ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Final Report Appendices
Appendix C Task 2 Summary: Existing Conditions
May 2012
Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Vermont Orwell, Benson, West Haven & Fair Haven, Vermont
Broadreach Planning & Design/Stantec
Rutland Regional Planning Commission Vermont
VT Route 22ACorridor Study
Task 2 Memo: Existing Conditions
Submitted by: Broadreach Planning & Design In conjunction with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
July 2011
Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Vermont
May 2010
VT ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions Page 1
I. INTRODUCTION
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC), in conjunction with VTrans and the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, is managing the Vermont Route 22A Corridor Study. RRPC created a Corridor Technical Advisory Committee consisting of representatives of the two regional planning commissions, VTrans, and the four towns associated with the Vermont Route 22A Corridor Study Area: Orwell, Benson, West Haven, and Fair Haven. To assist the actual work of much of the Study, the RRPC contracted with Broadreach Planning & Design and Stantec Consulting Services, the Study Team.
Vermont Route 22A (Route 22A) runs north south along the western side of the State of Vermont starting in Ferrisburgh on its northern end. It heads roughly straight south until it crosses into New York State at the southern limits of Fair Haven. The Study Area extends from the Route 22A intersection with Vermont Route 73 (Route 73) in Orwell as the northern terminus and ends in the south at the New York State line. The Study Area extends east west approximately one-half mile on either side of Route 22A, but extends farther as appropriate to include the influences of Vermont Route 30 (Route 30) and US Route 7 (Route 7), other nearby north south routes. Figure 2-1 shows the general location of Route 22A within western Vermont; Figures 2-2A and 2-2B show the limits of the Study Area.
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission, in conjunction with VTrans, the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, and the towns of Orwell, Benson, West Haven, and Fair Haven, is undertaking the study of the Route 22A Corridor to plan for its future with the help of the Study Team. The study will, for the Route 22A Corridor:
. Examine current crash data and other safety conditions, . Review existing and potential future land uses, . Look at future development potentials, . Consider the influences of environmental and cultural resources, and . Generally consider how the Route 22A corridor will look, feel, and perform into the future.
The goal of the study will be a plan that guides where and what types of land use and roadway improvements should be considered now or in the next few years to address existing safety issues. The plan will also make additional recommendations on how the overall scenic rural character of Route 22A can be maintained into the future without sacrificing mobility for local communities or the region.
This memo presents the results of the investigation of existing conditions along the corridor and the identification of issues to be addressed and opportunities to be explored during the Study. It will serve as the basis for the first round of discussions with the communities about the future of Route 22A.
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After this introduction, the Task 2 Report is divided into six additional sections:
. Other Relevant Studies, . Transportation Characteristics, . Land Use, . Utilities, . Natural and Cultural Resources, and . Issues, Problem Areas, and Opportunities.
The report is formatted for double sided printing.
II. RELEVANT PLANS AND STUDIES
A. WESTERN CORRIDOR
The recent study of Vermont’s Western Corridor Transportation Management Plan recommends 25 strategies relating to highways, freight, public transportation, economic vitality, and quality of life to pursue the goals and objectives of the plan. These recommendations were evaluated with respect to the goals and objectives and some were carried forward as part of the final Plan. In reviewing the study and these specific strategies for relevance to the VT 22A corridor, the study team recognizes the following (reference numbers are directly from the Western Corridor Plan):
. F1: Investment in rail infrastructure in order to achieve load rating standards of 286,000 lb. for rail/bed and 315,000 lb for new bridges will help to divert some freight from truck to rail.
. F2: Improvement of truck access to rail facilities and airports in a way that does not compromise the safety and quality of life in residential neighborhoods.
. F3: Establishment of additional transload facilities to provide efficient intermodal (truck and rail) connectivity and enhance rail use.
. H4: Highway realignment and widening that meet Vermont Design Standards with improved alignments and in general with 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders for segments posted at 50 mph.
. Q4: Implementation of traffic calming measures that can help to improve safety and reduce impacts associated with vehicle traffic by lowering vehicle speeds in towns and villages.
. Q6: Encouragement of compact, mixed use development within identified growth areas in urban/village areas that improve mobility by continuing the historic settlement pattern of compact
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B. OTHER REPORTS
No other reports were reviewed.
III. LAND USE
A. ORWELL
The land along Route 22A in Orwell south of the intersection with Route 73 is primarily agricultural with small clusters of residential use interspersed. The largest concentration of residential use is centered on the Route 22A/Cook Road/Mutton Hill Road intersection. Most of the other residential land uses are associated with farms.
The current Orwell zoning in the Study Area includes a Village District on the east side of Route 22A extending south approximately 700 feet from the intersection with Route 73; a Neighborhood Commercial (NC) District starting at Route 73 and extending south about 0.4 miles past Mutton Square and Cook Roads, except for the portion on the east side in the Village District; and a Medium Density Residential District that extends south from the end of the NC District approximately an additional half mile, a Rural District south of these districts on the east side of Route 22A and a Conservation District on the west side of Route 22A. Attachment A includes a copy of the Orwell Land Use map from the Town Plan that shows the location of these zoning districts and excerpts from the Town Plan that explains the purpose and basic aspects of each District. Table 2-1 provides more information on the characteristics of the Orwell zoning districts in the Study Area.
The Orwell Town Plan indicates that Orwell is concerned about the condition of Route 22A. The Plan cites increased overall traffic, as well as more truck traffic, as issues that are affecting farmers who need to use or cross Route 22A. The Orwell Town Plan states that speed limits should be reduced on Route 22A, at least in their NC District.
B. BENSON
The land use in Benson is primarily agricultural or undeveloped along the entire length of the Route 22A. Non-agricultural uses along Route 22A in Benson include:
. A farm stand on the southeast corner of Needham Hill Road, and . A gas station and store on the northeast corner of Route 144.
Figures 2-3A and 2-3B show the general location of these uses.
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Table 2-1: Zoning District Data Zoning District Minimum Lot Minimum Minimum Minimum Setbacks Permitted Uses (Partial List) Size Density Frontage Access Density
Orwell Village C - 1/2 R C - 1/2 R C - 75 R - NA 30 B & B; Community Faciliyt; Group Commercial Use (C) - 1/4 - 1/4 50 Home; Single & Two Family Dwelling Residential Use ( R) Orwell Neighborhood C - 2 R -C - 5 R - C - 400 NA C - 150 Agriculture; B & B; Group Home; Commercial 1/2 2 R - 200 R - 100 Single and Two-Family Dwelling
Orwell Medium C - 2 R -C - 5 R - C - 400 NA C - 150 Single & Two Family Dwelling; B & B; Density Residential 1/2 2 R - 200 R - 100 Group Home; Agriculture & Forestry;
Orwell Conservation 5 25 400 NA 150 Agriculture & Forestry; Group Home;
Benson: Agriculture 2 Acres 20 Acres 200 FT One 80 FT Farm Structures, Home Occupations, & Rural Residential Driveway/750 Accessory Structures, New Single and District FT Two-unit Dwellings, Most Other Possible Uses, including Commercial, Require Conditional Use Approval
West Haven: 25 Acres 25 Acres 1,000 FT NA 60 Ft Front; 100 Agriculture and Forestry: One, Two and Agricultural District FT Side; 75 FT Multi-Family Units; Racetracks; Rear Recreation Facilities; Motor Coach & Trailor Camp; Professional Residence- Office; Museum; State or Community- Owned Facilities and Institutions; Schools; Churches; Hospitals; Solid and
Fair Haven 20,000 40000 to 10,000 100 NA 40 Ft Front; 20 Residences; Hospitals; Inn & Hotel; Commercial District FT Side; 30 FT Office; Restaurant; Retail Sales & Rear Service; Outdoor Recreation; State and Community Facilities; Churches; Schools Fair Haven Industrial 20,000 40000 to 10,000 150 NA 40 Ft Front; 20 Light Industry; Outdoor Recreation; District FT Side; 30 FT Retail Sales & Service; State and Rear Community Facilities Fair Haven River 20,000 40000 to 10,000 75 NA 15 Ft Front; 15 Churches; B & B & Guest House; Mixed Use District FT Side; 30 FT Residences; Outdoor Recreation; Rear Offices; State or Community Facilities
Fair Haven Residential 40000 to 10,000 40000 to 10,000 100 NA 30 Ft Front; 20 Churches; Residences; Guest Houses; District FT Side; 30 FT Out Door Recreation; Schools Rear Fair Haven Rural 40000 to 10,000 40000 to 10,000 150 NA 30 Ft Front; 30 Camp; Churches; B & B & Guest District FT Side; 30 FT Houese; Residences; Outdoor Rear Recrreation; Schools Source: Municipal Zoning Ordinances
The Benson Zoning Ordinance places the entire length of Route 22A in the Agriculture and Rural Residential District. The purpose of this zoning district is to preserve the rural character and provide a mechanism for viable agricultural, residential, and commercial uses with minimal adverse impact. Table 2-1 provides more information on the characteristics of the Benson Agricultural and Rural Residential District.
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Benson has opted to have one-acre development go through Act 250 review even though the Town has a zoning ordinance. Attachment B contains a copy of the Future Land Use Plan from the Benson Town Plan, which is reflected in the Benson Zoning Map.
The Benson Town Plan includes numerous direct and indirect references to Route 22A; in particular the Benson Town Plan:
. Encourages the preservation of roadside trees and the planting of new roadside trees and vegetation with the approval of landowners abutting the roads and in such a manner so as to provide adequate room for snow removal, utility services, and adequate view corridors for safety; . Encourages the elimination of dead road side tress, obstructive brush and grass; . Discourages large developments that are inconsistent with the rural character of the Town; . Discourages the development that puts undue burden on the capacity of Town roads and other infrastructure and the capacity of the environment to support it; . Promotes development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; . Discourages sprawl; . States that the primary access to Benson is Route 22A in the north-south direction and Route 144 in the east-west direction; . Indicates that there is an increase in overall traffic on Route 22A which raises safety concerns in the Town; and . Notes that the crash rate on Route 22A in Benson has alarmed the Town and consequently the Town Plan calls for the Town to: - encourage the State to improve safety conditions on Route 22A and to construct adequate shoulders on the road as part of that effort, and - investigate and support options to improve safety conditions on Route 22A through local, county, and State action.
C. WEST HAVEN
The land use along Route 22A in West Haven is agricultural or conserved land, although the Devil’s Bowl Speedway is the most significant commercial use adjacent to Route 22A not only in West Haven but in the entire corridor outside of the Fair Haven Village area. A bait shop and an upholstery shop are the other commercial uses along Route 22A in West Haven. Figures 2-3B shows the general location of these land uses.
The West Haven Zoning Ordinance designates the land along the entire length of Route 22A in West Haven as part of the Agricultural District. The purpose of the West Haven’s Agricultural (AG) District is to preserve the agricultural resources within the Town. Development in the AG District should maintain the low density development in the Town. Table 2-1 presents other aspects of the West Haven AG District
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The land use goal of the West Haven Town plan is to protect and encourage the maintenance of the agricultural land in the Town. The Town Plan also discourages strip development and generally directs land owners towards development that avoids the need to increase the capacity of Town highways and other roads in the Town. The Town Plan also encourages the consideration of the impacts of development on the visual resources of the Town.
Attachment C contains additional information from the West Haven Town Plan.
D. FAIR HAVEN
The land use along Route 22A in Fair Haven includes more diversity than the other towns in the Study Area. North of the Route 4 interchange, the land is primarily undeveloped with the majority of the land forested. The unforested land does not appear to be in active agricultural use. There are two commercial land uses along this portion of Route 22A, a RV sales facility on the west side of Route 22A just south of the Sheldon Road intersection and a wood processing facility on the east side of Route 22A north of Sheldon Road. Figure 2-3B shows the general location of these land uses.
The Fair Haven Zoning Ordinance designates that portions of the Route 22A corridor lie within the:
. Commercial District, . Floodplains District, . Industrial District, . River Mixed Use District, . Residential District, and . Rural District.
Attachment D includes a copy of the Fair Haven Zoning Map, as well as relevant portions of the Zoning Regulations that show the location of these districts and provides the purpose, allowed uses, and other requirements of these districts. Table 2-1 provides more information on the characteristics of the Fair Haven zoning districts.
The general goal of the regulations is to keep development primarily in the Village area, with supporting development centers at the Route 4 interchanges, including interchange 2 with Route 22A.
The Fair Haven Town Plan calls the town the gateway to Vermont, both along Route 22A as well as along Route 4. The plan indicates that Route 22A is heavily travelled by trucks and commercial traffic. The Town Plan cites the importance of the sidewalks in the Fair Haven village areas to pedestrian circulation and indicates the Town is working on creating a trail network to complement the sidewalk system.
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The Town is served by the Marble Valley Regional Transportation District (the Bus) which provides on-demand transit services in Fair Haven. A park and ride lot is located on the south side of the Fairhaven Town Green in the downtown area.
IV. TRANSPORTATION CHARACTERISTICS
A. REGIONAL CONTEXT
Route 22A is the most direct roadway transportation link between points south and west of White Hall, New York and those in Addison and Chittenden Counties in Vermont. This route bypasses larger villages, towns, and cities along Route 7 including Rutland and Middlebury. Route 22A is, for many truck drivers, the preference for lengthy hauls along western Vermont. For Vermonters south and west of Rutland, the east west connection afforded by US Route 4 (Route 4) facilitates access to Route 22A and therefore provides an alternative to Route 7 as a north-south route. In this regard Route 30, which lies approximately 5 to 7 miles east of Route 22A, also serves as an alternate north south route. Route 22A extends as far north as Vergennes before terminating at Route 7. Route 30 extends north to Middlebury where it also terminates at Route 7. Stage Road is another north south road that operates about one mile west and parallel to Route 22A starting in West Haven, passing through the Benson town center, and continuing north to Route 73 in Orwell.
Route 4 effectively divides the Route 22A corridor into two distinct sections. A diamond type Route 4 interchange provides four ramps that form two STOP sign controlled intersections with Route 22A; Route 22A itself is not STOP sign controlled at these intersections. North of the interchange, the roadway is two lanes wide, mostly with narrow shoulders, and has the appearance of a local road. South of the interchange, Route 22A is a two lane roadway, but with sections of on-street parking through much of the village area. Most regional trips through the corridor from the east and west use Route 4 to access Route 22A.
B. LOCAL CONNECTIONS
For residents of Orwell, Benson, West Haven, and Fair Haven Route 22A is a vital link to most destinations involving shopping, school, and work trips. North of Route 4 and west of Route 22A, Stage Road provides a north south alternative route. Stage Road to the west and Route 30 to the east provide alternatives but Route 22A is the most direct north south route. The Orwell town center is east of Route 22A with connection to Route 22A via Route 73 and Mutton Square Stage Road. Route 73 also connects Route 22A with Sudbury to the west.
Route 144 connects with the Hortonia town center east of Route 22A. The Benson town center is located west of Route 22A and is connected to the corridor via Lake Street or Stage Road via Main Road in West Haven. West Haven’s small town center is accessible from Route 22A via Main Road.
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In Fair Haven the Route 22A and Vermont Route 4A (Route 4A) roadways combine through the downtown. North of the downtown, these roadways diverge with Route 22A continuing to the west and then north, and Route 4A to the east where it passes through the Castleton town center. South of the Fair Haven downtown, Route 4A Route 22A split, with Route 22A heading west to connect to Route 4 near the western New York state line. Route 22A continues south to the NY state line.
C. ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS
1. Overview
VT 22A is classified as rural minor arterial in Orwell, Benson, West Haven, and Fair Haven north of the interchange; the remainder of the roadway through Fair Haven to the New York line is classified as a rural major collector. There are numerous access points along Route 22A in the Study Corridor, but no significant concentrations of access points outside of Fair Haven Village. Figures 2-4A and 2-4B show the access points as small triangles on either side of the roadway as well as the general width of the Rouet 22A right-of-way in those towns where there are tax maps. The following sections describe, by town, specific characteristics, and features of Route 22A through the project area. Attachment E contains the VTrans Route Logs for Route 22A in the Study Area, which show most of the basic geometric information about State roadways.
2. Orwell
A little over three miles of Route 22A extending from Route 73 to the Benson line is included within the project limits. The roadway is generally 28-feet wide, as Table 2-2 indicates, inclusive of paved and unpaved shoulder width. The two-directional travel lane width is roughly 22-feet wide and the Right of Way varies between 50- and 70-feet wide.
Table 2-2 Route 22A Roadway Features in Orwell Mile Mile Travel Roadway Right of Comment Marker Marker Lane Way (mile) ( mile) ( feet) ( feet) ( feet) 0 3.223 21.7 27.6 50 to 70 VT 73 to Benson
Source: Vtrans Route Logs 11/21/08 and District 3 Researched Plans
There are series of three significant grades of 7 percent, 5.6 percent, and 7.7 percent that the roadway negotiates without a climbing lane about a half mile or so north of the Benson boundary and another 7 percent grade about a mile south of Route 73. The posted speed limit is 50 mph; when approaching the Route 73 and Mutton Hill/Cook Road intersections there is an advisory speed limit of 40 mph.
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There are two intersections in Orwell on Route 22A including that with Route 73 and one with Mutton Square Road to the east and Cook Road to the west about a half mile south of Route 73. The approaches to both of these intersections consist of single lanes. The Route 73 intersection is augmented with a flashing warning beacon suspended above the center of the intersection.
Route 22A is part of the Lake Champlain Bikeway between Route 73 and Cook Road.
3. Benson
There is a little over 6 miles of Route 22A within the Town of Benson. Table 2-3 shows that the right-of-way varies greatly from 50 feet to 110 feet. The roadway width inclusive of paved and unpaved shoulders varies between roughly 28 and 32 feet. The travel lanes remain consistent width throughout at roughly 22 feet.
Table 2-3 Route 22A Roadway Features in Benson Mile Mile Travel Roadway Right of Comment Marker Marker Lane Way (mile) ( mile) ( feet) ( feet) ( feet) 4.94 6.276 21.7 29.5 50 to 87 TL Orwell 4.66 4.94 21.7 31.5 50 3.915 4.66 21.7 27.6 60 to 87 3.169 3.915 21.7 29.5 60 to 110 2.809 3.169 21.7 31.5 60 to 85 0.806 2.809 21.7 29.5 64 0 0.806 21.7 27.6 64 to 110 TL West Haven Source: Vtrans Route Logs 11/21/08 and District 3 Researched Plans
Adjacent to the varying width shoulder there is an open ditch drainage system. The combination of narrow shoulder and adjacent ditch results in degradation along the edges of the pavement. South and north of Lake Street, the Route 22A roadway traverses over a series of three closely spaced significant grades of 6.9 percent, 4.0 percent, and 4.5 percent without the benefit of a climbing lane. The posted speed limit is 50 mph while on more severe curves there is a reduced advisory speed posted below the curve warning sign.
There are six intersections along Route 22A in Benson. Two are more significant as they are connections to town centers. Lake Road extends west into the Benson town center and Route 144 links with Hortonia to the east. Lake Road intersects Route 22A along the previously mentioned graded segments. The Lake Road intersection is called “four corners” as Mill Pond Road intersects opposite it on the east side. The Route 144 intersection is about 800 feet offset from the Hulett Hill Road intersection. Other roadways intersecting Route 22A in Benson include:
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. East Road just north of West Haven boundary; . Coates Hill Road a half mile north of Route 144; and . A four-way intersection just south of the Orwell line including North Cross Road on the west and Needham Hill Road on the east.
All of the intersections in Benson have single lane approaches and none of the intersections include left turn lanes. There are no traffic signals or flashing beacons at the Route 22A intersections in Benson.
4. West Haven
Route 22A extends for three miles through West Haven. The two lane roadway cross-section which includes the paved and unpaved shoulders is narrower in the north at approximately 28-feet wide and wider in the south at 39 to 47 feet. As Table 2-4 shows, the width of the travel lanes also ranges from 22 feet to 24 feet and 34 feet for about a half mile segment just north of Main Road where a truck climbing lane is provided. The southbound climbing lane traverses a series of three grades including 5.2 percent, 7 percent and 4.3 percent from north to south.
Table 2-4 Route 22A Roadway Features in West Haven Mile Mile Travellane Roadway Right of Comment Marker Marker Way (mile) ( mile) ( feet) ( feet) ( feet) 1.348 3.007 21.7 27.6 64 TL Benson 1.158 1.348 23.6 39.3 100 to 130 0.708 1.158 34.4 47.2 100 to 130 0 0.708 23.6 39.4 100 to 130 TL Fair Haven Source: Vtrans Route Logs 11/21/08 and District 3 Researched Plans
The intersection of Main Road, which connects to Stage Road, and Route 22A is a major access point which lies within the 39-foot width segment of Route 22A. The intersection includes a fourth leg, Keyes Road, which is opposite Main Road and is a minor road which extends only a few hundred feet to the east and north from the intersection. All of the approaches are single lanes; however, it was observed that northbound through vehicles avoid stopping behind left turning vehicles at Main Road by passing waiting vehicles on the wide paved shoulder. The posted speed limit is 50 mph throughout West Haven. No traffic signals are located on the portion of Route 22A in West Haven. There are no traffic signals or flashing beacons at the Route 22A intersections in West Haven.
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5. Fair Haven
Through the Town of Fair Haven the Route 22A roadway appearance varies while the single travel lane in both directions remains constant. As Table 2-5 shows the travel lane width varies from 22 to 48 feet but again the single lane remains constant. The roadway through much of Fairhaven includes parking space. Over the two mile length of Route 22A within Fair Haven north of the Route 4 interchange(north of mile marker 2.7), the roadway width is 39 to 61 feet including wider paved shoulders. ROW width varies from 90 to 200 feet wide. North of the interchange access points are rare, and the posted speed limit is 50 mph.
Table 2-5 Route 22A Roadway Features in Fair Haven Mile Mile Travel Roadway Right of Comment Marker Marker Lane Way (mile) ( mile) ( feet) ( feet) ( feet) 130 to 3.604 4.43 23.6 39.4 200 TL W Haven 2.81 3.604 23.6 to 43.3 43.3 90 to 200 2.446 2.81 23.6 to 43.3 43.3 to 61.3 200 2.421 2.446 23.6 to 43.3 42.7 to 52 200 2.205 2.421 24.9 to 42.7 42.7 to 52 200 2.055 2.205 42.7 to 52 44 100 to 200 curb to curb 1.799 2.055 23.6 40 80 to 100 1.63 1.799 23.6 41.9 80 to 100 1.602 1.63 23.6 to 47.9 36 80 to 100 1.525 1.602 23.6 to 47.9 36.4 to 79.4 80 to 100 1.489 1.525 24 26 50 0.243 1.489 21.7 31 30 to 40 0.217 0.243 21.7 27.6 50 0 0.217 23.6 46 50 SL NY Source: Vtrans Route Logs 11/28/08 and District 3 Researched Plans
The speed limit is dropped to 40 mph on Route 22A through the interchange. The travel lane varies from 24- to 43-feet; the roadway width inclusive of shoulders is 43- to 61-feet wide; and the ROW is 200-feet wide. South of the interchange and through the downtown the travel lane width varies from 24 to 52 feet; the roadway width is 36 to 79 feet and the ROW width varies from 80 to 200 feet. The posted speed limit is 30 mph. South of the downtown, the urban compact continues for about a mile where the speed limit is 40 mph and VT 22A continues for 1.5 miles with a speed limit of 50 mph. The travel lane width within the lower urban compact section is 22- to 24-feet wide, the roadway width is 26- to 31- feet wide and the ROW is 30- to 50-feet wide. Over the length of 22A the travel lane is also 22 to 24 feet wide while the roadway width varies from 28 to 46 feet inclusive of paved and unpaved shoulders and the ROW is generally 50-feet wide.
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Parallel parking is allowed north of the downtown and angle parking is provided through the downtown; the Town believes that all of the existing parking on Route 22A in the downtown area is essential. The roadway alignment and parking in the downtown creates extremely large areas of paving, much of it unused for either parking or traffic movement. Closely spaced intersecting streets and driveways further characterize the roadway in the urban compact, which includes an outlying area and the downtown.
Throughout Fair Haven, the VT 22A roadway is generally level except just south of the downtown and north of the railroad crossing where the grade exceeds 10 percent for a short section as the road descends into and rises from the Castleton River valley.
North of the downtown there are sidewalks on both sides of Route 22A. The sidewalks extend southward from the downtown as far as the bridge over the Castleton River. There are remnants of sidewalks on the west side of Route 22A further south at the top of the rise south of the Castleton River crossing. Within the downtown there are storefronts that abut the sidewalk on the east side of the roadway. There are numerous crosswalks on Route 22A within Fair Haven Village.
Immediately south of the downtown and the railroad crossing, the roadway width reduces to 26 feet. Farther south approaching the NY state line, the roadway width increases to 46 feet, the posted speed limit increases to 50 mph. Between the downtown and the New York state line, the combined length of Route 22A is a little more than a half mile.
The principle intersection within the entire corridor is the Route 4 diamond type interchange, which create two unsignalized intersections. Only the Route 4 off-ramps are STOP controlled. There are left turn lanes provided for movements from Route 22A to the on- ramps.
Route 22A and Route 4A intersect twice within the Fair Haven downtown; they merge through the downtown. Upon entering the downtown area, Route 22A travels around the east side of the Fair Haven Town Green. Figure 5 shows the alignment of Route 22A and the intersection with Route 4A adjacent to the Town Green. A left turn lane is provided for the northbound movement of Route 22A at this intersection; northbound Route 22A traffic must yield to the uncontrolled southbound Route 4A approach traffic.
The second intersection of Route 22A and Route 4A is south of the downtown, at the bottom of a hill to the south that leads up to a railroad crossing. Route 22A traffic moving north and south has the right of way at this intersection; northbound Route 4A traffic must stop at a STOP sign.
There are no traffic signals or flashing beacons at the Route 22A intersections in Fair Haven.
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The Route 22A right-of-way through Fair Haven varies. To the north the right-of-way is approximately 90 feet and through the downtown it widens to 100 feet. South of the downtown the right-of-way narrows to approximately 60 feet.
D. TRAFFIC VOLUMES
VTrans collects and records traffic volumes throughout the State. The counting conducted on the project corridor includes a permanent mechanical count station in Orwell south of the VT 73 intersection. In addition, periodically VTrans performs special weeklong mechanical counts and special 12-hour manual counts throughout the State. The manual counts are typically done at intersections where each turning movements is recorded. Table 2-6 shows Average Daily Traffic volumes on Route 22A, based on the historical data available through the VTrans Traffic and Research Section.
Table 2-6: Average Daily Traffic Volumes on VT Route 22A Town Location Average Annual Year Daily Traffic Orwell VT 73 3200 2008 Benson East Road 3900 2008 West Haven Fair Haven TL 4700 2008 Fair Haven At US 4 Exit 2 5700 2008 Fair Haven South of 3700 2008 Prospect Street Source: Vtrans Traffic Research
Table 2-7 shows results of classification counts conducted in 2008 at a special counting station (S6R116) on Route 22A in Benson 0.4 miles south of Lake Road over a 7 day period July 17, 2008 to July 24, 2008. Comparative classification counts for prior years are not available as this data is from a special count. It is possible that current truck percentage is higher now due to the closure of the Lake Champlain bridge and the diversion of bridge traffic to Route 22A.
Table 2-7: Classification Counts on VT Route 22A Motorcycles Passenger Pickup Buses Heavy Other Cars Trucks Vehicles 1.5 % 59 % 21 % 2 % 12.5% 4% Source: Vtrans Traffic Research
Manual counts are typically conducted at intersections with each turning movement observed and counts for each recorded 15-minute interval. This technique enables the identification of when the peak hour occurs to a 15-minute accuracy. Table 2–8 shows information on peak hour left turns compiled from historical manual turning movement counts. The volume of left turns indicates the level of usage and the hazard potential associated with rear-end collisions. The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
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provides guidance on the warranting of left turn lanes. That guidance considers left turns, opposing and advancing through volume; the AASHTO “Green Book” Exhibit 9-75 presents a table with sets of volume values established for this purpose. On the Route 22A corridor the only location where a left turn lane is warranted is the Route 4A North intersection in Fair Haven.
Table 2-8: Left Turn Movements from VT Route 22A Town Intersecting Peak Hour Peak Date Street Left Turns Hour ( Direction) Orwell VT 73 35 ( SB) AM 6/7/2002 Benson VT 144 16 (SB) AM & PM 6/14/2004 Benson Lake Road 47 (NB) PM 6/17/2003 West Main Rd/Stage 36 (NB) PM 5/25/2010 Haven Rd Fair Haven US 4 Westbound 66 (NB) PM 6/2/2008 Fair Haven VT 4A North 230 ( NB) PM 6/3/2008 Source: Vtrans Traffic Research
E. SAFETY
1. Overview
Safety issues along the corridor are perhaps best identified by crash occurrence. The Study Team obtained and reviewed crash records available from each municipality through VTrans’ Highway Research Section and records from 2004 through 2009. Where crash occurrence is concentrated within a 0.3 mile segment, the Study Team has identified those locations and noted the type of crash. In addition VTrans also prepares a listing of High Crash Locations (HCL); HCL are either road segments or intersections where the actual crash rate exceeds a statistical significance test. The most recent HCL listing is based on the 2003 to 2007 crash records. The data includes no fatalities on the corridor between 2004 and 2009, however, members of the project advisory committee recall multiple fatalities on the northern portion of the corridor within the past ten years. Figures 2-4A and 2-4B locates the concentrated crash locations.
2. Orwell
Crash occurrence in Orwell is mixed with slightly more of the single vehicle type but also includes a significant number of rear end, head-on and angle types which typically occur at intersections. Table 2-9 shows that 36 crashes occurred in Orwell at or south of Route 73 between 2004 and 2009 on Route 22A. Where injuries occurred, multiple persons were frequently injured.
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Table 2-9: Crash Summary - Orwell Crash Summary (2004 - 2009) Route 22A Orwell Townwide (mm 0.00 to 3.23) Side Rear Head Single Injury Angle Swipe End On Other Vehicle Total Crashes Persons 8 1 6 2 0 19 36 19 35 Source: Vtrans Highway Research
There are three crash concentration areas measuring approximately 0.3 mile each (approximate) where four or more crashes occurred in Orwell between 2004 and 2009. Two of the three are HCL’s. The three crash concentration areas are:
. North of Benson townline on a sharp roadway curve (HCL) (mile marker (mm) 0.00 to 0.30); . Around the Mutton Square Road intersection(mm 2.55 to 2.85); . Around the Route 73 intersection (HCL) (mm 2.98 to 3.23).
3. Benson
Crash occurrence in Benson is mostly the single vehicle type but also includes a large number of Rear End as well as Head On and Angle types which reflect the number of intersections in Benson. Table 2-10 shows that 63 crashes occurred in Benson between 2004 and 2009 on Route 22A. Where injuries occurred, multiple persons were frequently injured.
Table 2-10: Crash Summary - Benson Crash Summary (2004 -2009) Route 22A Benson Townwide (mm 0.00 to 6.22 ) Side Rear Head Single Injury Angle Swipe End On Other Vehicle Total Crashes Persons 4 0 11 2 0 46 63 23 34 Source: Vtrans Highway Research
There are seven 0.3 mile (approximate) segments where four or more crashes occurred in Benson between 2004 and 2009. They are:
. North of East Road intersection (mm 0.61 to 0.71); . South of a sharp roadway curve (mm 1.0 to 1.13); . North of the same curve and south of another (mm 1.35 to 1.56); . South of the Lake Road intersection on steep grade (mm 2.27 to 2.49); . North of the Lake Road intersection on steep grade(HCL) (mm 2.67 to 2.99); . South of the Rotue 144 intersection on steep grade (mm 3.19 to 3.45); and
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. North of the Route 144 intersection on steep grade (mm 3.76 to 4.01).
4. West Haven
Crash occurrence in West Haven is mostly the single vehicle type that generally occurs on roadway segments. Table 2-11 shows that 20 crashes occurred in West Haven between 2004 and 2009 on Route 22A. Injuries occurred at a high percentage of these crashes.
Table 2-11: Crash Summary – West Haven Crash Summary (2004 -2009) Route 22A West Haven Townwide (mm 0.0 to 2.92 ) Side Rear Head Single Injury Angle Swipe End On Other Vehicle Total Crashes Persons 1 2 1 16 20 11 14 Source: Vtrans Highway Research
There are two 0.3 mile (approximate) segments where four or more crashes occurred in West Haven between 2004 and 2009. They are:
. North of Main Road intersection (mm 0.57 to 0.83); and . South of the Benson townline (mm 2.62 to 2.92).
5. Fair Haven
Crash occurrence in Fair Haven reflects the combination of intersections and roadway segments in the town. Table 2-12 shows that the 31 crashes that occurred on Route 22A between 2004 and 2009 are split among all types.
Table 2-12: Crash Summary – Fair Haven Crash Summary (2004 - 2009) Route 22A Fair Haven Townwide (mm 1.16 to 2.64) Side Rear Head Single Injury Angle Swipe End On Other Vehicle Total Crashes Persons 7 2 6 3 6 7 31 10 13 Source: Vtrans Highway Research
There are three approximate 0.3 mile segments where four or more crashes occurred between 2004 and 2009. They are:
. Downtown where Route 22A and Route 4A share same roadway (mm 1.63 to 1.93); . North of the Route 22A and Route 4A split (mm 2.06 to 2.38); and . Around the 4th Street intersection (mm 2.39 to 2.62).
July 2010 VT ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions Page 17
V. UTILITIES
A. TELEPHONE & ELECTRIC
There are telephone and electric utility poles along most of the corridor. In most places, they are located close to the road, either on the east or west side, as Figures 2-6A and 2-6B show. In those locations where the poles are not adjacent to the road, they are often several hundred feet away, most often to the west of the road itself. The utility poles typically carry power and telephone services.
B. OTHER UTILITIES
The only stormwater drains along the road are located in Fair Haven village. The are stormwater drainage ditches along the rest of the corridor. Culverts carry storm water under the road. Figures 2-6A and 2-6B show the general location of the storm drains and culverts.
The only water system located along Route 22A is also located in Fair Haven Village. Figure 2-6B show the portions of the corridor in which there are water lines.
VI. NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES
A. WETLANDS
There are numerous wetlands within the Route 22A Corridor. Figures 2-7A and 2-7B show the general location of the wetland areas, as shown on Vermont Geographical Information Data.
Starting at the north end of the Study Area, several wetlands associated with drainage ways or streams cross the Study Area. Near the southern section of Orwell, more wetlands run parallel or lie adjacent to the roadway. The largest acreage of wetlands close to the roadway is found in north Benson. Wetlands cover much of the land west of the roadway north of Coates Hill Road to the Benson/Orwell Town line. South of Coates Hill Road, wetlands are again found mostly in drainage ways or small streams that cross the roadway. There are only a few smaller wetland areas not directly related to drainage ways, such as the wetland found in the southeast corner of the intersection of Route 22A and Mill Pond and Lake Roads.
In the West Haven portion of the Corridor, there are few wetlands adjacent to the roadway, or even in the Study Area. Several smaller wetlands associated with streams cross the corridor further south in Fair Haven, with the largest of these north of the Village in the northeast corner of the Route 4 interchange. South of the village, there are larger wetlands associated with the Poultney River at the end of the Study Area at the state line. There is also a large wetland that lies approximately 675 feet west of the roadway just north of the Poultney River.
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The wetlands that are shown on the figures are regulated by the State of Vermont. When work is planned in their vicinity, the specific limits of the wetland need to be determined and State permits need to be obtained for disturbance of the wetland or upland areas within 50 feet of the wetland limit. These wetlands are also regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE); the specific types of ACOE permits or notifications required for work in regulated wetlands depends on the amount of proposed disturbance.
B. RIVERS AND STREAMS
Numerous drainage ways and several small unnamed streams cross the Route 22A corridor; Figures 2-7A and 2-7B show the location of these streams and drainage ways. Additionally, Route 22A crosses Sanford Brook in Orwell; the Hubbardton River in Benson; and the Mud Brook, the Castleton River, and the Poultney River as Figures 2-7A and 2-7B show. Route 22A crosses these waterways are via culverts, except for the crossing of the Castleton and Poultney Rivers.
C. VEGETATION & WILDLIFE
The Study Corridor contains a mix of forested areas and open fields, with a few open wetland areas and ponds interspersed. Figures 2-1A and 2-1B show the general pattern of forested and open lands.
There are numerous listings of rare or endangered species along the Study Corridor. Figures 2-7A and 2-7B show the general location of these listings. Some could be quite close to the edge of the roadway. There are also numerous deer wintering areas close to the corridor, as the figures also show.
State GIS data also list only one location where a wildlife travel corridor crosses the roadway and there are numerous recorded wildlife fatalities. Other GIS data shows that the forested areas east of Route 22A in Orwell and Benson have the highest values as wildlife habitat, while the area around Fair Haven Village have the lowest wildlife habitat value. Figures 2- 7A and 2-7B show this information in more detail.
D. HISTORIC RESOURCES
Brookside in Orwell, Mountain View Farm in Benson, and the Fair Haven Green Historic District and Maple Wood Farm and Inn in Fair Haven are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and area directly adjacent to Route 22A. Mount Independence and the First Congregational Church in Orwell and Benson Landing in Benson are also listed properties that are located in or close to the Study Area. The Old Stone House on Route 22A in the southern section of Orwell, the Lussier Farm in Benson, and two additional houses near the intersection with Main Road in West Haven are also locally significant historical resources. Figures 2-7A and 2-7B shows the general location of these properties.
July 2010 VT ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions Page 19
E. ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
No records for archeological resources have been able to be accessed as of this time.
VII. ISSUES, PROBLEMS AREAS, & OPPORTUNITIES
A. INTERSECTIONS
There are several intersections that have sight distance issues in at least one direction.
. Route 73, where the grade of Route 22A rises to the intersection from the north, obscuring oncoming traffic from the view of most vehicles approaching Route 22A from the west.
. Mutton Hill Square Road and Cooks Road, where the grade of Route 22A rises to the intersection from the north, obscuring oncoming traffic from the view of most vehicles approaching Route 22A.
. Route 144, where the hill to the south of the intersection obscures sight distance for traffic entering Route 22A as well as for traffic headed north on Route 22A into the intersection.
. Lake Road, where the hill to the north of the intersection limits sight distances for both travelers on Route 22A headed south and travelers entering or crossing Route 22A from the side roads.
. East Road, where the tight angle of the intersection can make it difficult to see vehicles coming from the north if drivers don’t align themselves at close to a 90 degree angle with Route 22A when then stop at the intersection.
. The northern access drive to the Devil’s Bowl Speedway, where the rise on Route 22A to the north limits sight distance.
. The intersection with Main Street in West Haven is a relatively busy intersection as it connects to Stage Road; Route 22A has a wider 39 foot pavement width in this area with 7.5 shoulders and the common practice of using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles creates a problem, despite the absence of left turn lane warrants and a crash pattern.
. The vehicles parked along the north side of the Village Green on North Park Place limit sight distances and creates potential pedestrian crossing conflicts at the North Park Place intersection with Caernarvon Street and Route.
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. The intersection with North Main Street (Route 4A) where the acute angle of the intersection makes it difficult for vehicles traveling south on Route 22A to see vehicles headed south on North Main Street.
. Northbound traffic on Route 4A at the southern intersection of Route 22A and Route 4A has very limited sight distance to the south on Route 22A due to the acute angle of the intersection and the hill directly south of the intersection.
Left turn lanes are not warranted now but will be warranted on Route 22A by the year 2030, based on projected traffic growth, at:
. The southbound approach to the Route 73 intersection in Orwell, . The northbound approach to the Lake Road intersection in Benson, and . The northbound approach to the Main Road intersection in West Haven.
The level of service at the eastbound exit ramp from Route 4 to Route 22A southbound is projected to have a level of service E by the year 2030.
B. OTHER TRAFFIC ISSUES
. In Orwell to the north of the study area the Route 73 intersection is on the list of High Crash Locations. Speed likely is a contributing factor despite the presence of an intersection warning beacon over the roadway.
. Just north of the Orwell / Benson town boundary there is another HCL. Two head on crashes and five single vehicle crashes have resulted in personal injuries on this roadway segment with a sharp curve.
. High speed truck traffic along Route 22A creates difficult tractor crossing conditions for farmers.
. The roadway width through Orwell, inclusive of paved and unpaved shoulders, is consistently the narrowest on the corridor at 26 feet in some sections but more typically 28 feet; the roadway is similarly narrow in Benson and the northern portions of West Haven.
. In Benson the major intersections with Route 144 and Lake Road are situated on steeper graded sections of Route 22A which limits sight distance and results in rear end crashes.
. There are five roadway segments in Benson that experienced four or more crashes of these, the one located on the segment between Lake Road and Route 144 is an HCL with 8 crashes over the 2004 -2009 period. Pavement settlement where the shoulder is narrow and a drainage ditch is present may contribute to the single vehicle crashes.
July 2010 VT ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions Page 21
. Two roadway segments in West Haven experienced four crashes over the six year period. One of these is the segment including the truck climbing lane.
. The intersection with Main Street in West Haven is a relatively busy intersection as it connects to Stage Road. Route 22A has a wider 39 foot pavement width in this area with 7.5 shoulders. The common practice of using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles creates a problem, despite the absence of left turn lane warrants and a crash pattern.
. In Fair Haven crashes typically involve lower speeds and as a likely consequence result in fewer injuries. The alignment of the through road angles through the downtown likely contributes to some confusion.
. Yield control at the northern intersection of Route 4A and Route 22A and the adjacent parking create sight distance and potential pedestrian crossing conflicts.
. The downtown pedestrian crossing provisions are not always easily perceived by either pedestrians or motorists and may need modifications or reinforcing measures.
. There are several locations along the corridor where the steeper grades make the addition of passing lanes a possibility. The additional passing lanes could reduce the passing of motor vehicles in no passing zones along the roadway by providing acceptable locations to overtake slower vehicles without needing to move into the opposing lane to do so. Orwell in particular includes two roadway segments where the grade is seven percent or more and may be candidates for truck climbing lanes.
. The paving conditions on Route 22A south of the railroad crossing in Fair Haven is very poor.
. The railroad at the top of the hill is a problem; both sight distances on the railroad and the grading adjacent to the railroad are issues.
. There is reportedly nothing holding the base of the roadway in place over the clay soils, which results in lateral spread of the base and road surface cracking and failure, especially with heavy trucks using the road.
. The two-lane roadway capacity analysis for several sections on Route 22A shows that both current and future projected levels of service are at D or E.
. Stage Road is used as an alternate means of traveling south from Benson village.
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C. LAND USE
The existing zoning within the towns appears to protect most portions of the corridor from inappropriate development. There are only a few areas were the zoning appears to be in conflict with either the existing resources or the stated goals of the Towns. In particular, the land in the northeast corner of Route 22A/Route 4 interchange appears to spread commercial development away from the Village, especially since the area closest to the interchange in this area will most likely never be developed due to the wetlands in this location. Route 4 currently appears to be the northern limit of the village area and this clear line between village and rural land uses may be appropriate to reinforce with zoning districts. More discussions with the Town will be appropriate for this issue.
Some of the existing uses allowed in the rural and agricultural zoning districts may not be appropriate for the corridor. The impacts of these uses should be discussed in more detail with the appropriate town.
Improved access management techniques may also be appropriate to improve the overall traffic flow on Route 22A.
D. RESOURCES
There are numerous locations along Route 22A where the long distance views are exceptional.
The wetland and wildlife areas close to Route 22A present limitations on what may be readily done to widen shoulders, provide passing lanes, or otherwise modify the existing cross section of the roadway. If the study finds that roadway modifications would be beneficial, the possible impacts to the resources will need to be carefully considered.
The one identified wildlife corridor that crosses the roadway can be examined in more detail to understand what types of wildlife are using the corridor and how it may be possible to provide a less hazardous way of moving them across the roadway.
E. OTHER ISSUES
The Orwell Town Plan calls for the speed limit on Route 22A to be reduced, at least in their Neighborhood Commercial District near the intersection with Route 73.
The Benson Town Plan encourages the preservation of roadside trees and the planting of new roadside trees and vegetation, as well as the elimination of dead roadside trees and other vegetative obstruction.
The remains of a former sidewalk system which may be worthy of reinstating, exist south of the railroad crossing in Fair Haven.
Winter maintenance of the roadway is reported to be poor by local residents.
July 2010 VT ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions Page 23
F. INFORMAL LOCAL SURVEY
To allow a wider response from local residence on what the local issues associated with Route 22A are, the Study Team prepared an informal survey that was distributed at local stores, town offices and the State rest stop at interchange 1 on Route 4. Attachment F contains a copy of the survey. Table 2-13 shows the results of the survey.
Table 2-13: Informal Survey Results Approximately how often do you drive any part of the Route 22A Corridor from the New York State line to the intersection with Route 73 in Orwell, Vermont? 52_ Every day. 12_ Once a week. 13_ Several times a month. 17_ Several times during the year. 7__ Once or twice a year or less.
What in your opinion is the one best thing about this section of Route 22A? 5__ The ability to drive fast to get where I’m going. 34_ The rural feel and great views along the road. 4__ The lack of traffic. 6__ The minimal amount of police presence. 1__ The minimal slow-downs through village areas. 52_ The direct link to the north and south it provides. ___ Other (Please describe) None, No bicycles, Only way out of town, Ag Crossings, Nothing (2x)
What in your opinion is the one worst thing about this section of Route 22A? 20_ The speed of the vehicles on the road. 13_ The number of big trucks on the road. 23_ The inability to safely pass slow vehicles. 3__ The minimal amount of police presence. 40_ The poor condition of the road and pavement, including the narrowness and lack of paved shoulders. 12_ The indiscriminate passing of slow vehicles in no passing areas. 2__ Too many agricultural vehicles. ___Other (Please describe) Speeding of State Vehicles, Needs rebuilding, Inopportune passing lanes, Winter Plowing, Nothing, Dangerous – a death trap, Poor NY driver habits
What would make this section of Route 22A better in your opinion? (Check up to 2, noting first and second choice with #1 & #2) (total numbers tallied without reference to seldom used #1 and #2 ratings) 11_ Lower speed limits. 22_ Higher speed limits. 52_ More police presence to watch speeding and illegal passing. 32_ More passing lanes. 89_ Wider paved shoulders. 42_ Smoother pavement. 19_ Fewer big trucks. 15_ Left turn lanes. 16_ More pull-offs. ___Other (Please describe) OK as is, Limiting bicycles to sections with shoulders, No bicycles, Lower speed around Route 73 intersection, Policing NY drivers
Where do you live? 73_ In Fair Haven, West Haven, Benson, or Orwell; 10_ Elsewhere in Vermont; 11_ Outside of Vermont.
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The survey generally reinforces comments heard at the individual town work sessions:
. Route 22A is a scenic road which appeals to many of the motorists who travel it; . It provides a very good link between points beyond the Study Area; . It is too narrow and in poor condition; and . It is poorly monitored by police.
It also highlights a contradiction also heard at some of the town work sessions:
. The speed of vehicles is considered to be too high but there is also a desire to have more opportunities to pass slow vehicles and increase the overall speed limit.
July 2010 Addison County
"A" Figures Orwell
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Rutland Regional Planning Commission Route 22A Corridor Study : Study Area Location within Vermont Not to Scale June 2010 Figure 2-1
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Rutland Regional Planning Commission Route 22A Corridor Study : Resources & Utilities Not to Scale June 2011 Figure 2-7B ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions
ATTACHMENT A
Broadreach Planning & Design/Stantec Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Vermont
June 2010
ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions
ATTACHMENT B
Broadreach Planning & Design/Stantec Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Vermont
June 2010
ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions
ATTACHMENT C
Broadreach Planning & Design/Stantec Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Vermont
June 2010 fixyx
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ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions
ATTACHMENT D
Broadreach Planning & Design/Stantec Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Vermont
June 2010 SFH
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BOLGER RD SAWMILL RD WALKER RD
BLISSVILLE RD 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 Miles
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Rural AMERIO RD
Legend YORK ST EXT AMERIO RD
Industrial ROSS RD EXT WARD RD SALTIS RD Watershed !¶ Recreation Areas Lake Shore Rivers and Streams YORK ST EXT WHITE RD
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e:\rrpc\fairhavn\fhzoning04.mxd
ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions
ATTACHMENT E
Broadreach Planning & Design/Stantec Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Vermont
June 2010
ROUTE 22A CORRIDOR STUDY Task 2 Memo – Existing Conditions
ATTACHMENT F
Broadreach Planning & Design/Stantec Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Vermont
June 2010 Route 22A Corridor Study
General Survey July 2010
Approximately how often do you drive any part of the Route 22A Corridor from the New York State line to the intersection with Route 73 in Orwell, Vermont? ___ Every day. ___ Once a week. ___ Several times a month. ___ Several times during the year. ___ Once or twice a year or less.
What in your opinion is the one best thing about this section of Route 22A? ___ The ability to drive fast to get where I’m going. ___ The rural feel and great views along the road. ___ The lack of traffic. ___ The minimal amount of police presence. ___ The minimal slow-downs through village areas. ___ The direct link to the north and south it provides. ___ Other (Please describe) ______
What in your opinion is the one worst thing about this section of Route 22A? ___ The speed of the vehicles on the road. ___ The number of big trucks on the road. ___ The inability to safely pass slow vehicles. ___ The minimal amount of police presence. ___ The poor condition of the road and pavement, including the narrowness and lack of paved shoulders. ___ The indiscriminate passing of slow vehicles in no passing areas. ___ Too many agricultural vehicles. ___Other (Please describe) ______
What would make this section of Route 22A better in your opinion? (Check up to 2, noting first and second choice with #1 & #2) ___ Lower speed limits. ___ Higher speed limits. ___ More police presence to watch speeding and illegal passing. ___ More passing lanes. ___ Wider paved shoulders. ___ Smoother pavement. ___ Fewer big trucks. ___ Left turn lanes. ___ More pull-offs. ___Other (Please describe) ______
Where do you live? ___ In Fair Haven, West Haven, Benson, or Orwell; ___ In some other town in Rutland or Addison Counties; ___ Elsewhere in Vermont; ___ Outside of Vermont. Pedestrians Bicyclists Communities Mobility
Route 22A Corridor Study General Survey July 2010 Page 2
Thanks for taking part in the survey. Once you have completed it, you can:
. Leave the survey here where you got it; . Drop it off at the Fair Haven, West Haven, Benson, or Orwell Town offices or library; . Fold it and mail it to the address below; . Scan it and send it to [email protected]; or . Email your answers to [email protected].
Thanks!
Broadreach Planning & Design PO Box 321 Charlotte, Vermont 05445
Broadreach Planning & Design