Market Street Gateway Corridor Improvement Project
This project is now completed.
In 2008, the City developed a conceptual plan for the Market Street Gateway from Kearsarge Street to Russell Street. From this planning study the following goals were developed:
• Develop a memorable gateway to downtown
• Slow traffic and improve safety
• Orient visitors to attractions - Wayfinding
• Provide useful public spaces and meaningful connections
• Enhance pedestrian/bicycle movement
• Develop streetscape that will unify disparate district elements
• Create an identity for this historic area
In order to meet these goals, the City hired RSG, Inc., to gather public input and develop a design that included complete street elements (bicycle, transit and pedestrian features), a wayfinding signage plan, coordination with State DOT during the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge construction, lighting, median landscaping with storm water bio-remediation and two parks.
The preliminary construction plans and landscape design developed by RSG Inc., were presented for final public input before the final design plans and specifications were completed and the project put out for bids.
The first phase was construction of improvements from Kearsarge Way to Submarine Way (before the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge) in coordination with NH DOT for I-95 intersection and bicycle/pedestrian improvements in accordance with the City’s Complete Streets policy.
The final phase of the project from Submarine Way to Russell Street , now completed, included construction of all project elements plus traffic signals and a crosswalk at Submarine Way (funded in part by NH DOT as part of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge replacement), a Cutts Cove waterfront park and a North Mill Pond pocket park in the final section of the gateway.
- Public Comment Summary
- Public Meeting Presentation Materials (December 10, 2013)
FAQ
How have traffic impacts been analyzed in regards to surrounding developments (Harborcorp, Deer Street Associates, Foundry Place Garage)?
Traffic impact studies have been conducted for each of the large development projects in the area. Private developments are required to conduct traffic studies for any development that is subject to site plan review approval. How traffic will be distributed on local roadways and what intersections may be impacted are all part of the considerations for the traffic studies. If any improvements are required as a result, the developer may be required by the Planning Board approval to contribute towards the cost of those improvements. The traffic impact studies included analysis of intersections along Market Street. In accordance with industry standards, the latest traffic study, which was conducted for the Foundry Place Garage and the Deer Street Associates' buildings, included all traffic expected to be generated by each of the previously proposed projects in the area, as well as the effects of all roadway and intersection improvements proposed by each project and the City.
How have traffic impacts been analyzed in regards to large trucks entering our port?
The truck traffic to and from the Port Authority and Granite State Minerals were factored into the design of this project. The design improves vehicle access to the Port. The left turn lane on Market Street for vehicles entering the Port Authority is proposed to be lengthened as part of the Gateway project. This will help to better accommodate the large trucks that turn left into the Port. The design has been reviewed by the Port Authority and they concur.
How many public input opportunities have there been since 2008?
The engineering phase of this project kicked-off in the fall of 2013. A public meeting to present alternatives was held on December 10, 2013 and can be viewed online here. Comment cards were made available at the public meeting as well and a follow-up on-line survey was also conducted from mid-December 2013 to mid-January 2014 to collect additional public input.The project also went before the City’s Conservation Commission, Trees and Greenery Committee, and Parking and Traffic Committee. Final plans were posted online and presented to City Council on 9-8-15 and an update was provided on 2-26-18.
How many traffic studies been conducted since 2008?
A traffic analysis of the project’s impacts at each of the intersections along Market Street was conducted by the design consultant in 2013. This analysis indicated that during peak hours, with two lanes inbound, the traffic volume would use 30 percent of the roadway capacity. With the reduction of one lane inbound on Market Street, traffic volume would use 58 percent of the roadway capacity during peak hours. The average increase in delay per vehicle would be less than five seconds during the peak hours. Traffic impact studies have also been conducted for each of the large development projects in the area. Private developments are required to conduct traffic studies for any development that is subject to site plan review approval. How traffic will be distributed on local roadways, what intersections may be impacted, are all part of the considerations for the traffic studies. If any improvements are required as a result, the developer may be required by the Planning Board approval to contribute towards the cost of those improvements. The HarborCorp study and the Foundry Place Garage/Deer Street Associates study included analysis of intersections on Market Street. The traffic study for the hotel on Vaughn Street looked only at the nearby intersections, including Russell Street at Green Street. Beyond that point, the traffic from the hotel project has a negligible impact on the roadway network.
Were Police and Fire Departments involved in the design process?
Yes, Police and Fire were involved and have accepted the current design.
How are bike lanes incorporated into the current plans?
Bike lanes are included on both sides of Market Street.
Project Contacts
Construction Supervisor Dave Desfosses: djdesfosses@cityofportsmouth.com, 603-766-1411
Economic Development Manager Nancy Carmer: Nmcarmer@cityofportsmouth.com, 603-610-7220