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Consultant presents Cheltenham Avenue corridor study proposing 'road diet' and protected bike lanes
Summary
Bowman consultant John Urich presented a DVRPC‑funded study for the roughly three‑mile Cheltenham Avenue corridor that recommends alternatives including a 3‑lane 'road diet,' protected bike lanes and targeted intersection improvements after nearly 700 public responses.
John Urich of Bowman briefed the committee on the Shelton/Cheltenham Avenue corridor study, saying the team gathered "nearly 700 entries" via online surveys and mapping tools and held multiple community meetings to shape recommendations. The presentation listed several alternatives — including a corridor‑wide three‑lane cross section (a so‑called road diet), separated bike lanes rather than merely painted bike lanes, upgraded pedestrian crossings and intersection‑specific improvements at Paper Mill Road, LaSalle area and Easton Road. Urich said the county led the effort with coordination among Springfield Township, Cheltenham Township, the city of Philadelphia and PennDOT and that final traffic forecasts and an implementation section will be included in the project's final report.
Commissioners thanked the consultant but pressed for clarity on funding responsibility and the potential for traffic diversion onto township side streets if lane reductions proceed. Commissioner Dwight Pedro Lewis said multi‑municipal coordination would be necessary; Urich replied the county would likely serve as the "quarterback" for grant pursuit and coordination. Manager Elliott confirmed the analysis of future traffic volumes and said the study found minimal increases in travel time overall when modeled with the three‑lane option. Commissioners requested the final report and traffic analysis be provided before action and asked county representatives to attend future briefings.
