The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) continues to accept feedback from the public involving proposed changes to the intersection of Cranberry Street and the Bayfront Parkway in the City of Erie, Erie County.

The purpose of the Cranberry Street Safety Improvement Project is to improve safety and efficiency for pedestrians and vehicles.

"During the design phase for the Bayfront Parkway Central corridor Project we heard from many people who were concerned about this intersection, including the city. Because it was outside the scope of that project, we handled it through a separate analysis as we continue to seek ways to improve connectivity between the city and the waterfront," said Tom McClelland, PennDOT District 1 Assistant District Executive of Design.

"We've received a lot of comments on the project already and decided to clarify some aspects of the plan. We hope people will look at the plans and give feedback about their experience driving or walking from Cranberry Street to the Bayfront Parkway and how this can improve that," McClelland said.

Included in the proposed upgrades is the installation of a new traffic signal and pedestrian upgrades at the intersection of the Bayfront Parkway (Route 4034) and Cranberry Street. The project also includes new ADA curb ramps, pedestrian signals and lighting and piano key style painted crosswalks. There will also be some sidewalk replacements and asphalt paving on Cranberry Street and new pavement markings.

Currently the intersection is controlled by a stop sign on Cranberry Street only and a push-button flashing beacon system for pedestrians at the crosswalk.

At the request of the City of Erie, a traffic analysis done in May 2022. The analysis determined that on average, approximately 16,000 vehicles a day use the Bayfront Parkway near the intersection with Cranberry Street and approximately 5,000 vehicles a day use Cranberry Street near the Bayfront Parkway. This volume of traffic can make it difficult for traffic on Cranberry Street to turn onto the Bayfront Parkway, especially westbound during peak travel times. It also presents challenges to pedestrians attempting to cross the parkway to access the Bayfront Multimodal Trail, and the nearby Frontier Park and waterfront.

The traffic analysis also included gathering information on turning lanes on both roadways, crash data at the intersection, and the posted speed limit, which is 35 miles per hour.

The traffic signal will be managed through an omni directional detection systems that will trigger the light to change only when vehicles are stopped on Cranberry Street. Once the project is complete, the city will maintain the system, which will also include countdown pedestrian signal heads, a protected left turn arrow with a flashing yellow phase for westbound traffic on the Bayfront Parkway waiting to turn onto Cranberry Street, and emergency vehicle preemption capabilities.

Work is expected to occur in 2024 construction season and take about three months to complete. During the project, the Bayfront Multimodal Trail will be closed to all bikes and pedestrians for a 24-hour period for the installation of a new ADA curb ramp at the northeast corner of the intersection. Some work on the roadway, such as painting and mast head installation, may require temporary lane closures.

The plans display for the Cranberry Street Safety Improvement Project, which will be held online only, includes a handout, project plans, and an online comment form. It will be open until September 7, 2023 and can be accessed by visiting the PennDOT District 1 website, www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

Those unable to access the information online may give feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Kevin Miller at kevinmille@pa.gov or 814-678-7086.

The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project's potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act as well as gathering input from the public regarding impacts to Section 4(f) resources. The Bayfront Multimodal trail will be closed to all bikes and pedestrians for a 24-hour period for the installation of a new ADA curb ramp at the northeast corner of the intersection.

The project documents will be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact Kevin Miller, PennDOT Project Manager, at kevinmille@pa.gov or 814-678-7086.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891 or 800-468-4201.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

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PennDOT District 1 is hiring for variety of positions, including CDL operators, mechanics, highway maintenance workers, civil engineers, construction inspectors, and transportation technicians. Apply online at www.employment.pa.gov.

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