ABINGTON- INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT HANCOCK STREET AND CHESTNUT STREET

The project includes safety and operational improvements at the Chestnut Street and Hancock Street intersection in Abington where a significant crash history has been experienced. The intersection experiences a crash rate of 1.22 C/MEV over double the state and district average. It also falls within the HSIP Cluster of 2011-2013. After a thorough alternatives analysis, the concept that gained overwhelming support during the Town's public outreach process involves converting the unsignalized intersection to a modern single-lane roundabout. The project is anticipated to extend along Chestnut Street from 300 feet west of Hancock Street to 300 feet east of the intersection, a length of approximately 600 feet. Along Hancock Street, the project is anticipated to extend from 300 feet north of Chestnut Street to 400 feet south of the intersection, a length of approximately 700 feet. A roundabout is anticipated to improve safety and operations and reduce vehicle speeds and conflict points as well as reduce delays and idling time. In addition, the roundabout's splitter islands will result in shorter pedestrian crossing distances and refuge areas for pedestrians to cross one directional lane of traffic at a time. Further, the roundabout will provide additional opportunities for landscaping providing an aesthetically pleasing addition to Abington. Under this scenario, each approach would consist of a single approach lane and single departure lane, separated by a splitter island. Sidewalks are proposed to replace existing sidewalks along the eastern side of both Hancock Street legs, along the southern side of the eastern Chestnut Street leg, and on the northwest corner; pedestrian crossings are anticipated at the eastern and northern legs. Adjustments to the vertical alignment along the southern Hancock Street approach are required to flatten the slope and improve sight lines. Roundabout warning signs are proposed along all approaches to alert drivers of the intersection. Warning signs may be supplemented with yellow flashing beacons to further draw attention to the roundabout. The goal is also reconstructing the existing sidewalk and curb ramp to be ADA/AAB compliant and minor drainage alteration.