Western Avenue Area Study
Brattleboro, Vermont
Project Overview
Overview
The Town of Brattleboro, Vermont hired SLR International Corporation (SLR) to conduct the Western Avenue Area Study (the Project). The Project will develop design concepts that will address existing traffic and parking issues surrounding The Vermont Country Deli on Western Avenue and the Western Avenue and Guilford Street intersection. While the Project will focus on these two intersections, the Project Area will extend from the Western Avenue and Guilford Street intersection to the northbound and southbound ramps of I-91.
History
This Project Area has posed significant safety concerns for the Town for nearly two decades. Complex intersections, difficult parking locations, and an influx of traffic from Interstate 91 contribute to these safety issues and create challenges for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Brattleboro has contemplated improvements to the Western Avenue and Williams Street intersection over the years. Various concepts have been considered, including a 2001 concept plan and proposal that was defeated at the Representative Town Meeting. The improvement projects went dormant until 2016, when the Traffic Safety Committee revitalized the project.
The Vermont Country Deli
The Vermont Country Deli is a popular destination just off Interstate 91 (Exit 2). Demand for parking is high, and the existing configuration creates traffic and safety issues, as drivers are required to back out onto Route 9 / Western Avenue.
Western Avenue and Guilford Street Intersection
This intersection has significant traffic volume and congestion issues, especially during peak travel hours. Locals have reported concerns for speeding and a lack of signage at this intersection, creating issues with merging traffic onto Western Avenue.
Existing Conditions
A comprehensive analysis of the Project Area's existing conditions allows the project team to better understand the issues within the corridor and make the most appropriate recommendations. This analysis reviewed:
Infrastructure
Current infrastructure within the Project Area includes:
- Crosswalks: Including across Western Avenue and various side streets. Of note, there is no crosswalk at the Western Avenue / Williams Street intersection to cross Western Avenue.
- Sidewalks: Available on both sides of Western Avenue.
- Bus Stops: Two, located at Creamery Bridge and Living Memorial Park.
Traffic Counts
Annual average daily traffic (AADT) counts indicate higher traffic volume along Western Avenue and lighter traffic on the surrounding side streets (Williams and Guilford Streets). In addition to understanding these general traffic patterns, SLR gathered vehicular and pedestrian traffic counts during peak commuting hours in October to better understand day-to-day traffic conditions.
Public Transit
The Southeast Vermont Transit (SEVT) fare-free MOOver! bus system operates three bus routes within the Project Area:
- The Wilmington-Brattleboro Line: This line connects downtown Brattleboro to Wilmington through the Project Area.
- The Brattleboro Blue Line: This line travels along Guilford Street, with a stop at Living Memorial Park, before traveling east on Western Avenue.
- The Brattleboro Red Line: This line travels east and west along Western Avenue and has a bus stop located at the Creamery Bridge.
Crash Data
Crash data was gathered for the Project Area. Posted speed limits are 25 mph on Guilford Street and 30 mph on Western Avenue. Between 2019 and May 2024, 80 crashes occurred, 25 percent of which resulted in an injury. The Western Avenue / Guilford Street intersection had the most crashes (11), while the area around The Vermont Country Deli followed, with seven. Only one crash during this time period involved a bicyclist or pedestrian, which occurred at the intersection of Western Avenue and the Interstate 91 North ramps.
Previous Plans & Studies
The Town of Brattleboro has completed various studies related to Route 9 and the Project Area over the years. Below are a few key studies and takeaways that will inform this assessment.
Route 9 Improvements (2021) : This study was designed to plan for safe and accessible bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Route 9, from Main Street to the Interstate 91 Exit 2 interchange. While this study is focused on the area east of the current project, its analysis and recommendations are valuable context for the current project's development.
Western Avenue Bike Improvements (2017) : This study analyzed road and bicycle conditions along Western Avenue, including the Project Area of the current project, and identified opportunities for improvements and additions of bicycle facilities.
Get Involved!
Public engagement is an important component to this study. Brattleboro understands that consensus building is essential to making appropriate improvements with the Project Area. The Project's public engagement plan includes:
Stakeholder Interviews
Stakeholder interviews are the first component of the public engagement plan. Interviews were held in September 2024 with members from the community, including residents, business owners, and town staff, to gather an initial understanding of the safety concerns within the Project Area.
Public Meeting
A public meeting for the Western Avenue Area Study will occur in the Spring of 2025 and will share existing conditions data and solicit feedback on opportunities, constraints, and preliminary concepts from the public.
