Challenge

Travelers entering historic downtown Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania from the west encounter a triangle of intersections formed by US Route 22, Juniata Street, and Allegheny Street. These intersections are closely spaced, creating a concern about traffic from one intersection backing up through an adjacent one. Opportunities to improve the situation were further complicated by two bridges over Beaverdam Branch, one of which is historic, and a nearby active freight railroad grade crossing.

Solution

As a subconsultant to HNTB, Kittelson helped to prepare and evaluate nearly a dozen alternatives (and variants) to address safety, operations, and pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in downtown Hollidaysburg. To address traffic operations, Kittelson assisted PennDOT with the implementation of automated traffic signal performance measures at the study intersection. The project included testing a pre-signal operation to improve operations and safety at the railroad crossing using VISSIM’s Econolite ASC/3 software-in-the-loop (SIL) package. The analysis also helped improve wayfinding and railroad coordination. The project involved multiple stakeholder interviews and meetings as well as a public open house to identify a recommended alternative for advancing to preliminary design.