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Schenectady to host virtual meeting on proposed changes to Eastern Avenue corridor
Summary
City engineering staff presented a study of Eastern Avenue that recommends removing outdated traffic signals, adding crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons, and a consultant option to convert the corridor to one-way with a two-way bike lane; a virtual public meeting is set for Sept. 9 to present two concepts.
Engineering staff presented a corridor study that focuses on Eastern Avenue between Knott Terrace and Elmer Avenue and asked residents to review two design concepts at a virtual meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The study, introduced by engineering chief Chris Wallen, says the corridor has changed substantially since signals were installed to serve now-closed schools and that some traffic signals may no longer be warranted. Wallen described intersections where signals were originally installed to serve schools that have since moved or closed and said the city is evaluating less-intrusive pedestrian-crossing options such as rapid flashing beacons.
The city will present two options at the virtual meeting. The first would be relatively low-cost changes: new and repainted crosswalks, removal of selected traffic signals, and installation of rapid flashing beacons at high-pedestrian locations. The second, recommended in one consultant concept, would convert Eastern Avenue to one-way travel on the roadway and use the former opposing lane to build a two-way protected bicycle lane; that option would require wider planning, parking reconfiguration and could range from simple striping to a raised, separated bikeway similar to work on Craig Street.
Wallen emphasized the study is exploratory and that no implementation funding currently exists. He said low-cost striping could be pursued quickly if the council and mayor’s office prioritize it, while physically separated bicycle facilities would be a multi–seven-figure project requiring outside funding and more detailed design and approvals. He invited corridor residents and other stakeholders to the virtual meeting and noted project materials will be posted at the clerk’s office and via a forthcoming press release coordinated with the mayor’s office and the Capital Region Transportation Council (CRTC).
The presentation stressed that some traffic controls are remnants of past land uses (schools and parking lots) and that the city seeks community feedback before proposing costlier capital improvements or pursuing grants.
A virtual public meeting will present both concepts and take public feedback; staff said comments received there will inform whether the city pursues lower-cost striping changes or seeks funding for a separated facility.
