Juneau Downtown Tourism Transportation Study May 27, 2003

Juneau Downtown Tourism Transportation Study

May 27, 2003

Downtown Tourism Transportation Study

Presentation Outline

Project Introduction and Overview

Pedestrian Issues Food for Thought

Existing Conditions Summary

Your Ideas for Improvement


Project Introduction and Overview


Project Purpose

Evaluate travel in downtown Juneau and along the waterfront during the tourism season.

Blend creativity with practicality to develop alternative transportation strategies to improve safety, flow, and accessibility for all modes of travel.


Project Team


Project Schedule


Current Project Status

Summary of previous planning work completed in the downtown Juneau and waterfront areas.

Summary of key issues and concerns related to tourism and transportation identified from stakeholder interviews.

Document, evaluate, and summarize the existing transportation systems in the study area.

projects.kittelson.com/Juneau_Tourism_Traffic


Pedestrian Issues - “Food for Thought”


Existing Conditions Summary


Introduction

Topography of Juneau dictates linear growthOnly one continuous connection between the

northern residential areas and the downtown

Impressive transit and bicycle ridership despite the relative small size and climate of Juneau~10% of peak hour travel into downtown

The summer tourist season has unique characteristics and needs related to pedestrian and vehicular travel


Themes from Previous Studies

Steady and continuing growth in the tourism industry (60% growth in cruise ship passengers since 1996)


Themes from Previous Studies Existing systems constrained by

geography, narrow rights of way, and historic buildings


Themes from Previous Studies Parking supply and management in the

downtown areayear-round lack of appropriate parkingnot directly linked to tourism


Themes from Previous Studies Pedestrian congestion during the summer tourist

season narrow sidewalks and street furniture pedestrians use the street to avoid congestion on the

sidewalk

Traffic congestion increases during the tourism season vehicles servicing the tourism needs conflict with pedestrian traffic

Tourism-related vehicle staging areas near the waterfront


Previous Recommendations Increase capacity of existing

infrastructure Roadways Sidewalks Tourism Vehicle Staging Areas Docks


Previous Recommendations Improved management of existing facilities

(especially where capacity cannot be increased)coordinating tour bus departure schedulesaltering tourism travel patterns by refocusing

land uses and attractions


Summary Of Stakeholder Interviews

Stakeholders identified:Government AgenciesCommunity GroupsDowntown BusinessesNeighborhood AssociationsWaterfront OperatorsTourism Industry & OperatorsDelivery Services


Summary Of Stakeholder Interviews Key themes and concerns:

Pedestrian flow and safetyPotential for pedestrian and vehicle conflictCongestion and conflicts between delivery

vehicles, service vehicles, and tour operations


Summary Of Stakeholder Interviews Key themes and concerns (con’t):

Keep downtown Juneau vibrant and useablePlan for future development and growthPlan for future growth of tourismMaintaining efficient and safe access to the

water


Summary Of Stakeholder Interviews

Key themes and concerns (con’t): Efficient management of

tourism demand

Minimize impacts of tourism operations on local businesses

Providing for and better managing parking options


Existing Conditions Inventory Existing connectivity, capacity, and

accessibility:

Pedestrian TravelPublic Transit TravelPrivate Transit TravelVehicular Travel


Pedestrian Travel Off-season pedestrian system functions

acceptably

During peak season walking is major mode of travel for tourists into downtown capacity of existing sidewalk system frequently

exceeded


Pedestrian System

Older sidewalks More tourist oriented

store fronts Street furniture

(newspaper dispensers, lights, etc)

Multiple attractions on both sides of the street

S Franklin Street between Taku Smokeries and Marine Way


Pedestrian System

Older sidewalks More tourist oriented

store fronts Street furniture

(newspaper dispensers, lights, etc)

Multiple attractions on both sides of the street

S Franklin Street between Taku Smokeries and Marine Way


Pedestrian System High crossing locations on S Franklin Street:

• Whittier Street (Alaska State Museum)• Willoughby Avenue (Juneau Visitors Center)


Pedestrian System

Pedestrian confusion at Marine Way-S Franklin Street turnaround


Pedestrian System Narrow sidewalk sections


Pedestrian System

Narrow sidewalk sections


Pedestrian Travel

Narrow sidewalk sections


Pedestrian Travel Desires


Public Transit Travel

Capital Transit Routes in DowntownRoute 3Route 4Douglas RouteExpress/University

Major Transit Stops (“Waypoints”)S Franklin Street (between Marine and Ferry)The Capital Building (Seward between 4th and

5th)The Archive Building (Willoughby)


Public Transit Travel Three routes currently use the cruise

ship terminal as turnaround pointCan add to vehicular congestion along the

docks


Public Transit Travel New Downtown Transit Center

CBJ is currently planning a new transit center off of 3rd Street (between Whittier and Willoughby)


Public Transit Travel Paths


Private Transit Travel

Wide variety of providers who service tourist industry:charter coachesshuttle busesvans trolleys taxis


Private Transit Travel

limits operation of private transit vehicles

specifies travel routes

restricts certain ingress and egress access movements to facilitate traffic flow

Best Management Practices


Private Transit Travel Passenger loading locations and staging

areas


Private Transit Travel Passenger loading locations and staging

areas


Private Transit Travel Desires


Private Transit Travel Desires


Roadway System Inventory

12,000-15,000 vehicles per day

two-lane facility through most of study area

widening at intersections

Egan Drive-Marine Way-S Franklin Street-Thane Road


Roadway System Inventory Delays to drivers as a result of

pedestrian congestion

Potential for future growth


Roadway System Inventory Concern for travel speeds and safety

Differences between vehicle and pedestrian environment


Roadway System Inventory Vehicle accessibility for businesses

Ingress/egressDeliveries and loading


Feedback?

Your Ideas for Improvements?


Next Steps

Alternatives Development

Feedback OpportunitiesComment flyerProject web site email

On-going project information:projects.kittelson.com/Juneau_Tourism_Traffic

Public Event #2 – late July 2003


Questions &Feedback


Your Ideas for Improvements

Developing signage and other elements to assist tourists


Your Ideas For Improvement Sea walk concept


Your Ideas For Improvement Gastineau Avenue connection


Your Ideas For Improvement Reorient docks


Your Ideas For Improvement

Reorient/Relocated tourist-oriented land uses


Your Ideas For Improvement

Reorient/Relocated tourist-oriented land uses


Your Ideas For Improvement System Management

DeliveriesLoading zonesCrossing guards


Next Steps

Alternatives Development

Feedback OpportunitiesComment flyerProject web site email

On-going project information:projects.kittelson.com/Juneau_Tourism_Traffic

Public Event #2 – late July 2003


Questions &Feedback


Your Ideas For Improvement Gastineau Avenue connection

Documents

Juneau Downtown Tourism Transportation Study May 27, 2003