The Route 52 corridor between John Jay High School and Lime Kiln Road experienced high traffic volumes during school arrivals and dismissals creating traffic backups that would exceed a quarter of a mile. Several previous traffic impact studies had been performed, which concluded that the existing roads were sufficient for observed and proposed traffic levels. The Town & NYSDOT continually questioned these findings since traffic issues were readily known.

HVEA utilized drone video surveillance during peak traffic periods to better understand why the traffic analysis predicted acceptable traffic levels. The drone video revealed that the congestion within the school driveway led to backups that spilled out onto Route 52. Once the driveway was clogged, the traffic signals were no longer managing traffic. Using the drone information and other input parameters, HVEA successfully utilized PTV Vissim traffic modeling and simulation software to create an existing traffic model and to evaluate alternate traffic schemes to determine proposed improvements.

The recommended improvements included a two-step approach, a modern roundabout on Route 52 and a bypass roadway network at John Jay High school. The traffic models indicated that the removal of the traffic signals and placement of a roundabout would alleviate some of the traffic issues. Providing an alternate drop-off area and removing the drop-off traffic from the school’s main driveway proved to be the key. HVEA designed a circulating drop-off area on the newly created Patriot Way that could handle 250-300 vehicles during peak drop-off times.

Project tasks included roundabout design, detailed maintenance and protection of traffic, street crossings, ADA compliant curbs and sidewalks, roadway drainage, pavement design, stairs, signing, pavement markings, landscaping, public outreach, and coordination with multiple stakeholders including the Town of East Fishkill, NYS Department of Transportation, Wappingers School District, utility owners and several developers.

This project has eased existing congestion within the Route 52/Lime Kiln Road corridors, reduced and alleviated the current peak hour queuing along Route 52 at the entrance to John Jay High School during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods and mitigated the impact of existing and future developments in the area.