TRENTON RECONNECTED
PERRY STREET AND THE D&R CANAL
A studio project with Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
under the Instruction of Charles T. Brown
FALL 2020
As one of the most high-volume roadways in Trenton, NJ, Perry Street is unsafe for both pedestrians and
cyclists. EJBeings conducted a Complete Streets and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) report to evaluate Perry Street, as well as an undeveloped portion of the D&R Canal Towpath. The report aimed to determine how this corridor could be improved to better serve this community’s residents.
Streets, as well as access to nature and public spaces, are vital aspects of our everyday lives. Our proposal for this corridor prioritizes the people of Trenton above all else. This street design will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, while connecting residents to schools, parks, and community centers in their local neighborhood.
PERRY STREET
Now on Sale
STREET SECTIONS
Section 1A
Section 1B
INTERSECTION DESIGNS
INTERSECTION OF PERRY STREET AND LINCOLN HIGHWAY
Problem
Lack of pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure.
Proposal
Transform this street to make it more accessible for all road users.
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The bike lane provides a connection and access to places throughout Trenton for residents
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Clearly defined pedestrian realm
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Interesting pavement textures in varying colors – which reinforces that pedestrians have the right of way over the car
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Accessible to all road users - ADA textured surfaces are better implemented by leading the pedestrian to the crosswalk rather than out into the road.
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Pedestrian scaled lighting is provided in abundance to provide more safety for residents and visitors along Perry Street.
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Site furnishings include:
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Trash and recycling containers to improve image maintenance and management,
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Benches - to provide people a place to sit
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Wayfinding and signage for cyclists and pedestrians to positively activate the space and better orient people to the area
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DESIGN ELEMENTS
Before and after simulation. Press play to see the transformation of this intersection.
INTERSECTION OF PERRY STREET AND RT. 1 ON/OFF RAMP
Problem
Lack of pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure and safety
Proposal
Completely transform this intersection to make people and cyclists the main priority.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
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This design was created specifically for pedestrians and cyclists in mind to:
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Provide shorter crossing distances
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Slow down cars
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Give more space back to pedestrians and cyclists over the automobile
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Improve safety in the area.
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Before and after simulation. Press play to see the transformation of this intersection.
INTERSECTION OF PERRY STREET AND RT. 1 ON/OFF RAMP
Problem
Lack of pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure and safety
Proposal
Completely transform this intersection to make people and cyclists the main priority.
DESIGN
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An unnecessary turn onto Carroll Street is removed.
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The off-ramp is narrowed and its curb radii reduced
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This slow down traffic and directs cars straight onto Perry Street.
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The existing pedestrian island will be extended to form a larger public space
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Serve as a new welcoming point into Trenton with local art, wayfinding, and other pedestrian-scale street features.
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This design's main goal was to create an intersection that provided better safety and connectivity for the residents of Trenton.
D&R CANAL TOWPATH
INTERSECTION OF PERRY STREET AND THE TOWPATH
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Connectivity
A major aspect of the plan and this intersection provides a greater sense of place, safety, and accessibility for residents
Wider Sidewalks
Provided in order to create a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians.
Pedestrian-scaled Lighting
Provides the safest conditions possible for residents and visitors.
Re-established Pedestrian Realm
The red-brick section highlights the pedestrian realm and serves as a larger crosswalk for cyclists and pedestrians to maximize their mobility within this space. Tactical urbanism can be utilized here – for example - a colorful and painted intersection with an interesting design can be created by local artists and community members
TOWPATH
EXISTING D&R CANAL TOWPATH
PERRY STREET
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Natural Elements
Rain gardens are provided throughout the towpath as well as shade trees.
Accessibility
Proximity does not always mean accessibility, and our design makes sure to reach all members of the community. Bike lanes, walking/running space, and multiple access points are provided to enter the towpath natural and diverse space that offers the community access to green space, and a place to exercise outdoors.
Public Health
Also, with COVID-19 in mind – this space provides residents a place to be with people at a safe distance outdoors.
PERRY STREET
DESIGN GOALS
We have designed this space for users with diverse backgrounds and abilities to be able to come together, learn from each other, and enjoy and feel safe in the city they call home.
It is a place to come and eat lunch on your lunch break, a place to engage in physical activity, a place to hang out with friends and family, and a place that connects you to both the residents and the City of Trenton.