Practices for Adding Bicycle and Pedestrian Access on Existing Vehicle Bridges (2023)

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39   C H A P T E R 5 This report provides a state of the practice for state DOTs in providing access to pedestrians and bicyclists in bridge retrofit projects. Chapter 1 reviews the scope of this project, background, and introduction. Chapter 2 summarizes the literature review and shares state DOT policies, pro- grams, and practices. Chapter 3 describes the survey findings from 25 state DOTs that completed the survey. Chapter 4 provides the findings of the three case examples (i.e., specific projects and overall practices) selected from the survey and other criteria. These case examples include MassDOT, MDOT, and FDOT. Notable practices, challenges, and lessons learned are included in that chapter. This final chapter concludes with overall findings and future research needs. Findings The following bullet points highlight the findings of this synthesis of current practice: • Most retrofit projects are completed as a supplement or add-on to larger bridge rehabilitation projects or bridge repair projects. Improving or adding pedestrian and bicycle access is not the initial and sole purpose of these retrofit projects. State DOTs are in different stages con- cerning bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in bridge retrofit projects. Five of the state DOTs participating in the survey have implemented statewide policy changes that require the consideration of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in transportation projects. The top two reasons state DOTs mentioned as significant drivers for adding or improving pedestrian and bicycle access on these bridge retrofit projects are: (a) stakeholder concerns and (b) filling gaps noted in the regional or statewide pedestrian or bicycle plans. • Safety and connectivity are two factors used to determine the accommodation strategies for adding or improving pedestrian and bicycle access. Most of these projects are located in urban areas with potentially high active travel demand. • Construction of entirely new infrastructure for active transportation users is significantly more common than modifying existing infrastructure. • Physical barriers and separators such as railings, positive protection systems, and traffic sepa- ration curbs are important safety elements that state DOTs consider in bridge projects. • The most common limitations when choosing and implementing positive protection systems include the following: – Tying parapets to existing rebar. – Spacing issues, including the ability to (a) provide safe transitions off the bridgeway within the constraints of the roadway and (b) fit travel lanes, active transportation accommoda- tions, and positive protection systems within the roadway corridor. • While many agencies collect information to estimate the safety benefits, few agencies do so for access/connectivity, health, sustainability, or social equity. Performance measurement/monitoring to evaluate a project’s success is not a priority for state DOTs when staff resources are focused on the next project. Findings and Conclusion

40 Practices for Adding Bicycle and Pedestrian Access on Existing Vehicle Bridges • Many agencies do not involve or minimally involve state DOT bicycle/pedestrian coordina- tors in the bridge retrofit process. There may be potential to expand the job duties of this position to offer greater assistance in this process. MDOT offered insights into opportunities to involve the statewide coordinator. • Funding is one of the biggest challenges facing state DOTs when doing bridge retrofit projects that add access for active transportation users. • State DOTs generally do not have a standardized process for including access for bicycles and pedestrians in bridge retrofit projects. It is primarily case by case. • Providing everything needed for a bridge retrofit is challenging because the needs of different users are often incompatible. Future Research Considering the review of the literature, survey responses, and case example interviews, the project team developed future research projects that may be appropriate to aid state DOTs in the process, policies, and practices to include or improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists in bridge retrofit projects. The following bullet points describe recommendations: • Research and develop guidelines for state DOTs on the standardization of bridge inventories, including details about active transportation accommodations. • Develop guidelines and programs for state DOTs to specifically identify, prioritize, and address the lack of accommodations. • Research and recommend guidelines to assist state DOTs in decision-making processes to prioritize accommodations for various users. • Research and recommend processes for state DOTs to evaluate the long-term implications of different active transportation accommodation alternatives, especially related to the safety and comfort of active transportation users. • Explore and provide assistance to state DOTs on the availability and diversification of funding sources for bridge retrofit projects. • Assist state DOTs in incorporating bicycle and pedestrian facilities on bridges into statewide planning documents. • Focus on educating state DOTs on the importance of collecting data for helping estimate non-safety-related benefits of retrofitting bridges to provide or improve access for active transportation users and for monitoring the project progress and success in accomplishing the project goals. This research might include working with DOTs to identify the types of incentives that would motivate this type of activity. • Focus on how bicycle/pedestrian coordinators can be better utilized in bridge retrofit projects that provide or improve access for active transportation users. • Include options for providing pedestrian facilities that meet ADA compliance on bridges with constrained space or historical designation.