Summary of Findings for the Mystic Mobility Study
A number of exciting transportation improvements have been developed through the 18-month long Mystic Mobility Study completed in March 2011, covering a geographic area from I-95's Exit 90, Coogan Boulevard, and south along Route 27 past Mystic Seaport Museum to U.S. Route 1 and downtown Mystic in both Stonington and Groton. The study benefited from significant stakeholder and public input. Surveys, workshops, advisory committee meetings, data analysis and in-depth site investigations have led to creation of a comprehensive set of plans and documents aimed at improving all forms of transportation, including conceptual intersection and roadway improvements, pedestrian-oriented streetscapes and wayfinding, bicycle facilities, and a revived Trolley Shuttle service. Highlighted below are the results of these efforts. With appropriate funding, these plans will lead to a more sustainable, livable transportation system and better quality of life for Mystic area residents and its thousands of yearly visitors
Pedestrian, Streetscape, and Bicycle Facilities
The study developed concept plans that detail potential streetscape and roadway improvements. The streetscape improvements are similar to those used in the streetscape project in the Downtown area of Mystic, such as granite and wood benches, ornamental landscaping, decorative stamped concrete, and wayfinding signage. Pedestrian-scale wayfinding signs help to minimize the perceived distance and encourage walking from one destination to another. New vehicular signage can minimize unnecessary congestion that results when routes to popular destinations are not clearly marked. Specific areas for these improvements include:
- Bicycle lane pavement markings on Route 27 from Coogan Boulevard south to Route 1
- Improved pedestrian facilities and overall streetscape improvements on Coogan Boulevard
- Suggested bicycle lanes on Coogan Boulevard
- Enhanced streetscape at major intersection corners throughout Mystic
Intersection and Roadway Improvements
Conceptual intersection and roadway improvements were developed for several key locations in the project area to help reduce automobile congestion, improve traffic flow, and aid turning movements with minimal property impacts. Concept design plans were developed for the following intersections:
- Roadway widening at the intersection of U.S. Route 1 and Route 27 (Denison Avenue). This allows an additional left turn lane on Route 27, as well as left and right turn lanes on Route 1
- New signal timing to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Route 27 (Greenmanville Avenue) and Coogan Boulevard
- Roadway widening on Route 27 south of its intersection with Coogan Boulevard to allow for a northbound left turn lane.
Trolley Shuttle and Water Taxi Service
Mystic's previous trolley shuttle operations were reviewed to inform the study of the best ways to implement an effective and sustainable trolley shuttle. Other trolley systems operating in areas with many tourists were studied and best practices were identified to help guide development of a revived trolley shuttle.
Lessons learned demonstrated that a trolley shuttle should be fare-free, operate frequently, and be well publicized through a comprehensive marketing program. A Mystic Trolley shuttle circulator route was developed that would connect the Mystic area's main attractions, including hotels to the north, Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Villlage, Mystic Seaport Museum, Downtown Mystic and the Mystic Rail Station. Options for potential extension of the existing water taxi serving Mystic Seaport were also explored.
New Mobility Hubs
The study introduced the concept of mobility hubs as a means of tying together all of the various modes of transportation into a seamless, easy-on/easy-off network for pedestrians. Proposed mobility hubs would be strategically located at key intersecting points throughout Mystic's transportation grid.
Conceptual designs of mobility hubs were prepared, and up to eight potential locations identified along the trolley route as well as in Groton. Mobility hub amenities would include bike share, pedestrian pathway connections, a shuttle service stop and waiting area, an information kiosk and interactive, internet-based information displaying travel lodging, tourist and local events.