About the Project
Overview
Project Purpose:
The purpose of the Ben Franklin Bridge West Side Traffic Mitigation Study is to improve the efficiency of travel into Philadelphia and improve access to downtown destinations via the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Background
Westbound traffic exiting the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia enters a complex network of streets, signalized intersections and highway ramps. On weekday mornings during the peak travel hours, the high numbers of motorists traveling into Philadelphia results in traffic backups that clog city streets and extend well past the midspan of the Ben Franklin Bridge, often to the toll plaza in Camden, NJ.
Research indicates that traffic volumes and congestion are expected to increase over the next 20 years, resulting in significant delays and negative impacts to the quality of life in the region. The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) is committed to providing safe, efficient and quality transportation services to its valued customers. As the owner and operator of the Ben Franklin Bridge, the DRPA is highly invested in the economic growth of the Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. In an effort to manage and improve upon the quality of transportation services, the DRPA conducted a Ben Franklin Bridge West Side Conceptual Roadway Study in 2003, which resulted in the identification of 13 potential improvement alternatives, seven of which were recommended for further study. The Ben Franklin Bridge West Side Traffic Mitigation Study further studies these seven (7) recommended alternatives.
 Study Details
The study will evaluate the overall transportation needs, while identifying the problem areas and the magnitude of each. An Origin & Destination study has been developed to provide the DRPA with information on motorists travel patterns and current congestion levels throughout the study area. An Environmental Overview Report that includes an inventory of environmental features has been developed. The public involvement program, designed as a two-way exchange of information between the DRPA and stakeholders will identify community issues/concerns, which will need to be considered when developing local and regional alternatives to reduce traffic congestion.
Goal
The goal of the Ben Franklin Bridge West Side Traffic Mitigation Study is the development of an Implementation Plan for the deployment of short-term and long-term future projects designed to ease congestion during the morning commute. These projects will be developed using criteria related to: community impact and public input; construction costs and available funding; the level of environmental clearance required; and other project related constraints and impacts.
This Traffic Mitigation Study is anticipated to be 12-15 months in duration. Click here for the Project Schedule and associated tasks.
|
