Planning commission narrows Old Lancaster/Lakeside study options, emphasizes pedestrian access under rail line

The Easttown Planning Commission reviewed results from a consultant study of Old Lancaster Road and Lakeside Avenue and narrowed potential alternatives to a short list for further analysis.

Chris Williams of Bowman presented the study background, field measurements, counts and scenario options. "We set the stage for identifying options for further study," Williams said, summarizing the team’s work to map existing conditions, measure road geometry, collect a one-day set of turning-movement counts and measure pedestrian and crash data.

Key technical findings included narrow cross-sections (Lakeside approximately 19–21 feet curb to curb), peak-hour counts concentrated in the morning (7:45–8:45 a.m.) and evening (5–6 p.m.), and a one-way skew with considerably more southbound traffic through the rail underpass than northbound. Pedestrian activity was low at most intersections; the consultant recorded only a handful of crossings at the Lakeside/Lancaster signalized location. Crash-history data (five years of reportable crashes) showed relatively few reportable incidents (the highest single-location total was five reportable crashes in five years).

Williams presented multiple alternatives — from limited one-way conversions of short segments to full one-way conversions of Old Lancaster or Lakeside, a single-lane underpass to free space for a separated pedestrian connection, and two ‘‘out of the box’’ concepts (a pedestrian plaza on Old Lancaster and a future new access connecting to Route 30). He advised that most options would require additional traffic-control devices at nodes (signals, roundabouts or other enhanced control) and property or permitting considerations for more transformative choices.

Commissioners focused discussion on two consistent priorities: (1) creating a safe pedestrian route under the rail line and (2) avoiding unduly harmful effects to local businesses and parking access. Several commissioners said a single-lane underpass plus enhanced intersection control could achieve the pedestrian goal while minimizing adverse impacts. One commissioner observed, "If we could just figure out a way to deal with the single-lane two-way access, I don't think changing Old Lancaster and Lakeside to one-way makes a big difference beyond that."

The commission asked the consultant to carry forward up to three alternatives for detailed evaluation using the study’s scorecard (performance criteria and feasibility). Williams said he will refine analyses, project results 20 years into the future to match the Route 30 study horizon, and present a short list to the Board of Supervisors ahead of the commission’s August meeting.

Next steps: consultant will analyze the shortlisted alternatives for traffic operations, safety, pedestrian connectivity, parking and feasibility (cost, property impacts and permitting) and return to the commission in August with refined materials and recommended short list.