From: 	"Andrew Johnston" <AJohnston@fstinc.com>
To:	<HCD@portlandmaine.gov>
CC:	<josh@northlandus.com>, <brad@northlandUS.com>
Date: 	1/22/2016 10:16 AM
Subject: 	Kennebec Street and future trail location
Attachments:	Trail Option A - Current Approval 11 x 17.pdf; Trail Option A Detail- Current Approval.pdf; Trail Option B - Revised Curb Line at Brattle 11 x 17.pdf; Trail Option B Detail - Revised Curb Line at Brattle.pdf; Trail Option C 11 x 17.pdf; Trail Option D 11 x 17.pdf

Dear Nell,

As you know we have been working with the folks at Northland on plans for properties on Kennebec Street and Marginal Way. As part of this effort we have been looking at ways to incorporate the planned trail system at the western end of Kennebec Street in a manner that will promote growth produce an attractive and functional streetscape, and optimize pedestrian and traffic safety. 

We have developed a number of options to allow comparison of the alternative layouts, and as a basis for continuing discussions with city staff, property owners, lessees and other interested parties.  Sketch layouts are attached and a brief summary is given below.

Option A shows the currently approved layout, with the trail outside the sidewalk, on the north side of Kennebec Street.   The proposed layout raises a number of key concerns, some of which were expressed in the original Century Tire review and approval process.

·         The curb realignment at the east end of the Century Tire property will conflict with truck traffic traveling onto Kennebec Street from Brattle, so this movement will not be accommodated at the revised  intersection.  

·         The curb blocks the current curb line drainage along the north side of Kennebec Street and will likely increase the current ponding at the entrance to the property immediately east of Century Tire ‑ this could be resolved by adding drainage, although space between existing utilities is limited in this area.

·         The new curb pushes westbound traffic out from the curb line into potential conflict with eastbound traffic from the one‑way street section

·         The trail location creates a potential conflict between eastbound bicycle traffic and parked cars on the north side of Kennebec ‑ these will all be facing east and will not see bicycle traffic approaching from the rear.

·         The trail crosses several busy driveways, including the current Enterprise site where bicycle traffic will be approaching  from the opposite direction of the current one‑way traffic pattern.

Option B proposes a minor re‑configuration of the curb line to allow the existing truck movement from Brattle onto Kennebec Street, and avoids blocking the current curb line drainage in the street.  It does not resolve the other conflicts mentioned above.

Option C represents a favorable trail re‑location option that maintains separation of vehicular and bicycle traffic, reduces the driveway conflicts and opens up the possibility of dual parallel parking and streetscaping  improvements on Kennebec Street.

Option D represents another alternative for trail re‑location that removes some of the driveway conflicts and aligns well with the current crosswalk location at the west end of Kennebec Street, but does not have any other significant advantages over the current plan from a traffic separation, or streetscaping perspective.

We would welcome an opportunity to discuss the potential options for trail location and overall street layout in this area with city staff and other interested parties, and would appreciate any effort you could make to facilitate this in a timely manner.  In the meantime, please feel free to forward this information to folks at your end for review and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  We look forward to continuing to work with the city on this matter.

Regards,
Andrew  

 

Andrew Johnston, P.E.  
Stantec
778 Main Street, Suite 8, South Portland, ME 04106 
Direct: 207‑775‑1121
Phone: 207‑775‑1121 x4126
AJohnston@fstinc.com <mailto:ajohnston@fstinc.com> 

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