Our engineer is looking into this.
Rick
Essex Junction Public Works Superintendent

As you requested, we have reviewed the existing intersection of Park Street, Iroquois Avenue, and Franklin Street in response to the SeeClickFix Alerts #367019 and #518992.
Based on the SeeClickFix Alerts, we see three separate issues raised regarding the operation of this existing intersection: 1) Split phasing of the side street approaches; 2) Thru-Right bypass of left turning vehicles for NB traffic on Park Street; and 3) vehicles utilizing the private Park Place Tavern access drive to exit onto Park Street. We will address each of these items separately below.
1) Split Phasing of side street approaches
Split phasing of the side street approaches is a phasing scheme where one side street receives the green indication at a time, while the other side street remains red. This phasing scheme is typically utilized at intersections with specific circumstances, such as offset side street approaches or side street approaches with significant turning movements. We have both such circumstances at this intersection. Iroquois Avenue is located approximately 20 feet north of Franklin Street at their intersection with Park Street. There is a significant number of turning movements from both Iroquois Avenue and Franklin Street throughout the day, particularly left turns. In consideration of the specific circumstances, the split phasing has been implemented to minimize conflicting movements to enhance safety and improve operational efficiency of the intersection; and we believe this should remain.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a document that contains standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of traffic control devices (signs, signals, markings, and other devices). In the State of Vermont, the MUTCD has been adopted as the standard to which all traffic control devices must conform on State roadways. The MUTCD is commonly used for local roadways as well, in order to present drivers with consistent traffic control devices. The MUTCD does not contain specific signing requirements or guidelines for split phasing schemes.
Currently, each side street approach has two three-section signal heads consisting of a red, yellow, and green ball signal indication. In an effort to alert drivers on the side street approach with the green indication that a left turn movement is ‘protected’ (as the other side street has a red indication), an additional green arrow signal head section could be added to the leftmost signal head for each side street approach. Please note that the structural integrity of the mast arm and
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signal pole will need to be confirmed prior to the installation of additional signal sections. For the Franklin Street approach, this additional signal section would be mounted on the pedestal pole mounted signal head located on the west side of Park Street.
In summary, this phasing scheme is intentional at this intersection due to its specific circumstances. This phasing scheme is supported by the MUTCD and no specific signs are required. When one side street approach receives the green indication, the opposing side street approach remains red; thereby prohibiting entrance into the intersection. With the current signal indications, left turning vehicles from the side street approaches are not clear that they have the right-of-way and that the opposing vehicles do not have a green indication; and may wait, thereby causing some confusion. With the installation of an additional signal indication with a green arrow on the leftmost signal head for each side street approach, this will help inform drivers of the right-of-way to complete the left turn movement. The reference in the SeeClickFix Alert to vehicles entering the intersection on a red indication pertains to an illegal action that should not be used as a traffic signal design consideration.
2) Thru-Right bypass of left turning vehicles for NB traffic on Park Street
For NB traffic on Park Street, there is currently a relatively wide travel lane (+/- 16 feet wide) with a relatively wide paved shoulder (+/- 6 feet wide), delineated with a white edge line. This travel lane is shared by left, through, and right turning movements for NB traffic. When a NB left turning vehicle is waiting to turn into Iroquois Avenue, vehicles are able to drive around this left turning vehicle on the right due to the excessively wide travel lane and shoulder. This is a movement that is currently unregulated based on the existing intersection configuration and control. However, allowing this movement to occur maintains traffic flow and efficiency of the intersection operation. The observation noted in the SeeClickFix Alert is that SB left turning vehicles are not able to complete their movement due to the continuation of through traffic around the NB left turning vehicle. We recognize this potential situation and note that SB left turning vehicles would need to yield to NB through vehicles in the absence of a NB left turning vehicle.
In reviewing the existing signing at the intersection, we note that there are no “Left Turn Yield on Green” (R10-12) signs present for the NB and SB approaches on Park Street. In consideration of the existing lane geometry and signal control, we recommend the installation of this sign for the NB and SB approaches.
In addition, we considered other options to address the concerns noted, as presented below.
a) The NB approach could be narrowed to prohibit vehicles from passing on the right. This could be done with striping and signing (which may not be an effective deterrent) or physical narrowing of the roadway in this location. While this may alleviate the concern expressed, we believe it will have detrimental consequences on the operation and capacity
of the intersection. As such, we do not recommend this option.
b) Given the relatively wide travel lane and shoulder on the NB approach, there is sufficient
space to stripe an 11 foot wide dedicated left turn lane and an 11 foot wide shared through/right turn lane. While this will mimic the current condition noted in the SeeClickFix Alert and not necessarily correct the specific concern expressed, it will allow a designated space for NB left turning vehicles to queue in waiting to complete the turn onto Iroquois Avenue. This should present a more common and expected condition to opposing drivers. This change may also result in a slight improvement of the intersection operation.
We are not proposing any changes to the signal timing or phasing as part of this option (i.e. creating a separate protected left turn phase).
In summary, we recommend the installation of new “Left Turn Yield on Green” (R10-12) signs for the NB and SB approaches. Although we have presented two options for modifications to the NB approach to this intersection, we do not believe either will result in a significant improvement to address or alleviate the concerns expressed without having a significant impact to the intersection operation. However, option “b)” above is a modification that is relatively easily implemented. It does not necessarily alleviate the concern of vehicles passing on the right of NB left turning vehicles; but it does present opposing drivers with a more typical situation in which they may expect vehicles passing on the right.
3) Use of Park Place Tavern access drive
The SeeClickFix Alert noted that “all of Franklin Street and internal other roads use the Park Place Bar entrance as an exit, thus creating more danger.” Unfortunately, we are not able to regulate the internal circulation of traffic on these private properties. Each of the two access points onto Park Street for the Park Place Tavern is an approved access onto Park Street. We note that each of the two access points are relatively narrow, but currently allow for two-way traffic. In consideration of these narrow access drives, perhaps the Village could work with the private landowners to create a one-way entrance south of the Park Place Tavern building and a one-way exit north of the building. With appropriate signing and striping, traffic from the Franklin Street developments wishing to utilize the Park Place Tavern access drive, a movement that is not currently prohibited, could be directed to the northern one-way exit drive.

The property owner notified me that the trash was scheduled to be removed this morning.

It was gone when I checked before noon. this issue is closed.

Thanks for fixing this issue!

This property is cleaned up.

Thanks for fixing this issue!