York/34W. The pylons and appropriate signage would make this transition a relatively easy one.
I hope this makes sense - I think it would really work for all sides.

Mark_med
Mark wrote 5 months ago

Will these be fixed before the new Cancer Center opens?

Mark_med
Mark wrote 5 months ago

someone should go out and take photos/videos to document how bad this is.

Mark_med
Mark wrote 5 months ago

http://downtownnewhaven.blogspot.com/2009/05/biotechnologist-critical-after-crossing.html has historic background on this issue.

Another person wants this fixed!
5 months ago
Mark_med
Mark wrote 5 months ago

The Cancer Center is about to open and there's no sign that the work promised over the past 4 years will have been completed in time.

Another person wants this fixed!
5 months ago
Jason S. wrote 5 months ago

I hate to be harshly critical, but this intersection is absolutely unacceptable. It is the most flagrant and menacing threat to pedestrians and cyclists in the entire city.

Another person wants this fixed!
5 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
Doug wrote 5 months ago
Mark_med
Mark wrote 5 months ago

I'd have to agree with Jason. Please forward this to anyone you know who uses the intersection.
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/23

Kale Edmiston wrote 5 months ago

I feel like I am risking my life everytime I cross the street here-which is multiple times a day.

Another person wants this fixed!
5 months ago
Brian Tang wrote 5 months ago

The curb extension on the NW corner of the intersection was just completed! I saw it on my way out on a bike ride to Milford this morning. It looks great.

The NW corner is now a standard-dimensional corner, rather than a severely rounded-off corner, as had been the case since the early 1960s. This significantly reduces crossing distance.

Oddly, I noticed that spray paint markings had been applied for future crosswalk markings at three of the four crosswalks, but not at the one that you actually have to use if you are walking to the med school campus (on the west side of the intersection). This struck me as very odd, as that’s the only crosswalk I’ve ever actually used at this intersection. This has me mildly concerned. I hope there is some logical explanation for why spray paint markings seemed to suggest that a crosswalk would not be striped for the most important crosswalk at this intersection.

5 months ago

good to hear.

but these were requested 4 years ago.

4 years to build a tiny , but incredibly necessary, piece of concrete ? ? ?

is dot really that inefiiceint?

where are the others, where are the signals.

Chainring_med
David Streever wrote 5 months ago

that's awesome tang--glad to hear it

Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Mark_med
Mark wrote 4 months ago

The Cancer Center is about to open in 2 weeks, adding significantly more vehicular and pedestrian traffic to this entire area.

The city, state and others had previously promised (in writing, I believe) that crosswalk signals and geometry improvements would be fully completed prior to the opening.

Should the opening be delayed until this life-or-death issue is actually addressed?

Mark_med
Mark wrote 4 months ago

Also see comments & updates at http://seeclickfix.com/issues/1319

A watcher was added
4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
Doug wrote 4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Heather wrote 4 months ago

I'm glad that other people are concerned about this intersection too. They are cross-walk lights at South Frontage and College. I can't figure out why they haven't done North Frontage yet. You're basically crossing against people coming off the highway (rte 34). It's totally ridiculous. I'm sure this affects anyone who works at the medical school, so I'm not sure why Yale hasn't helped deal with it.

Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
4 months ago

"Totally ridiculous" is an understatement, Heather.

What is clear is that Yale, ConnDOT and the city have been aware of this problem for years and while they've waited (on fairly straightforward technical issues -- speeding and signals -- that could have been resolved within a few weeks if there were the political will to do it), many have been injured and killed here.

Beyond those injured, many more have been afraid or uncomfortable about walking through the area, and forced to get into a vehicle or just stay at home.

Those responsible continue to wait, despite the fact that the Cancer Center is about to open and add tens of thousands of additional pedestrian and vehicle trips to the area, exponentially increasing the risk of yet another fatality.

disgruntled prof wrote 4 months ago

how much will it take? new haven, pull it together. this mess is for me, at least, a factor in moving my lab to another university, which means less money for yale and by extension less money for guess who. do the right thing before you annoy the hand that feeds you too much.

Mark_med
Mark wrote 4 months ago

Dear Disgruntled Prof,

Thank you for expressing your concern over this intersection. It is indeed an economic development issue.

Would you like to email the Yale Medical Campus Traffic Safety Group directly regarding your complaint? I believe they can be reached via newhavensafestreets / at / gmaildotcom. Your email will be kept confidential.

Of course, you don't have to step forward as the author of the above post, but you may be able to be helpful otherwise. I know that there are a number of upcoming meetings about this at Yale which some faculty will be attending. Please write to the above address if you would like to discuss.

Additionally, phone calls to local elected officials or directly to university administrators could help drive more rapid progress on this issue.

Mark

lk wrote 4 months ago

I won't even walk down there. I would like to go to the food carts, but just never want to deal w/ that walk down York. Not only am I afraid of getting hit as I cross the street, but that underpass is really gross and kind of dingy. It could be made much better. I used to drive into downtown on 34 form the east, and was thrilled when you put in the new signals and rt turn lane onto York last year. It really helped slow drivers down. People in NH will not behave in a civil manner, so you have to force them w/ signals, speedbumps and traffic calming. It's a shame, but also a great opportunity.

4 months ago

agree with lk - i won't walk there either.

lucky wrote 4 months ago

I'm so glad people have raised this issue! I work at 135 College st and several days per week I divide time between there and 60 College st, right across the frontage roads. Several times I've nearly been hit by speeding cars coming up the ramp or getting onto the ramp. A pedestrain signal would defintely help. I'm not sure what can be done about people running the red light, which i've observed rather frequently (amost every time I cross at this intersection in fact)... other than a crossing signal, maybe something as simple as stricter police enforcement/ticketing of standard traffic laws?.

4 months ago

Thanks for the comment, lucky. If this road were not so wide and speeds were lower, drivers would not run red lights as often. It is primarily a matter of design.

Police MV enforcement or red light cameras (which give automatic parking tickets to drivers who run reds) could have some degree of impact, but won't solve the issue.

In terms of accommodating all road users in a safe and accessible manner, ConnDOT's designs for the Route 34 intersections to date have been a complete and utter failure, and I somehow doubt the new "improvements" planned will be that much of a change.

The community has petitioned for 15 mile per hour zones and extensive traffic calming at these intersections in order to make them walkable. This is a critical public health issue for the many people who work and live in the area, including for thousands of children living in the Hill North neighborhood just on the other side of the Yale Medical Area.

Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
4 months ago

I am not an engineer so I would not presume to know the mechanics for making these intersections pedestrian and biker safe. But several times a week I walk from S Frontage Road to 40 Temple Street and I have witnessed countless near misses that have left me and everyone around me shaking. It is horrifying that two human beings have been killed on these streets. The issues at each intersection are understood - there is no mystery here - but the City, the hospital, and my employer, Yale University, cannot seem to solve the problems. I would suggest that the Mayor, the President of the hospital, and the President of the University ask their significant others to attempt to cross these intersections on any given day. Perhaps then we would see results.

Noam wrote 4 months ago

The recently installed signal between College and York on N. Frontage tends to cause gridlock at College and N. Frontage due to cars backed up at the red light. I have an alternative solution, with rationale explained below:

1. Make Rt34W Exit 2 a LEFT-TURN ONLY onto College. This eliminates speeding cars going straight through College off the highway.
2. Add pylons across N. Frontage at the West side of College that allows cars turning right from College to turn, but does not allow cars blasting straight through Exit 2 to go straight.
3. Add a YIELD TO PEDS IN CROSSWALK sign for the cars turning right from College on to N. Frontage.

The reason the signal between College and York was installed in the first place was partly intended to smooth out the merge between N. Frontage and Rt34W. But if cars were no longer allowed to simply blast through Exit 2 on the way to York/34W, then the merge at that point would be minimal, since only a few cars turn from College onto N. Frontage. Therefore, the signal would no longer be necessary, avoiding gridlock. It would probably also smooth flow off of Rt34 Exit 3 due to the easier merge. And most importantly, this would eliminate the speeding cars/trucks that use Exit 2 as a shortcut to get to York/34W.

The pylons and appropriate signage would make this transition a relatively easy one.
I hope this makes sense - I think it would really work for all sides.

4 months ago

I agree that the Mayor, School Superintendent, Hospital CEO and Director of Transportation and others should be forced to walk across the road here each day instead of take their city-paid SUVs across.

That would do more to change the intersection than any amount of citizen pressure.

It's too bad our city has completely failed the public on this. In any other place, this dangerous situation would be fixed within a week, at least temporarily, using various engineering systems.

Ctlivablestreets_med
Issue Acknowledged
CT Livable Streets Campaign wrote 4 months ago

Acknowledged by CTLS. Thank you for reporting red light running and other safety issues at this intersection. We are tracking these issues statewide.

Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
4 months ago

It may be another year or more before these are completed, no?

L wrote 4 months ago

I agree. 34 shouldn't even be designed like this here. It's yet another thing about NH's streets that needs to be un-done.

Doug wrote 4 months ago

the Downtown-Wooster Square CMT would like to gather together a group interested in discussing this issue.

please email dwscmt@gmail.com if you'd like to gather to discuss the status of this item

JSJ wrote 4 months ago

It should also be noted that this intersection is one block from the Coop High School. My son, a student at the school, meets me several times a week at my lab at the med school in order to get a ride home. Since I have forbidden him to cross at that intersection, he must go several blocks out of his way to reach me.

Another person wants this fixed!
4 months ago
Mark_med
Mark wrote 4 months ago

That's really unfortunate to hear, JSJ.

Doug, once you have a meeting time for DWSCMT, can you post the info/location here so people can forward along to their contacts?

3 months ago

Another related issue - the trucks are apparently still using the loading docks where a student was recently killed , even though the Medical Community had been promised that this situation would end --- EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ---- http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/9370

Yale student wrote 3 months ago

Interesting comments, everyone.

If you are interested in being contacted by a member of the national press corps about the extremely high number of injuries and fatalities at Yale, and the conditions for walking between the medical campus and the downtown more specifically, please post your contact info here. We will give you a call!

Also they would be interested in more details on the pedestrian injuries that have occurred here, even if they were relatively minor instances. Please post them on this site if you prefer not to be contacted.

THANK YOU!

Yale student wrote 3 months ago

How safe are the streets surrounding Yale?

SEPTEMBER 2006 -- Yale senior struck by a car while crossing Elm St., next to the Old Campus, causing serious hip injuries.

AUGUST 2009 -- Jogger killed while crossing Elm Street. Third downtown pedestrian fatality in less than eighteen months.

OCTOBER 2009 -- Another pedestrian killed crossing Church Street, suffered massive head injuries. A block from Yale offices and two blocks from the freshman quad.

MAY 2006 -- Yale junior is struck and killed while biking near the Yale Bowl.

MAY 2009 -- Medical Center Ph.D. Researcher struck and killed by bus while crossing Frontage Road, near the location of other recent fatalities.

February 2006 -- A Yale Music student is hospitalized after being struck by a car near Science Hill.

APRIL 2008 -- 4th year Medical student struck and killed while crossing South Frontage Road at York Street.

January 2006 -- Student hospitalized after being struck by a pick-up truck in front of the Yale School of Management.

December 2005 -- Two seniors hospitalized after being hit by a mini-van at the corner of Edgewood and Park Street.

MAY 2009 -- Woman hit and dragged by bus on Broadway near York. Multiple arm fractures, but pedestrian survives.

September 2005 -- Undergraduate sent to the hospital in critical condition after being struck by a bus in front of Woolsey Hall.

MAY 2008 -- A Yale Law student struck and seriously injured at the intersection of Chapel & High Streets, in front of the BAC.

FEBRUARY 2008 -- A visiting professor is hospitalized after being hit by a car on High Street, next to the Old Campus.

OCTOBER 2007 -- Freshman struck at York and Elm in a hit-and-run accident. She suffers four skull fractures.

OCTOBER 2006 -- Public Health graduate student struck at North Frontage and College, when a driver loses control and runs up on the sidewalk. Student suffers broken collarbone.

Jason Stockmann wrote 3 months ago

I would be willing to speak to the press about traffic safety in New Haven. I would encourage others watching this issue to do the same!

My phone number is (315) 450-3309. Email is bauhaus2@gmail.com

Mark_med
Mark wrote 3 months ago

Jason works next to the road in question but I also walk there often, for work or leisure. My contact is (203) 500 7059.

Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
Jamie Duke wrote 3 months ago
Img00022-20090701-1652_med
Another person wants this fixed!
Kevin G. Ewing wrote 3 months ago
3 months ago

saw news cameras here today - was another person injured or killed? it is a daily occurrence around these intersections... see ambulances OFTEN

Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Mark_med
Mark wrote 3 months ago

Brian, I don't like the new curb extensions. The corner is still very much rounded off -- compare it to Church and Chapel, or York and Elm, for instance. This enables very high automobile speeds around the corner, placing pedestrians at grave danger and significant discomfort.

The curb should be immediately extended even farther using a temporary curb extension, until such time as a more permanent curb can be installed. Someone posted a picture of a temporary curb extension, requesting one for State Street in New Haven, at this issue page: http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/9150

There have been at least three formal traffic safety petitions with thousands of signatures between them, one in 2006 and two in 2008. All three of which specifically referred to these intersections and suggested very specific measures to increase safety at them.

There have also been multiple letters of concern from local residents and the Yale Traffic Safety Group. Multiple pedestrian and driver deaths and numerous serious injuries have been reported within this area. http://downtownnewhaven.blogspot.com/2009/05/biotechnologist-critical-after-crossing.html has a bit of background.

After reviewing current timelines for state traffic requests, etc., and looking at these curb extensions, let's be honest about this issue. It currently appears as if real progress on pedestrian safety, economic development and walkability for Downtown New Haven's medical district is going to have to wait for many more years.

These delays are unacceptable. We have the power to prevent more deaths and injuries, and we need to exercise our power now.

If government won't do it in the face of thousands of citizen requests, who will?

Mark_med
Mark wrote 3 months ago

A couple more specifics on community requests since 2006:

1. Pedestrian Safety in New Haven, CT (2006)
http://www.gopetition.com/online/9868.html
We, the undersigned, call on the New Haven Department of Traffic and Parking to: 1) install walk-signals at all four corners of the North Frontage Rd-College St intersection; 2) install rumble strips on the ramps leading to the intersection; 3) increase the height of the railing lining College St bridge over Rt 34; and 4) increase the time allowed to cross the street by improving the signal-timing. A formal, citywide assessment of intersection-safety should follow, inclusive of its conclusions being released in a public report.

2. New Haven Safe Streets Petition (May 2008)
http://www.newhavensafestreets.org/2008/06/updated-list-of-petition-sponsors-and.html
By the end of 2008, establish strict 15-20MPH speed limits in all areas with dense concentrations of pedestrians and bicyclists, including the areas immediately surrounding Yale-New Haven Hospital...

3. Yale Medical Campus Traffic Safety Group Petition: Letter to Improve Traffic Safety in the New Haven Medical District (May 2008)
Planned measures to improve traffic safety should occur in a timely manner and with community input. Planned projects include replacement of traffic signals along North and South Frontage Roads and the redevelopment of the Route 34 Corridor. The City of New Haven should enact traffic calming measures in the medical area specifically: Increase police enforcement of speed limits and red light adherence , Provide pedestrian safety guards, Improve signage indicating the hospital and pedestrian zone, Make crosswalks more visible , Reduce speed limits to 20 miles per hour
Document is reproduced within http://www.livablestreets.com/projects/new-haven-safe-streets-coalition/safe-streets-update-040109/report-re-traffic-safety-at-yale-university-final-9-march-2009.pdf

4. City of New Haven Complete Streets Order, Passed 30-0 by the New Haven Board of Aldermen (October 2008)
Develop progressive design standards that will be incorporated into a Complete Streets Design Manual .... Such design standards will address: target speeds; street and lane widths; signal timing and vehicle detection; uninterrupted block length; connectivity; transit accessibility .... These design standards will require that the target speed for streets around schools, hospitals and business districts that depend on pedestrian traffic be a maximum of 15 miles per hour. BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Complete Streets Steering Committee will communicate the Complete Streets Policy as an Ordinance Amendment for consideration by the Board of Aldermen not more than one year after the passage of this Order, with the requirement that the principles of this policy be incorporated into all aspects of street and transportation planning projects, scoping procedures, design manual, design approvals and performance measures.

(It has been almost 13 months now since that last one)

Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Mark_med
Mark wrote 3 months ago

WFSB TV had a great feature broadcast this weekend about College & North Frontage, entitled "Pedestrians Fight For Crossing Signals, Several Deadly Crashes Have Been Reported In Recent Years." The interview features Jason Stockmann: http://www.wfsb.com/video/21545874/index.html

In case you are not familiar with this intersection:

1. In the wake of several injuries and fatalities, immediate, specific changes were requested by 3000+ individual petitioners on three different petitions to the City of New Haven between 2006 and 2008.
2. Oncoming traffic often averages close to 45 miles per hour or more, and constantly runs red lights.
3. The curb geometry allows vehicles to fly around the corner at high speeds, even as pedestrians try to cross concurrently.
4. There are no pedestrian signals and very wide streets, making the street extremely difficult to cross.
5. The intersection is marked by tall weeds and poor designs that completely obscure the visibility of oncoming traffic (in fact, other nearby intersections, like Church and North Frontage, are even worse in this regard).
6. The intersection is located on a major pedestrian route. It is within a block of the largest hospital in the state, which has just undergone a $500 million expansion, adding even more pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

I hope that immediate action will be taken to improve these conditions before more pedestrians are injured or killed here. 76,000 pedestrians have been killed over the past 15 years in the United States, and New Haven has seen a disproportionate share of the recent injuries and fatalities.

Even if you have already signed all three petitions, http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/23.html is one place where you may document your concern. Perhaps a media strategy using TV, radio, news articles, national stories, and individual local residents sharing detailed stories on SeeClickFix will help persuade ConnDOT or the city to fix this situation.

Please feel free to copy this note and forward it to your neighbors in this area.

Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
Jonathan Smith wrote 3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
Rob Rocke wrote 3 months ago
Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
Jean Maatta wrote 3 months ago

This intersection must be a traffic engineer's worst nightmare. The traffic is so heavy that putting in walk signals is going to increase the congestion in this area. This has already increased with the new traffic light on North Frontage.
I cross this intersection almost daily in both directions. The lack of a walk signal creates very hazardous conditions especially when motorists do not want to give pedestrians the right of way when they are entitled to it, which contrary to many pedestrians, is not all the time. I have seen pedestrians walk right out in the intersection against the light with oncoming traffic. It is very difficult to cross with the "go" when cars from the north want to make a right turn especially after grid lock has prevented them from making the turn. There should be signs about not blocking the intersection with more police monitoring to keep motorists out of the intersection when the traffic backs up. In the years I have been crossing this intersection, I have never seen any police present to control the flow of traffic.
Changes are definitely needed at this intersection. In the interim, education of motorists and pedestrians on their roles for safe travel is needed to prevent more injuries.

Another person wants this fixed!
3 months ago
3 months ago

Coverage: Improvements Will Take (at least) Another Year: http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/11/traffic_improve.php

Doug wrote 3 months ago

The Downtown-Wooster Square CMT will be hosting the Yale-New Haven Hospital at their December meeting (12/15/09 @6pm at a City Hall Meeting Room).

http://groups.google.com/group/dwscmt

You will have a forum to address your concerns at this meeting to hospital administrators and city staff that are responsible for the completion of this project.

Mark_med
Mark wrote 3 months ago

That's great, Doug... I hope some of the most pressing concerns will be addressed before 12/15, though. This is an emergency situation.

Mark_med
Mark wrote 2 months ago

Anyone have details on the construction taking place in this area?

Jamie Duke wrote 2 months ago

They actually are installing pedestrian cross signals at this intersection. It must have happened within the past couple of days. The signals are not working yet, as they are covered with plastic, but it looks like something is being done to aid in crossing this intersection

Doug wrote 2 months ago

that's terrific! anyone close to the project have an official update?

thanks for the info jamie -

2 months ago

When will the signals be operational? They currently are covered with black garbage bags.

Yale staff wrote 2 months ago

UI is there today! Thanks everybody for pressing this issue.

Rob Rocke wrote 2 months ago

Let's keep our fingers crossed: this is good news!

Doug wrote 2 months ago

Big kudos to the Yale Traffic Safety Group and the faculty/staff for all of their follow-up, as well as the countless other volunteers and employees that have been monitoring this situation closely.

also - a big thank you to Mike Piscitelli of the Traffic, Transportation and Parking for expediting this install and to the Yale-New Haven Hospital for helping speed this along as well.

This is a much needed improvement that will aid in the walkability to downtown and help connect the medical district with the downtown business district and overall improve the quality of life for a lot of members of the new haven community.

early holiday present for our city! looking forward to the other improvements - but this was the biggest concern coming out of the November meeting:

http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/11/traffic_improve.php

Tt_p_logo_med

The Pedestrian Signal at College and North Frontage will be operational tomorrow.

Doug wrote 2 months ago
Photo_med

saw this functioning around 2am last night - thanks!

Ben-headshot_med
Issue Closed
Ben wrote about 1 month ago

Hey Guys.

I'm closing the issue. You can do this next time by clicking the close button on the issue.

about 1 month ago

This issue actually applies to crosswalk signals at all intersections at College and Route 34, not just the one at North Frontage.

Until crosswalk signals are installed throughout the intersection, this issue will not be closed. Please reopen (when I try to , there is a site error)

dwscmt wrote about 1 month ago

Tonight at 6pm the Downtown-Wooster Square Community Management Team is meeting for our regular monthly meeting (3rd Tuesday of every month) at 6pm in a meeting room at City Hall (165 Church Street).

Tonight, our first guest is Yale-New Haven Hospital and if you are interested in any further reports, please come. It's an open meeting, and we welcome all community members.

DWSCMT
E-Board

Mark_med
Mark wrote about 1 month ago

It appears that temporary signals are in place at each corner. Thank you, TTP! This is a good (though to be fair, very much-delayed) first step.

Additional traffic improvements -- including all of those referenced in the petitions listed above -- are still urgently needed at these intersections before the area will contribute to the city's vitality.

The current situation is not acceptable and should be given the same rapid attention that went into the addition of the traffic signals.


Comment


(always kept private)
or


Issue 23 / 3304 page views / Opened 682 days ago / Updated 49 days ago

85 Watchers Nearby

Hill Neighborhood (06519) Description
Search Terms: graf tag trash blight danger
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Department of Public Works Description
Search Terms: pothole "pot hole" uneven broken damaged sweep glass debris -atv -illegal -drug
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

New Haven Public Schools - Director Of Communications Description
Search Terms: -yale "First Student" "1st Student" "school bus" "school buses" "school busses" school
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

Ward 7 Alderman Bitsie Clark Description
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

New Haven Bike Rack Request Description
Search Terms: "bike rack" "bike parking" bike -fencing -shopping -mugging -stolen -theft -illegal -dirt -suspicious
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

Texting While Driving - Connecticut Description
Search Terms: texting
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

CT DOT Description
Search Terms: ConnDOT railroad highway I-95 I-91 Route CTDOT DOT freeway interstate train rail tracks underpass overpass tunnel -trail
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

#NHV Twitter Channel Description
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

New Haven, Department of Public Works Description
Search Terms: leaves
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

ATT Graffiti
Search Terms: graf att at&t box v-rad uverse
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

City Engineering - Storm Drains and Catch Basins
Search Terms: storm drain catch basin flood
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

New Haven Fire Department
Search Terms: hydrant
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

ConnDot Route 34-New Haven Description
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Regional Water Authority Description
Search Terms: water hydrant rwa
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

newhavensafestreets.org watch
Search Terms: crosswalk xwalk faded sharrow bike pedestrian bicycle traffic racing 25mph speed walking calming
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Hill North Policing District - Lt. Holly Wasilewski Description
Search Terms: prost drug speed cop police illegal shoes stolen gun theft hooker loitering
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Speeding Description
Search Terms: speeding drug dealing illegal
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

LCI Watcher's Area Description
Search Terms: gang rat trash blight abandoned graf tag lci garbage trash ice shoveled icy snow danger Government City
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

First Student Inc. Description
Search Terms: "First Student" "1st Student" "school bus" "school buses" "school busses"
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

CT Livable Streets Campaign Description
Search Terms: "complete street" chicane "red light" pedestrian bicycle drivers "traffic calming" crashes xwalk crosswalk speeding MPH intersection
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

Downtown-Wooster Square Community Management Team Description
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Mayors Office - New Haven
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Yale Shuttle Bus Manager Description
Search Terms: "yale shuttle" "yale bus"
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

Yale Shuttle Complaints
Search Terms: "yale shuttle" "yale bus"
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

Engineering Department Street Lighting Division Description
Search Terms: "Street light" streetlight
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

New Haven Police Department Description
Search Terms: prost drug speed cop police illegal shoes stolen NHPD abuse
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

FedEx Media Hotline Description
Search Terms: FedEx
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

New Haven Church of Satan Description
Search Terms: satan god religion church
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

City of New Haven Economic Development and Cultural Affairs Description
Search Terms: art business zoning "building permit" "facade grant" facade retail signage development
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Connecticut Forest & Park Association Description
Search Terms: "Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails"
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

Kevin E Description
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Yale University Campus - Student Watch Area Description
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

LCI - Housing Code/Public Space Description
Search Terms: violation garbage vacant zone zoning litter residential rental
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

Comcast Description
Search Terms: comcast
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

UI Customer Service for trees on wires Description
Search Terms: "tree wire" "branch on wire" "tree on wire" "branch wire" "branch wires" "tree wires" "electric wire" "power lines"
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

City of New Haven Transportation, Traffic and Parking
Search Terms: traffic ped crosswalk intersection "traffic signal" "stop light" bike sign -mugging -blight -pothole "-storm drain" -drain -trash -speeding -drug -stealing -manhole "-manhole cover"
A recommendation to watch this issue was sent to the watcher.

Apple Inc. Media Relations
Search Terms: Apple
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

New Haven Parks Department
Search Terms: park tree limb field playground soccer baseball softball splash pad pool brush grass
An email was not sent to this watch area because...
  * the watcher's search terms do not match this issue.
  * the watcher was created after the issue.
Notify Watcher about this Issue Anyway

De Us Es Fr It Ru