Description
I recently opened a ticket about serious pedestrian safety concerns with the new Witherspoon Street project (ticket #13879710). Despite agreement from other commenters about the issues raised there, the ticket was closed by the town without any plan to address the issues.
I'd like to get the problems here on record, as I think a dangerous accident is inevitable in the crosswalks here - unless changes are made.
1. The new crosswalk halfway between Spring Street and Nassau Street is simply not visible to drivers. It is two thin white lines against a background of very light gray pavers. I would invite members of the engineering department to drive down the road and see how hard it is to spot. It's even worse when the sun is bright. It's all too easy to drive down this street without even realizing you've gone through a crosswalk. The crosswalk should be painted in standard cross-hatch white lines, so it's blindingly obvious to drivers. There's no reason not to follow standard safety guidelines here.
2. There are large construction signs that block the ends of the crosswalk described above and also the crosswalk at the south side of the Spring-Witherspoon intersection. These signs all have the effect of blocking the view of pedestrians who are in the beginning of the crosswalk and are waiting to cross. They should be moved so drivers heading north on Witherspoon can clearly see if people are in the crosswalk, about to step in front of their vehicle.
3. Delivery drivers frequently park at the southwest corner of the Spring-Witherspoon intersection. This creates additional confusion for drivers (is the car about to move or not?) at an already fraught intersection.
Please address these issues. I am happy to submit a photo I took showing how hard it is to see the two thin white lines that comprise the crosswalk between Spring and Witherspoon.
Please make that crosswalk more visible and move the signs / construction equipment / recycling bins / garbage cans that are blocking the view of pedestrians in the crosswalk at the southern end of the renovated block.
5 Comments
Princeton, NJ (Verified Official)
Jan R. Weinberg (Registered User)
I welcome whomever posted these astute observations so that we can collaborate on addressing the issues and solutions.
Jan R. Weinberg
WMC@collegetown.com
Engineering - J. Purcell, Assistant Municipal Engineer (Verified Official)
Please understand that this area is still a construction zone and, as such, much of the situation you observe is due to that construction. As long as construction is continuing in this area, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists should be taking extra precautions when traversing the area.
The raised mid-block crosswalk will have appropriate signage installed when the construction is complete. Motorists are required to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and the speed limit has been reduced to 20 MPH in part to provide for shorter stopping distances. The paver roadway also creates an effect that slows motor vehicles. The design of the crosswalk conforms to the guidelines for the specific type and character of the street. There are no plans to paint the concrete pavers.
The large construction signs are temporary and pedestrians should be aware of their surroundings while this temporary situation exists (and should be aware at all other times, as well). While construction is taking place, construction personnel are directing traffic to allow pedestrians to cross. Once construction is complete and signs are installed at the proper locations, the crossing will not be obstructed by either signs or vehicles. The 25 feet prior to and after the pedestrian crossing are no parking zones and we will be installing bike racks in these areas.
The trash situation is also temporary and we have been constantly addressing the misplaced bins. This seems to have been alleviated and the bins are no longer blocking the crosswalk at Spring Street.
If you are witnessing dangerous behavior regarding trucks loading and unloading, please contact the police when you do. Temporary loading zones have been established and the businesses on Witherspoon Street have been notified to direct their vendors to those areas. They should not be loading and unloading in areas that are not so designated.
In reviewing your prior ticket, I would like to note that you concerns were addressed before the ticket was closed, by both the Traffic Safety Officer and the Deputy Administrator. I trust that my answers above provide you with further details and ask for patience as the construction project is nearly completed in this block of Witherspoon Street.
Bill (Registered User)
You miss the most important point. The danger to pedestrians crossing Witherspoon Street is happening now. The construction signs and parked vehicles really do block the vision of both pedestrians and drivers. Saying that you can’t do anything about the current situation is irresponsible. The work moves and the safety measures should move along with it. Please make an effort to make Witherspoon Street safe now!
クローズド Public Works - J. Stratton (Registered User)