Route 71 Pedestrian Tunnel at Monmouth University

West Long Branch, New Jersey
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC)

Problem

Monmouth University has a student population of over 5,000 and many of the campus facilities are divided by Route 71. For the past 30 years, a midblock crosswalk was used by pedestrians and small motorized campus utility vehicles to cross Route 71 and reach different parts of campus. The crosswalk was equipped with a flashing beacon and manned by crossing guards.

Background

The frequent and sudden stopping of vehicles at the crosswalk created several problems, including numerous rear-end vehicle crashes, pedestrian collision (including one fatality) and crashes involving crossing guards. A survey showed that during a one-hour period, traffic counts recorded up to 600 pedestrians crossing Route 71 and 1,200 vehicles traveling on Route 71. Such large numbers increased the possibility of conflicts. The University and local community both wanted safety and traffic conditions improved. Four different designs were considered: 1) an at-grade crossing with curb cuts, 2) a pedestrian refuge island, 3) a pedestrian bridge, and 4) a pedestrian underpass.

Solution

The southern approach to the crosswalk on Route 71 is part of a National Register historic property, which restricts certain structures from being built. The proposed pedestrian bridge would degrade the historic character of the site and was not approved by the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office. The at-grade alternative would be completed quickly, but would not eliminate traffic stops or fully address the need for separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The pedestrian underpass was the most agreed upon plan that would decrease pedestrian and vehicle conflicts and eliminate traffic stops.

Students walking through the tunnel.

With the decision to build a pedestrian underpass, there were concerns about student safety, drainage, impact to the existing historic area and construction that needed to be addressed. To address student safety, a security system linked to campus police was installed. Drainage problems were solved with a pump and underground storage system. Architectural treatments were designed to blend with the historic context, and construction issues were resolved by using a structural design approach that minimized impacts. The ramps that approached the tunnel were designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards with specific grade, landing area and cross slope requirements. The tunnel was 14 ft wide, 10 ft in height (to accommodate university maintenance vehicles), and 71.5 ft in length.

Results

The project took 11 months to design and 1 year to construct, allowing it to open for pedestrian traffic in August 2002. The construction of the pedestrian tunnel eliminated vehicular and pedestrian conflicts without impacting the site's historic character or compromising student safety. Since the construction of the tunnel there have not been any pedestrian and vehicular conflicts at this location along Route 71.

Cost

The costs for this project were $695,000 for final design and construction support, $830,000 for bridge construction costs, and $3,200,000 for road construction costs.

Contact

Pamela Garrett
New Jersey Department of Transportation
1035 Parkway Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey, 08625
Phone: (609) 530-2721
Email: Pamela.garrett@dot.state.nj.us

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