New stop signs, altered traffic flow in works
TRANSPORTATION
BY PETER B. BRACE INDEPENDENT WRITER
The placement of stop signs and redirection of traffic flow at several key downtown streets could substantially alleviate congestion in the summer during boat arrivals and departures.

COURTESY OF THE NP&EDC A conceptual illustrative sketch depicts a potential lower Broad Street streetscape.

Culled from short-term recommendations from the Downtown Circulation and Ferry Access Improvement Study, completed by Milone & MacBroom of Cheshire, Conn. last summer, island long-range planners want to make a few of these changes before the summer season. They include making traffic on Oak Street two-way, putting a stop sign at the eastbound approach of Salem Street to Candle Street and creating angled parking on Broad Street.

"I think the two-way flow on Oak Street can be worked in with what we're doing with the Dreamland and I think the stop sign at Salem and Candle Streets makes a lot of sense," said Planning Director Andrew Vorce. "I think having that stop sign facing Candle Street is the cause for a significant amount of backup."

Transportation Planner Michael Burns added that the one-way easterly flow of traffic on Salem Street into the Grand Union parking lot causes backups on Candle Street traffic coming into town during the summer. He and Milone & MacBroom believe that there is enough space on Salem Street - about four or five cars' worth - to keep traffic from backing up into southbound traffic on Washington Street.

Regarding the Oak Street change to two-way traffic, Burns said that it would allow vehicles driving to South Water Street and Broad Street to bypass Steamship Authority traffic.

"The Oak Street traffic flow change creating two-way flow. That would probably see the most immediate benefit," said Burns. "It was one of the intersections we thought was pretty congested. Not only that congestion, but the South Beach Street, Broad Street intersection would allow that traffic to flow much better."

Island trucker and Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission member Nat Lowell seemed to like this idea but with one addition.

"The Oak Street thing needs to be looked at, and a widening of South Beach Street in front of the (Nantucket Yacht Club) tennis courts would allow the traffic to flow through better because it's not quite wide enough for a truck and car to pass," he said. "I do like the idea of angled parking to be looked at on Broad Street; that could work."

This concept, which could enhance last year's change of Broad Street between Centre and Federal streets to a one-way, eastbound flow would, according to Milone & MacBroom, add up to four new parking spaces, create easier movement in and out of parking spaces and smoother traffic flow.

The traffic consultants also suggested a gateway-type arch just west of Steamboat Wharf and a second one at the west end of Straight Wharf. Kiosks at each gateway would provide vital island information to arriving travelers.

Although Burns is not totally ruling out the arch idea, the information kiosks are definitely something planners want- ed to explore.

"The gateway was something that was recommended as a consideration," said Burns. "What was recommended was providing these information maps or kiosks at these points of entry. This welcoming archway, it was suggested as a consideration whether it happens or it not. It was something that would serve as a hospitable gateway."

The more likely scenario is that satellite visitor centers will be placed on both wharves, an approach that Lowell said was more practical.

"The gateway was just a sketch by the consultant to show an overall streetscape for Broad Street [and Straight Wharf]," said Lowell. "There isn't ever going to be an arch. It got taken out of context and blown out of proportion. It's something that's not going to happen here."

Other short-term congestion-busters recommended in the report include a stop sign at Washington Street's southbound approach to Francis Street; making the two parking spaces on Straight Wharf near Cap'n Tobey's public; the addition of parking spaces on South Beach Street between Easton and Broad Streets: on Federal Street between Broad and Main: on both sides of Main Street between Union and Orange: and on India Street between Centre and South Water streets.

To get a good look at the complete results of the study and learn about upcoming public hearings on March 3 and 10, check out www.nantucketdowntowntrafficstudy.

com on the town's Web site. I