Critical Paths Forward: Recommendations for Traffic and Transportation

American Structurepoint gives ideas on how traffic should flow in our community

The community is getting closer to the adoption of the city’s new Comprehensive Plan, and today this publication is dedicated about working through some of the recommendations for traffic and transportation that has been put forward by the plan’s consultants, American Structurepoint.

The city is looking to maintain its close-knit community feel while accommodating new residents and businesses. To achieve this, Troy has developed a multifaceted approach to transportation and infrastructure improvements that balances the needs of various modes of travel and supports strategic growth areas.

Complete Streets

A key focus of the plan is the implementation of complete streets throughout Troy. And while the city has a Complete Street policy on paper, it’s hard to argue that the plan has been implemented to any degree. The new comprehensive plan has identified approximately 36 miles of roads where complete street designs are feasible. These redesigned corridors will incorporate dedicated bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and improved pedestrian crossings to enhance safety and connectivity for all users. The plan presents several complete street prototypes tailored to different road classifications, from local streets to major arterials. This approach demonstrates Troy's commitment to creating a more walkable, bike-able community that reduces car dependency for short trips. A map of the plan is below.

Road Expansions and Improving Intersections

The plan also addresses the need for road expansions and improvements to handle increased traffic volumes from new development. Key projects include widening Eldean Road to connect the Northwest Growth Area, upgrading McKaig Avenue through the West Growth Area, and improving Experiment Farm Road to link the Northwest Growth Area to West Main Street. A new north-south connection is also proposed in the West Growth Area to improve mobility as development expands westward. These strategic road improvements will help distribute traffic and provide multiple access points to new residential and commercial areas.

Intersection improvements are another crucial component of the transportation plan. Several intersections, particularly between downtown and I-75 along West Main Street and West Market Street, have been identified as crash hotspots. The plan recommends comprehensive traffic studies at key intersections to determine necessary signal timing adjustments or redesigns to enhance overall traffic flow and safety. This proactive approach to intersection management will be critical in maintaining efficient traffic movement as the city grows. Could these intersections be home to new roundabouts? Given American Structurepoint’s long history with designing roundabouts and the city’s current desire to bring these traffic management interventions in the community, it is certainly possible.

The plan also emphasizes the importance of regional connectivity. Troy benefits from its proximity to I-75, and the city aims to maintain multiple routes to this primary arterial. This strategy will help connect Troy's residents and businesses to the broader regional transportation network while providing easy access for visitors and commuters.

Regarding parking, the plan does not extensively address this issue, but it does mention the incorporation of on-street parking in some complete street designs, particularly in mixed-use and downtown areas. This approach can help support local businesses while also serving as a traffic calming measure. The plan also suggests that new developments, especially in higher-density areas, should prioritize off-street parking to maintain the efficiency of collector and arterial roads.

Ramifications for the Community

The ramifications of these transportation and parking recommendations are significant for Troy's future development. By prioritizing complete streets and multi-modal transportation options, the city is likely to see increased walking and cycling for short trips, potentially reducing local traffic congestion and improving public health outcomes. The emphasis on connected bike and pedestrian networks may also enhance Troy's appeal to younger residents and families seeking active lifestyle options.

The proposed road improvements and new connections will facilitate access to planned growth areas, supporting economic development and new housing opportunities. However, the city must carefully manage this growth to ensure it doesn't compromise Troy's small-town character, which residents highly value. The focus on strategic growth areas allows for more efficient infrastructure investments and helps preserve open space elsewhere in the city.

Improved intersection designs and traffic flow management will be crucial for maintaining Troy's reputation as an accessible, easy-to-navigate city. As the community grows, these enhancements will help prevent traffic congestion from becoming a deterrent to residents or businesses considering locating in Troy.

The plan's approach to parking, which favors on-street options in mixed-use areas and off-street solutions in higher-density developments, may lead to more efficient land use and support the creation of vibrant, walkable districts. However, the city will need to carefully balance parking availability with the goal of promoting alternative transportation modes to ensure businesses remain accessible to all customers.

Potential Challenges

One potential challenge in implementing these recommendations is funding. The plan calls for significant infrastructure investments, including road widening, new connections, and complete street retrofits. Troy will need to carefully prioritize projects and explore various funding sources, including grants, to realize these improvements over time.

Another consideration is the potential for short-term disruptions during construction of these transportation improvements. The city will need to develop comprehensive communication and mitigation strategies to minimize impacts on residents and businesses during implementation phases. With the long-term construction on West Main Street and other road improvement projects in the pipeline, such as roundabouts at Adams Street/Riverside Drive/Staunton Road and West Main Street/Experiment Farm Road/South Stanfield Road, residents may be exhausted from road construction throughout the community.

Bringing it All Together

Troy's transportation and parking recommendations present a forward-thinking approach to accommodating growth while preserving the city's character and enhancing quality of life. By prioritizing multi-modal transportation options, strategic road improvements, and efficient intersection management, Troy is positioning itself as a community that values connectivity, safety, and sustainable growth.

While challenges exist in terms of funding and implementation, the long-term benefits of these recommendations – including improved mobility, enhanced safety, and support for economic development – align well with Troy's vision for the future. As the city moves forward with these plans, ongoing community engagement and adaptive management will be crucial to ensure that transportation improvements continue to meet the evolving needs of Troy's residents and businesses.

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