Learning About Our Community: Transportation and Transit
This publication looks at another chapter in the City's Existing Conditions Report
If there is one lesson this publication has learned over the past year, there is no topic that garners more attention and reaction than those topics dealing with transportation — namely streets. It makes sense. Streets are something that nearly every resident encounters on a daily basis. The act of getting from one place to another is as close to a shared experience as we can get.
Over the past few weeks, this publication has been going through the Draft Existing Conditions Report put forward by American Structurepoint as they continue their work on the city’s new Comprehensive Plan. By reviewing these chapters, in depth, this publication is hoping to give some insights and clarity to our readers on the issues that the outside consultants believe are critical that need to be addressed in the new plan. Today’s publication is devoted to the chapter “Transportation and Movement” in the report.
Road Network and Pavement Conditions
The transportation system, in our community, plays a vital role in moving people, goods, and services. The city's road network has been evaluated using Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Transportation Information Mapping System (TIMS) and GIS Crash Analysis Tool (GCAT) to assess conditions, identify crash locations, and project traffic growth.
Key roadways such as Main Street and Market Street are classified as Minor Arterials, while major collectors include Experiment Farm Road, Stanfield Road, Dorset Road, McKaig Avenue, South Ridge Avenue, East Franklin Street, Union Street, Adams Street, and Riverside Drive. Troy-Urbana Road is classified as a Minor Collector.
Pavement conditions are rated using the Pavement Condition Rating (PCR), with scores ranging from 25 to 100. Streets currently rated in "Fair" condition, such as West Main Street (between I-75 and Elm Street), West Market Street (from Fenner Road to the Kroger Marketplace Entrance), Arthur Road, and State Route 41 (from the Great Miami River to the city limits, on the city’s far eastern edge), require monitoring for potential repair or replacement to prevent further deterioration. The map below shows pavement conditions for the city’s most heavily travelled streets.
Crash Data Analysis
From 2018 to 2022, Troy recorded 3,226 crashes, averaging 645 annually. The majority of these crashes are rear-end and sideswipe-passing types, often due to congestion and poor roadway geometry. Significant crash hotspots include intersections of West Main Street with Experiment Farm Road, Stanfield Road, Troy Town Drive, Elm Street, the I-75 interchange, and West Market Street. The chart below shows a break-down of crash types as well as a heat map of where those crashes have taken place.
Traffic Volumes and Growth Projections
West Main Street is the most heavily traveled, with an AADT (Average Annual Daily Traffic) of 32,350 vehicles between Marybill Drive and the I-75 interchange. Other heavily traveled roads include West Market Street (AADT 14,950) and Elm Street (AADT 13,500). ODOT projects minimal growth rates for major roadways, indicating a stable traffic volume in the near future. The below map using ODOT data shows traffic counts for many of the city’s most travelled streets.
Connectivity and Complete Streets
Troy's Complete Street Policy, established in 2017, aims to enhance connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Goals include incorporating complete streets into transportation projects, promoting best design standards, increasing transportation choices, and encouraging physical activity through safe networks. However, most designated shared roads lack full upgrades to complete street-style roads, sometimes just using "sharrows" without physical barriers. The map below shows the city’s current complete streets plan along with the city’s recreational trail system.
Transit Services
Troy's transit services, provided by Miami County, operate on an on-demand basis, available Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Community Rides, a non-profit, offers additional services with rides costing around $4, available in three shifts. The transit services cater to a broad area within Miami County, including direct trips to key locations like Miami Valley Hospital and Dayton International Airport.
Potential Recommendations?
As the city’s new Comprehensive Plan comes together, could this chapter lead to some recommendations that the city should follow? Absolutely. Again, providing a functional and efficient transportation system is a core service every local government should provide. So, what could some of those recommendations be in the city’s new plan?
Keeping Troy’s Streets Safe
Improving pavement quality should be a priority, with a focus on repairing and upgrading roads currently rated as "Fair" to prevent further deterioration and enhance overall pavement quality. Enhancing safety at high crash locations is essential. Implementing targeted safety improvements at identified crash hotspots, such as West Main Street intersections, could reduce congestion and accident rates through better signage, traffic light adjustments, and redesigning problematic intersections.
Getting Real About Complete Streets
Upgrading the Complete Streets infrastructure is crucial for promoting safer and more active transportation modes. Accelerating the upgrade of shared roads to complete streets, ensuring physical barriers for bike lanes, and enhancing pedestrian pathways will create a more inclusive transportation environment. This publication would be absolutely shocked if recommendations were not made to link the city’s western side to the current recreational trail network. These types of improvements have been needed for years.
Expanding Transit Options
Expanding transit services is another vital recommendation. Extending service hours and coverage, especially during peak hours and weekends, can accommodate a broader range of users and reduce reliance on personal vehicles. Promoting alternative transportation methods like public transportation, cycling, and walking through awareness campaigns and incentives will further support this shift. Improving amenities such as bike parking and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure will make these modes more attractive.
Continuous monitoring of traffic volumes and growth projections is necessary to proactively manage infrastructure needs and avoid potential congestion issues. By implementing these recommendations, Troy can enhance the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of its transportation system, supporting sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about the city’s transportation and transit systems? Is it easy to get around the community? Leave your ideas and insights in the comment section and let’s start a conversation on this critical topic!
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