Claremont Avenue Safety Improvements
Residents along Claremont Avenue between Route 440 and West Side Avenue have raised concerns about speeding, aggressive driving, and pedestrian safety along the corridor, particularly near the intersections with Route 440 and West Side Avenue. This corridor also serves as an important connection from the protected bikeway recently installed along Mallory Avenue to the West Side Avenue light rail station.
The Department has proposed a redesign of Claremont Avenue between Mallory Avenue and West Side Avenue to enhance safety for all street users in accordance with the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan. Based on traffic analysis that was conducted, it was proposed that the bike lanes that existed along this portion of Claremont Avenue be reconfigured to a two-way protected bike lane, which would utilize the current right-turn slip lane at the intersection with West Side Avenue. This slip lane presents a safety challenge for pedestrians crossing Claremont Avenue to access the light rail station and bus stop, and reduced travel lane widths would serve to calm traffic. Pocket-protected bike lanes and curb extensions within the intersection would prevent illegal parking that inhibit visibility of pedestrians accessing the station and would enhance safety in response to pedestrian-involved incidents at that intersection. The new configuration was installed in Fall 2024.
The Department has proposed a redesign of Claremont Avenue between Route 440 and Mallory Avenue to calm traffic speeds and enhance safety for all street users in accordance with the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan. Traffic and speed data were collected in July 2024, with the 85th percentile speeds measured at 33 mph and 36 mph in the eastbound and westbound directions, respectively. As a point of reference, the goal for the measured 85th percentile speed on the street is to be at or below the speed limit of 25 mph. Utilizing the City's Traffic Calming Toolkit and with input from residents, the implementation of a chicane or horizontal deflection device was selected. Additionally, raised striping and speed limit markings will be installed, as well as curb extensions at the intersections along the corridor to increase visibility for all users. The new configuration will be installed in Spring 2025.
For questions, please contact [email protected].