Abstract
The intersection of Farrell Avenue and Parkway Avenue in Ewing Township, NJ, separates commercial zones and Ewing High School to the northeast, with residential areas to the northwest. The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s office buildings are also near this intersection. Over the years, there have been multiple accidents caused by drivers trying to make left turns while exiting Ewing High School, which presents a safety concern. In the current layout, drivers leaving the school must cross two lanes of traffic to make an illegal left turn, leading to unsafe situations and an increased risk of accidents shown in Figure 1. Additionally, there is limited infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to connect with the school safely.
Figure 1: Current layout of Parkway Avenue and Farrell Avenue Intersection.
Two potential solutions were proposed to improve safety in the area: installing a traffic signal with a median along Parkway Avenue with all turns allowed or constructing a roundabout at Farrell Avenue and Parkway Avenue intersection. A traffic signal could help by providing clear guidance for drivers, but it may cause delays, frustration, and unsafe driving behavior. Additionally, medians may make it harder for pedestrians to cross the road. A roundabout is considered a safer option, as it slows down traffic and reduces the likelihood of serious accidents by minimizing conflict points. It would also improve pedestrian and cyclists’ safety by creating a smoother flow of traffic. Given these factors, a roundabout is the preferred option for improving safety and reducing accidents. When redesigning the Parkway Avenue and Farrell Avenue intersection, the second proposed alternative is to create a two-lane roundabout at the intersection while keeping the surrounding roads unchanged shown in Figure 3. This roundabout would allow vehicles to make U-turns easily, addressing the challenges faced by drivers exiting Ewing School who currently struggle with left turns. With this design, drivers leaving the school can turn right and then use the roundabout to make a U-turn safely. This solution would help improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents at the intersection. Additionally, the roundabout would promote smoother movement for all vehicles, enhancing overall safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. By implementing this alternative design, the intersection can better accommodate school traffic while improving efficiency and safety for the entire community. The current engineering cost for this project was $9,000, with an additional $6,000 allocated for the spring cost.
Figer 2. Alternative design 1 for Parkway Avenue and Farrell Avenue Intersection.
Figer 3. Alternative design 2 for Parkway Avenue and Farrell Avenue Intersection.
Figer 4. Alternative design 3 for Parkway Avenue and Farrell Avenue Intersection.
Fall Final Redesign Intersection Presentation: