CALHOUN STREET

Road Safety Audit Road Safety Audit

DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL 

PLANNING COMMISSION

 January 2008
Created in 1965, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is an 

interstate, intercounty and intercity agency that provides continuing, comprehensive and 

coordinated planning to shape a vision for the future growth of the Delaware Valley 

region. The region includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, as 

well as the City of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester 

and Mercer counties in New Jersey. DVRPC provides technical assistance and 

services; conducts high priority studies that respond to the requests and demands of 

member state and local governments; fosters cooperation among various constituents 

to forge a consensus on diverse regional issues; determines and meets the needs of 

the private sector; and practices public outreach efforts to promote two-way 

communication and public awareness of regional issues and the Commission. 

 

Our logo is adapted from the official DVRPC seal, and is designed as a stylized image 

of the Delaware Valley. The outer ring symbolizes the region as a whole, while the 

diagonal bar signifies the Delaware River. The two adjoining crescents represent the 

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. 

DVRPC is funded by a variety of funding sources including federal grants from the U.S. 

Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal 

Transit Administration (FTA), the Pennsylvania and New Jersey departments of 

transportation, as well as by DVRPC’s state and local member governments. The 

authors, however, are solely responsible for its findings and conclusions, which may not 

represent the official views or policies of the funding agencies. 

DVRPC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 

1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and 

activities. DVRPC’s website may be translated into Spanish, 

Russian, and Traditional Chinese online by visiting 

www.dvrpc.org. Publications and other public documents can be 

made available in alternative languages or formats, if requested. 

For more information, please call (215) 238-2871.
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

- i - 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PA 663 - ROAD SAFETY AUDIT 1 

1.0 BACKGROUND 1 

1.1 The Audit 1 

1.2 Overview of Study Area 2 

1.3 Crash Data 3 

2.0 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4 

3.0 CONCLUSIONS 14 

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A – Audit Team 

APPENDIX B – Maps 

APPENDIX C – Traffic Data 

APPENDIX D – Checklist 

APPENDIX E – Response Sheet 

Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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CALHOUN STREET ROAD SAFETY AUDIT

1.0 BACKGROUND 

This document represents the final report for the City of Trenton - Calhoun Street Road 

Safety Audit. This project represents a step towards the implementation of the Delaware 

Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Regional Safety Action Plan. Improving 

the design and operation of intersections is a priority area for both engineering and 

enforcement disciplines as documented in the Plan. DVRPC has been coordinating 

with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to address corridors on the District 6 

Safety Plan since Fiscal Year 2007. In Fiscal Year 2008, intersection road safety audits 

are being conducted in New Jersey under Transportation Safety Planning in DVRPC’s 

planning work program. The New Jersey road safety audits will concentrate on 

intersections located on county and/or local roads. Implementation of improvement 

strategies identified through this process may be eligible for Local Federal Safety funds. 

Whereas, the goal of this project is to improve and promote transportation safety on the 

region’s roadways while maintaining mobility, the main objective is to address the safe 

operation of the roadway and ensure a high level of safety for all road users. The road 

safety audit program is conducted to generate improvement recommendations and 

countermeasures for roadway segments demonstrating a history of, or potential for a 

high incidence of motor vehicle crashes. The emphasis is placed on identifying low cost, 

quick turnaround safety projects to address the issues where possible but will not 

exclude the more complex projects. 

1.1 The Audit 

A road safety audit (RSA) is a formal safety performance examination of an existing or 

future road or intersection by an audit team. Road safety audits can be used on any size 

project, from minor maintenance to mega-projects. There are eight major steps involved 

in conducting a road safety audit but these can be simplified in a three step process – 

identify the corridor/intersection and audit team; conduct the RSA and report on the 

findings; and follow-up on RSA findings where feasible. 

Major benefits of road safety audits include – it is a proactive tool, not solely 

dependent on crash data; a planning tool to identify safety issues to be 

considered in improvement projects; can determine if the needs of all road users 

are adequately met; adaptable to local needs and conditions; and 

recommendations can be implemented in small stages as time and resources 

permit. 

Prior to the road safety audit activities on site, DVRPC collected, reviewed and analyzed 

relevant data (video of roadway under different conditions, traffic volume data, turning 

movement counts, maps, aerial photographs, and crash data). Using the crash data, 

collision diagrams were produced which showed the crashes and types for locations 

where they occurred. 
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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The Road Safety Audit was conducted on November 29, 2007. The day began with a 

Pre-Audit meeting that involved the definition of road safety audit and how it differs from 

the corridor study process; the required steps of an audit; presentation of the site issues 

and an exchange of ideas and knowledge of the roadway. A video showing the site 

under night time conditions was also shown. The field view followed where the audit 

team made up of state and local officials and other stakeholders walked the site and 

identified transportation safety issues. See Appendix A for the list of audit team 

members. The post-audit meeting followed and was spent discussing the findings from 

the field view, identifying strategies to address issues and determining priorities. 

1.2 Overview of the Study Area 

The study area consists of a portion of Calhoun Street (CR 653) (Reverend Howard 

Woodson, Jr. Way) comprising four intersections from Hanover Street to Summer 

Street; see Appendix B for Study Area Map. Calhoun Street is functionally classified as 

an urban minor arterial. Calhoun Street runs in a north to south direction. It provides 

direct access to the Calhoun Street Bridge to the south which crosses the Delaware 

River into Pennsylvania. To the north it changes to Princeton Avenue after crossing 

over Olden Avenue and ends at US 206. Throughout its length Calhoun Street has a 

mix of residential, commercial, warehousing and institutional land uses, but in the 

section under study the land use is predominantly residential. The housing units are row 

homes and small retail businesses occupy the corners of many intersections. Overall, 

the area is urban in character. 

The study area is included in the City of Trenton’s Redevelopment Plans. This area is 

included in both the Central West and the Canal Banks redevelopment areas. The study 

area sits adjacent to the central business district of this capital city. 

Calhoun Street, at the study location, has two lanes; one travel lane in each direction. 

Parking is allowed on the southbound side of Calhoun Street. There are sidewalks 

throughout the study area on both sides of the street. These accommodate a high level 

of pedestrian activity. The study area consists of three signalized intersections; Hanover 

Street, Passaic Street and Spring Street. The traffic signals are not coordinated. 

Traffic volume recorded in 2006, just south of Church Street, show an average annual 

daily traffic (AADT) volume of 10,106; see Appendix B for Traffic Volume Map. Turning 

movement counts were taken in November 2007. These showed that the morning peak 

hour is 7:45AM to 8:45AM and afternoon peak hour varied by intersection; see 

Appendix C. The through movement on Calhoun Street carries the major traffic at the 

intersections during the peak periods. At Hanover Street there is a heavy right turn 

movement from northbound Calhoun Street during the morning peak and a heavy left 

turn movement from westbound Hanover Street during the afternoon peak. The speed 

limit in the study area is 25 MPH. 

New Jersey Transit bus route 606 serves the study area. This bus goes from Princeton 

Township to Washington Township serving Princeton Borough, Lawrence Township, 

City of Trenton, Hamilton Township and Washington Township. The route provides 
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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service to Princeton University, Rider College, Mercer County College and the 

Education Testing Center. It also serves the Trenton and Hamilton Rail stations as well 

as a number of shopping centers and office parks. The Route 606 headway varies from 

16 minutes to 71 minutes depending on the time of day. 

1.3 Crash Data 

According to New Jersey Department of Transportation crash data there were 82 

reportable crashes between 2004 and 2006 in the study area. Reportable crashes are 

crashes which may result in a fatality, injury and/or property damage of five hundred 

dollars or more. A comprehensive analysis of the crash data is shown in Appendix C. 

Of the reportable crashes, there were 35 crashes in 2004 (42%); 25 crashes in 2005 

(30%); and 22 crashes in 2006 (28%). When analyzing crash frequency by month, 

June had the highest number of crashes with 14 (17%), May and September were next 

with 9 crashes each. Crashes occurred in every month of the year with February having 

the lowest number of crashes at 2. 

Angle (24), rear end (20) and same direction sideswipe (13) crashes represented 69% 

of the 82 reportable crashes. Angle (29%) and same direction sideswipe (16%) were 

higher than 2006 New Jersey statewide county road averages of 18.09% and 11.45%, 

respectively. There were five crashes involving pedestrians representing 6% of the total 

number of crashes; much higher than the 2006 statewide county road average of 

1.89%. There were no fatal crashes during the study period. There were 48 (58%) 

property damage only crashes and 32 injury crashes of varying levels of severity. The 

majority of the crashes occurred during fair weather (70%) with the remaining occurring 

during rainy conditions. In an analysis of roadway surface conditions during the 

occurrence of crashes, 81% occurred on dry road surface. Seventy percent of the 

crashes occurred during daylight hours. 
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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2.0 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

The following represents the findings and recommendations of the Calhoun Street Road 

Safety Audit. All photographs were taken by DVRPC staff. Shaded areas represent 

recommended strategies requiring low level of effort for implementation with high 

potential safety benefits. 

Corridor-Wide Issues 

Signals 

• Traffic signals outdated (8” heads) 

• Traffic signals do not have pedestrian man/hand or 

countdown heads 

Possible Improvement Strategies 

• Upgrade signals with 12” heads and include pedestrian 

heads with either man/hand or countdown. 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium High 

Signals 

• Traffic signals along Calhoun Street are not 

coordinated 

Possible Improvement Strategies 

• Re-time signals for coordination along Calhoun Street 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High 

Pavement Markings 

• Stop bars are missing at intersection approaches 

• Pavement markings are faded or missing in areas on 

both Calhoun Street and side streets 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

• Re-stripe or add pavement markings as appropriate to 

guide motorists

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High 
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Drainage inlets 

• Drainage inlets are clogged with debris – result in 

pooling of water when it rains 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Coordinate with Sanitation Department to clean 

drainage inlets 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low Medium 

Signage 

• Several warning and regulatory signs are faded 

• Inconsistent “No Parking” signs on the southbound 

side of Calhoun Street 

• Street name signs are small and hardly visible 

• Bicycle activity in the area; there are no “Share the 

Road” signs 

• There is only one speed limit sign in the study area. 

This is located on the northbound side of Calhoun 

Street, south of Summer Street 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

• Replace existing warning and regulatory signs as 

appropriate 

• Replace existing "No Parking" signs as appropriate in 

accordance with City of Trenton parking regulations 

• Upgrade street name signs using clear view font to 

make them easier to read by motorists 

• Install “ Share the Road” signs on both sides of the 

road 

• Install 25 MPH speed limit signs north and south of the 

study area on the southbound and northbound sides of 

Calhoun Street. 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High 
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Signage 

• Heavy pedestrian traffic in the area, only one 

pedestrian warning sign located at the northbound end 

of the study area. 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Install pedestrian signs north and south of the study area on the 

southbound and northbound sides of Calhoun Street. 

Install pedestrian crossing signs as appropriate at crosswalks. 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High 

Curb Ramps 

Curb ramps are missing or are not ADA standards 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Upgrade or construct curb ramps to ADA standards 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

Parking 

• Parking is allowed on one side of Calhoun Street, the 

southbound side. Parked cars encroach on the travel 

way. 

• Vehicles parked on the side streets are too close to the 

intersection – this makes turning movements difficult

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Re-stripe Calhoun Street with the northbound lane narrower to 

provide excess right of way on the southbound side for parking

Install no parking zones around the intersections with painted 

curb and appropriate signage 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

Utility Poles 

Many utility poles are within the clear zone 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Relocate utility poles outside the clear zone 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

High High
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Sidewalks 

In general the sidewalk is in poor condition except for north of 

Spring Street 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Upgrade sidewalk for the entire length of Calhoun Street from 

State Street to Spring Street. 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium High

Cut-off sign posts 

Large number of cut-off sign posts sticking out in the sidewalk 

through out the study area 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Remove stubs from sidewalk to prevent pedestrians tripping. 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High 
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Site Specific Issues 

Hanover Street Intersection 

Pavement markings are lacking or faded 

There are no crosswalks visible 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Add or re-stripe pavement markings as appropriate on Calhoun 

Street and Hanover Street – centerline, stop bars, pedestrian 

crosswalk 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

According to the turning movement counts 67% of the 

westbound traffic on Hanover Street makes left turns during 

the afternoon peak hour. 

Angle crash was also the most frequent crash type for the 

period study 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Add a left turn lane for the westbound Hanover Street 

approach 

Restrict parking on Hanover Street westbound approach from 

Calhoun Street approximately 100 feet 

Re-time signal with protected/permissive left turns for the 

Hanover Street westbound approach during the afternoon peak 

period 

Add an all-red phase to the traffic signal timing. 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

Sidewalks are in poor condition 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Upgrade sidewalk. 

Replace northbound depressed curb sidewalk with straight 

curb 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium High

Mail storage box on northeast corner is located in the clear 

zone – hazard 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Relocate mail storage box 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High 
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Pavement on Hanover Street is in poor condition. 

Pavement adjacent to curb ramp on the southeast corner of the 

intersection is rutted 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Re-pave Hanover Street 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium High 

Southbound bus stop is located at the gas station access/egress. 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Consider relocating bus stop. 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Long Term - Close gas station driveway nearest the 

intersection and widen the other on Calhoun Street 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium High

See corridor wide section for signal and pedestrian signal 

head issues

Between Hanover Street and Passaic Street 

Signs on the southbound side of Calhoun Street are faded 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Replace signs as appropriate 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

Utility pole obstruction – pole number 66290TN 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Relocate utility pole north of intersection 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium High
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Passaic Street Intersection 

There are no pavement markings on Passaic Street 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Add pavement markings as appropriate on Passaic Street – 

centerline, stop bars, pedestrian crosswalk 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

There are no crosswalks or stop bars at the Calhoun Street 

approaches 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Add stop bars and “continental” crosswalk to the Calhoun 

Street approaches 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

High pedestrian traffic, lack of pedestrian amenities 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Add pedestrian crossing warning signs at crosswalk 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

At the westbound approach of the intersection, vehicles are 

parked too close to intersection; this further compromises an 

already tight turning radius 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Restrict parking at the intersection using appropriate signage 

and painted curb 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

There are no “one-way” signs for west leg of Passaic Street 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Install back to back “one-way” signs at the intersection 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low Medium
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Drainage clogged with debris 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Clean drainage inlet 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low Medium 

See corridor wide section for signal and pedestrian signal 

head issues

Between Passaic Street and Spring Street 

No curb ramps at alley intersection with Calhoun Street 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Construct curb ramp per ADA standards 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

Spring Street Intersection 

There are no curb ramps 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Construct curb ramps at all corners of the intersection 

according to ADA standards 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

Fire hydrant is too close to the intersection 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Relocate fire hydrant 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium Medium

No centerline along Spring Street west of Calhoun Street 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Stripe centerline to guide motorists; especially those turning on 

to Spring Street 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Poor pavement condition on Spring Street east of Calhoun 

Street 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Re-pave and stripe as appropriate including centerline, stop bar 

and “continental” crosswalk 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium High 

Over head horizontal signal with no post mounted signals for 

pedestrians 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Re-pave and stripe as appropriate including centerline, stop bar 

and “continental” crosswalk 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Medium High 

Utility pole 4881xTN is located too close to the intersection 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Relocate utility pole 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

High High 

Utility pole 67948TN is located too close to the traffic signal 

pole on the southwest corner 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Relocate utility pole 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

High Medium 

137 to 141, street light is too dim, lens and bulb missing 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Replace lens and bulbs 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low Medium 

See corridor wide section for signal and pedestrian signal 

head issues
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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Between Spring Street and Church Street/Summer Street 

On the northbound side of Calhoun Street there are three signs 

on one post (“No parking”, “pedestrian”, “speed limit” signs). 

The “pedestrian” sign is posted too low and protrudes 

into the travel-way and sidewalk. 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Remove the pedestrian sign and relocate on its own pole 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low High

On the northbound side of Calhoun Street there are several 

signs on one post (“No parking”, “no loitering” signs); signs 

are posted too low 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Remove the “No Loitering” sign 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low Medium 

Church Street/Summer Street Intersection

Double sided “one-way” signs for both Church and Summer 

Street are missing 

Potential Improvement Strategies 

Add double-sided “one-way” signs 

Level of Effort Potential Safety Benefit 

Low Medium 
Calhoun Street - Road Safety Audit Report November 2007

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3.0 CONCLUSION

As discussed earlier, the road safety audit program is conducted to generate 

improvement recommendations and countermeasures for roadway segments 

demonstrating a history of, or potential for a high incidence of motor vehicle crashes. 

The safety issues identified during the audit and documented in this report along with 

the recommended strategies should improve the overall safety of the study area. The 

congestion issues identified, attributed to the Calhoun Street Bridge, also needs to be 

addressed to realize the full impact of some of the improvement strategies. These 

remedial strategies should be implemented as time and budget limitations permit. Many 

of the strategies identified can be implemented through routine maintenance. 

Engineering strategies alone cannot eliminate the traffic safety issues identified along 

the corridor. Therefore, enforcement and education are also necessary components of 

an overall safety program, to address the human behavioral aspects, to effectively 

reduce the number of crashes occurring. This requires coordination and communication 

between appropriate stakeholders.
 

APPENDIX A 

Audit Team 
 
 

PA 663 – Road Safety Audit 

Audit Team

Name Organization 

Rosemarie Anderson Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 

Irving Bradley, Jr City of Trenton Police Department 

Andrew Carten City of Trenton Planning Department 

Cheryl Kastrenakes Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association 

Matthew Lawson Mercer County Planning Department 

Regina Moore Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 

Kevin Murphy Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 

Derrick Sexton Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 

Al Tindall New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety 

Thomas Zim New Jersey Department of Transportation 

 
 
 

APPENDIX B 

Maps 
 
STATE ST

SPRING ST

PASSAIC ST

CAPITOL ST

CHURCH ST

CALHOUN ST

SUMMER ST

BELVIDERE ST

ELLIS ALY

GREEN PL

FAIRWA

RUTGERS PL

PARKING LOT 

PROSPECT ST

CAMDEN ST

WHITE ST

KAFER ST

BERNARD ST

WINTER ST

AMBOY ALY

MACAULEY LN

JOHN FITCH PKWY

PARKING LOT 

SRI 11000653

Mile 0.25

SRI 11000653

Mile 0.08

29

653

653

Calhoun Street

 Road Safety Audit

Study Area

T r e n t o n

M E R C E R C O U N T Y

Delaware Valley

Regional Planning Commission

November 2007
 
10,106 (06)

STATE ST

SPRING ST

PASSAIC ST

CAPITOL ST

CHURCH ST

CALHOUN ST

SUMMER ST

BELVIDERE ST

ELLIS ALY

GREEN PL

FAIRWAY 

RUTGERS PL

PARKING LOT 

PROSPECT ST

CAMDEN ST

WHITE ST

KAFER ST

BERNARD ST

WINTER ST

AMBOY ALY

MACAULEY LN

JOHN FITCH PKWY

PARKING LOT 

SRI 11000653

Mile 0.25

SRI 11000653

Mile 0.08

29

653

653

Calhoun Street

 Road Safety Audit

Traffic Volume

T r e n t o n

M E R C E R C O U N T Y

Delaware Valley

Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

DVRPC Traffic Count

! AADT (Year)
 
 

APPENDIX C 

Traffic Data 
 
COLLISION TYPE

Angle 15Rear End 14Pedestrian 5Same Direction Side Swipe 5Fixed Object 2Left/U Turn 2Other 2Backing 1Head-On 1Parked Vehicle 1Total 48LIGHT CONDITIONDaylight 32Dark 15Dusk 1Total 48SURFACE CONDITIONDry 38Wet 9Icy 1Total 48SEVERITYFatal 0Major Injury 3Moderate Injury 2Minor Injury 11Property Damage Only 32Total 48

1. Calhoun Street CR 653, Southern Section Milepost 0.08 to Milepost 0.18 
SCHEMATIC NOT TO SCALE

Total Crashes = 20Pedestrian Crashes = 2

N

= # crashes 1

Same Direction Sideswipe

Mercer

City of Trenton

Passaic St Passaic St

Hanover St

Hanover St

Ca hl oun

St

Ca hl oun St

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

Crash Type 

Legend

Rear-End

Head-On

Angle

Left Turn

2

1 2

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

1

1

Angle

Hit Pedestrian

Road Safety Audit

Southern Section

Calhoun St

Collision Diagram

Crash Data Year 2004

1

1

2
SCHEMATIC NOT TO SCALE

Total Crashes = 17Pedestrian Crashes = 1

N

= # crashes 1

Same Direction Sideswipe

Mercer

City of Trenton

Passaic St Passaic St

Hanover St

Hanover St

Ca hl oun

St

Ca hl oun St

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

Crash Type 

Legend

Rear-End

Head-On

Angle

Hit Fixed Object 1 1

Possible Miscoding

1

1

1

1

Sideswipe

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

Angle

Hit Pedestrian

Road Safety Audit

Southern Section

Calhoun St

Collision Diagram

Crash Data Year 2005

1

1

Hit Parked Vehicle

1

“Angle”
SCHEMATIC NOT TO SCALE

Total Crashes = 11Pedestrian Crashes = 1

N

= # crashes 1

Mercer

City of Trenton

Passaic St Passaic St

Hanover St

Hanover St

Ca hl oun

St

Ca hl oun St

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

Legend

Rear-End

Hit Fixed Object

 Angle

3

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Hit Pedestrian

Road Safety Audit

Southern Section

Calhoun St

Collision Diagram

Crash Data Year 2006
Calhoun Street and W. Hanover Street

Existing Peak Hour Turning Movement Counts AM / [PM]

Peak Hours

AM: 7:45 – 8:45PM: 3:15 – 4:15

Schematic not to scale

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

15

/ [10]

39

/ [156]

42

/ [67]

32 8 / 5[ ] 4

13 / 4[ ] 2

24 6 / 3[ 91

1

]

4 / 1[ 7]

293 / 4[ 58]

26 / 1[ 8]

38

/ [37]

14

/ [8]

106

/ [73]

Ca hl oun S rt eet

W. Hanover

Street
Calhoun Street and Passaic Street

Existing Peak Hour Turning Movement Counts AM / [PM]

Peak Hours

AM: 7:45 – 8:45PM: 3:45 – 4:45

Schematic not to scale

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

33 / 1[ ] 4

01 / 1[ ] 2

65 5 / 5[ 53 ]

9

/ [35]

33

/ [92]

18

/ [77]

52 / 1[ ] 8

54 9 / 4[ 74 ]

11 / 1[ ] 8

Passaic

Street
COLLISION TYPE

Angle 9Same Direction Side Swipe 8Rear End 6Left/U Turn 4Parked Vehicle 4Other 2Head-On 1Total 34LIGHT CONDITIONDaylight 25Dark 6Dawn 1Dusk 1N/A 1Total 34SURFACE CONDITIONDry 28Wet 6Total 34SEVERITYFatal 0Major Injury 0Moderate Injury 3Minor Injury 15Property Damage Only 16Total 34

2. Calhoun Street CR 653, Northern Section Milepost 0.20 to Milepost 0.30 
SCHEMATIC NOT TO SCALE

Total Crashes = 15Pedestrian Crashes = 1

N

Road Safety Audit

Northern Section

Calhoun St

Collision Diagram

Crash Data Year 2004

Mercer

City of Trenton

Spring St

Summer

St

Bellevue Ave

Ellis Alley

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

Calhoun St

Spring

St

Church

St

Bellevue

Ave

1

1

1

3

1

2

Belvidere

St

1

1

= # crashes 1

Same Direction Sideswipe

Crash Type 

Legend

Rear-End

Hit Parked Vehicle

Angle

Left Turn

1

1

1

Other
SCHEMATIC NOT TO SCALE

Total Crashes = 8Pedestrian Crashes = 

N

Mercer

City of Trenton

Spring St

Summer

St

Bellevue Ave

Ellis Alley

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

Calhoun St

Spring St

Church

St

Bellevue

Ave

= # crashes 1

Same Direction Sideswipe

Crash Type 

Legend

Angle

1

2

2

1

Belvidere

St

1

Possible Miscoding

Sideswipe

1

Angle

Road Safety Audit

Northern Section

Calhoun St

Collision Diagram

Crash Data Year 2005

“Left Turn”
SCHEMATIC NOT TO SCALE

Total Crashes = 11Pedestrian Crashes = 0

N

Mercer

City of Trenton

Spring St

Summer St

Bellevue Ave

Ellis Alley

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

Calhoun

St

Spring St

Summer St

Bellevue Ave

= # crashes 1

Same Direction Sideswipe

Crash Type 

Legend

Rear-End

Head-On

Angle

Left Turn

1 1

3

1

2

1

1

Belvidere St

Road Safety Audit

Northern Section

Calhoun St

Collision Diagram

Crash Data Year 2006

Hit Parked Vehicle

1
Calhoun Street and Church Street/Summer Street

Existing Peak Hour Turning Movement Counts AM / [PM]

Church Street Peak Hours

AM: 8:00 – 9:00PM: 4:00 – 5:00

Schematic not to scale

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

a C hl

uo n t S er t e

Church 

Street

Summer

Street

9 / 1[ 5]

469 / 6[ 19]

2 / 6[ ]

72 1 / 4[ 52 ]

Summer Street Peak HoursAM: 7:30 – 8:30PM: 3:15 – 4:15

389 / 5[ 05]

14 / 2[ 8]

10 / 1[ 6]

282 / 4[ 99]
Calhoun Street and Spring Street

Existing Peak Hour Turning Movement Counts AM / [PM]

Peak Hours

AM: 7:45 – 8:45PM: 3:15 – 4:15

Schematic not to scale

Spring

Street

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

November 2007

8 / 1[ ] 1

8 / 3[ ] 1

73 2 / 3[ 15 ]

12

/

[17]

14

/

[25]

25

/

[40]

23

/ [27]

44

/ [39]

78

/ [67]

12 / 2[ 2]

343 / 4[ 38]

17 / 1[ 9]

Ca hl oun S rt eet
 

APPENDIX D 

Checklist 
 
 

CHECKLIST 

Audit Team Member 

 

GENERAL ISSUES

Item # Description Check Comments

Do drainage items seem to be 

adequate? 

1 

Drainage 

Are drainage items clear of debris? 

2 

Landscaping 

Is landscaping in accordance with 

guidelines (sight distance, clearances 

etc.) 

 

Are boxes, poles, and/or posts located 

in a safe position? 

3 

Public 

Utilities 

Do the above items interfere with sight 

distance? 

 

4 

Access 

Management 

Are there locations where access 

management is problematic? 

 

5 

Lighting 

Is lighting needed in specific locations? 

ALIGNMENT AND CROSS SECTION

Item # Description Check Comments

Are sight distances adequate for the 

speed of traffic on Calhoun Street? 

1 

Visibility 

Is adequate sight distance provided at 

intersections? 

 

Are there any sections of the roadway 

which may cause driver confusion such 

as: 

 

a. Is alignment of roadway clearly 

defined? 

 

b. Are crossroads or hidden driveways 

properly signed along corridor? 

 

c. Are bicycle lanes clearly defined? 

2 

Driver 

expectation 

d. Do streetlight and tree lines conform 
 

with the road alignment? 

3 

Widths 

Are all the traffic lanes and roadway 

widths adequate? 

 

INTERSECTIONS

Item # Description Check Comments

Are there any roadside objects nearby 

which would intrude on driver’s line of 

sight? 

1 

Location 

Are the intersections adequate for all 

vehicular movements? 

 

Are pavement markings and intersection 

control signing satisfactory? 

2 

Controls 

Are there any pedestrian signals? 

Is the intersection appropriately signed? 

Are there advance warning signs 

indicating the intersection? 

 

3 

Signage 

Are signs appropriately located and of 

the appropriate size? 

 

Is the intersection layout obvious to all 

users? 

 

Is the alignment of curbs satisfactory? 

Are turning radii and tapers appropriate? 

4 

Layout 

Are there driveways located at or near 

the intersections? 

 

5 

Visibility, 

sight 

distance 

Is sight distance adequate for all 

movements and all users? 

 

Are there bus stops located near the 

intersections? 

6 

Transit 

a. If so are the bus stops near side or 

far side? 

 

7 

Turn Lanes 

Do the turning lanes have sufficient 

storage? 

 
 

Are there locations where a left turn lane 

is needed? 

 

TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Item # Description Check Comments

1 

Signal 

Operation 

Are traffic signals operating correctly? 

(Example clearance time) 

 

2 

Visibility 

Are traffic signals clearly visible to 

approaching motorists? 

 

PEDESTRIANS

Item # Description Check Comments

1 

Land Use 

Factors 

Are there schools, transit stations or 

other pedestrian generators nearby? 

 

Are sidewalks continuous throughout the 

corridor? 

 

Are the sidewalks in good conditions 

(uneven, cracked, etc.)? 

 

2 

Sidewalks 

Are the sidewalks wide enough to 

accommodate persons using mobility 

aides? 

 

Are crosswalks provided at 

intersections? 

 

Are the pedestrian ramps adequate? 

Is there any pedestrian refuge islands 

needed at key intersections? 

 

Are there pedestrian signals located at 

intersections? 

 

Is the intersection clearly delineated for 

the visually impaired? 

 

3 

Facilities at 

Intersections 

Are there adequate drainage at the 

intersection? 

 
 

Is the speed limit appropriate for all road 

users? 

 

Is there on street parking that would 

impede pedestrian visibility? 

 

4 

Calhoun 

Street 

Are there safety concerns for pedestrian 

crossings at unsignalized intersection? 

 

Is the sidewalk adequately lit for 

pedestrians to see and feel safe? 

 

Are there dark places or hiding places 

which represent a personal security 

issue? 

 

5 

Lighting 

Are the pedestrian crosswalks 

adequately lit for pedestrians and 

motorists? 

 

6 

Fencing 

Are there locations where a fence 

should be provided? 

 

Are pedestrians waiting to cross visible 

to motorists? 

 

Can pedestrians see approaching 

vehicles? 

 

7 

Visibility and 

Sight 

Distance 

Are there temporary or permanent 

obstructions near crosswalks (parked 

vehicles, vegetation, fences, etc.) 

 

BICYCLISTS

Item # Description Check Comments

Are there share the road signs posted? 

Is the road surface of suitable quality for 

bicyclists? 

 

Are drainage grates bicycle friendly? 

Are parked vehicles an obstruction to 

bicyclists? 

 

Is the bicycle lane continuous? 
 

TRANSIT

Item # Description Check Comments

Are bus stops located at the far side or 

near side of the intersection? 

 

Are bus stops signed appropriately? 

Are bus stop locations near existing 

driveways? 

 

Are there adequate waiting areas for 

pedestrians around bus stops (shelter or 

bench)? 

 

Are bus stop locations safe for 

passengers boarding and unboarding 

the bus? 

 

Is fencing needed at transit facilities? 

1 

Buses 

Are vehicles illegally parked at bus 

stops? 

 

ON STREET PARKING

Item # Description Check Comments

Are there time parking restriction signs 

posted? 

 

Does parking obstruct bicycle or through 

lane traffic? 

 

Is parking located at the edge of 

intersections which could cause conflict 

for right turning traffic? 

 

1 

Parking 

Does parking obstruct vehicular or 

pedestrian movement? 

 
 

SIGNAGE, PAVEMENT MARKINGS, DELINEATION AND LIGHTING

Item # Description Check Comments

Are there signs missing from key 

locations? 

 

Are signs easy to understand? 

Are the correct signs used for each 

situation, and is each sign necessary? 

 

Are signs effective for all likely 

conditions (i.e. day, night, oncoming 

headlights etc)? 

 

Are there locations where there is sign 

clutter? 

 

Are all necessary regulatory, warning, 

and direction signs (including detours) in 

place? Are they conspicuous? 

 

Are they redundant? 

Are traffic signs in their correct locations, 

and properly positioned with respect to 

lateral clearance and height? 

 

Are signs placed so as to restrict sight 

distance, particularly for vehicles? 

 

1 

Signage

Do signs supports conform to 

guidelines? 

 

Does existing pavement markings need 

to be re-painted? 

 

Have raised pavement markers been 

installed? 

 

Are pavement markings easily visible 

and effective for all likely conditions (i.e. 

at night, day, inclement weather etc.)? 

 

2 

Pavement 

Markings 

and 

Delineation

Are guide posts correctly placed, clean, 

and visible? 

 

PAVEMENT

Item # Description Check Comments

1 

Pavement 

defects 

Is the pavement free of defects (i.e. 

excessive roughness, potholes) which 

could result in safety problems? 

 

2 Is the pavement free of areas where 
 

Ponding ponding may occur resulting in a safety 

problem? 
 

 
 

APPENDIX E 

Response Sheet 
 
Calhoun Street (CR 653) – RSA Response Sheet

Corridor-Wide Issues 

SAFETY ISSUES Solution Decision Agree/Reject Planned Completion Date Comments 

Signals • Traffic signals outdated (8” 

heads) 

• Traffic signals do not have 

pedestrian man/hand or countdown heads 

• Traffic signals along 

Calhoun Street are not coordinated 

• Upgrade signals with 12” 

heads and include pedestrian heads with either man/hand or countdown. 

• Re-time signals for 

coordination along Calhoun Street 

Pavement Markings • Stop bars are missing at 

intersection approaches 

• Pavement markings are 

faded or missing in areas on both Calhoun Street and side streets 

• Re-stripe or add pavement 

markings as appropriate to guide motorists 

Drainage inlets • Drainage inlets are clogged 

with debris – result in pooling of water when it rains 

• Coordinate with Sanitation 

Department to clean drainage inlets 

Signage • Several warning and 

regulatory signs are faded 

• Replace existing warning 

and regulatory signs as appropriate 
SAFETY ISSUES Solution Decision Agree/Reject Planned Completion Date Comments 

Signage (continued) • Inconsistent “No Parking” 

signs on the southbound side of Calhoun Street 

• Street name signs are small 

and hardly visible 

• Bicycle activity in the area; 

there are no “share the road” sign 

• There is only one speed 

limit sign in the study area. This is located on the northbound side of Calhoun Street, south of Summer Street 

• Heavy pedestrian traffic in 

the area, only one pedestrian warning sign located at the northbound end of the study area. 

• Replace existing “No 

Parking” signs as appropriate in accordance with City of Trenton parking regulations 

• Upgrade street name signs 

using clear view font to make them easier to read by motorists 

• Install “ Share the Road” 

signs on both sides of the road 

• Install 25 MPH speed limit 

signs north and south of the study area on the southbound and northbound sides of Calhoun Street. 

• Install pedestrian signs north 

and south of the study area on the southbound and northbound sides of Calhoun Street. 

• Install pedestrian crossing 

signs as appropriate at crosswalks. 

Curb Ramps • Curb ramps are missing or 

are not ADA standards 

• Upgrade or construct curb 

ramps to ADA standards 
SAFETY ISSUES Solution Decision Agree/Reject Planned Completion Date Comments 

Parking • Parking is allowed on one 

side of Calhoun Street, the southbound side. Parked cars encroach on the travel way. 

• Vehicles parked on the side 

streets are too close to the intersection – this makes turning movements difficult

• Re-stripe Calhoun Street 

with the northbound lane narrower to provide excess right of way on the southbound side for parking 

• Install no parking zones 

around the intersections with painted curb and appropriate signage 

Utility Poles • Many utility poles are 

within the clear zone 

• Relocate utility poles outside 

the clear zone 

Sidewalks • In general the sidewalk is in 

poor condition except for north of Spring Street 

• Upgrade sidewalk for the 

entire length of Calhoun Street from State Street to Spring Street. 

Cut-off sign posts • Large number of cut-off 

sign posts sticking out in the sidewalk through out the study area 

• Remove stubs from sidewalk 

to prevent pedestrians tripping. 
Specific Locations 

SAFETY ISSUES Solution Decision Agree/Reject Planned Completion Date Comments 

Hanover Street Intersection • Pavement markings are 

lacking or faded 

• There are no crosswalks 

visible 

• Add or re-stripe pavement 

markings as appropriate on Calhoun Street and Hanover Street – centerline, stop bars, pedestrian crosswalk 

• According to the turning 

movement counts 67% of the westbound traffic on Hanover Street makes left turns during the afternoon peak hour. Angle crash was also the most frequent crash type for the period study 

• Add a left turn lane for the 

westbound Hanover Street approach 

• Restrict parking on Hanover 

Street westbound approach from Calhoun Street approximately 100 feet 

• Re-time signal with 

protected/permissive left turns for the Hanover Street westbound approach during the afternoon peak period 

• Add an all-red phase to the 

traffic signal timing. 

• Sidewalks are in poor 

condition 

• Upgrade sidewalk. • Replace northbound 

depressed curb sidewalk with straight curb 

• Mail storage box on 

northeast corner is located in the clear zone – hazard 

• Relocate mail storage box 
SAFETY ISSUES Solution Decision Agree/Reject Planned Completion Date Comments 

Hanover Street Intersection (continued)• Pavement on Hanover Street 

is in poor condition. 

• Pavement adjacent to curb 

ramp on the southeast corner of the intersection is rutted 

• Re-pave Hanover Street 

• Southbound bus stop is 

located at the gas station access/egress. 

• Consider relocation bus stop.• Long Term - Close gas 

station driveway nearest the intersection and widen the other on Calhoun Street 

See corridor wide section for signal and pedestrian signal head issues

Between Hanover Street and Passaic Street• Signs on the southbound 

side of Calhoun Street are faded 

• Replace signs as appropriate 

• Utility pole obstruction – 

pole number 66290TN 

• Relocate utility pole north of 

intersection 

Passaic Street Intersection• There are no pavement 

markings on Passaic Street 

• Add pavement markings as 

appropriate on Passaic Street – centerline, stop bars, pedestrian crosswalk 
SAFETY ISSUES Solution Decision Agree/Reject Planned Completion Date Comments 

Passaic Street Intersection (continued)• There are no crosswalks or 

stop bars at the Calhoun Street approaches 

• Add stop bars and 

“continental” crosswalk to the Calhoun Street approaches

• High pedestrian traffic, lack 

of pedestrian amenities 

• Add pedestrian crossing 

warning signs at crosswalk

• At the westbound approach 

of the intersection, vehicles are parked too close to intersection; this further compromises an already tight turning radius 

• Restrict parking at the 

intersection using appropriate signage and painted curb

• There are no “one-way” 

signs for west leg of Passaic Street 

• Install back to back “oneway” signs at the intersection

• Drainage clogged with 

debris 

• Clean drainage inlet

Between Passaic Street and Spring Street• No curb ramps at alley 

intersection with Calhoun Street 

• Construct curb ramp per 

ADA standards

Spring Street Intersection• There are no curb ramps • Construct curb ramps at all 

corners of the intersection according to ADA standards
SAFETY ISSUES Solution Decision Agree/Reject Planned Completion Date Comments 

Spring Street Intersection (continued)• Fire hydrant is too close to 

the intersection 

• Relocate fire hydrant

• No centerline along Spring 

Street west of Calhoun Street 

• Stripe centerline to guide 

motorists; especially those turning on to Spring Street

• Poor pavement condition on 

Spring Street east of Calhoun Street 

• Re-pave and stripe as 

appropriate including centerline, stop bar and “continental” crosswalk

• Over head horizontal signal 

with no post mounted signals for pedestrians 

• Re-pave and stripe as 

appropriate including centerline, stop bar and “continental” crosswalk

• Utility pole 4881xTN is 

located too close to the intersection 

• Relocate utility pole

• Utility pole 67948TN is 

located too close to the traffic signal pole on the southwest corner 

• Relocate utility pole

• 137 to 141, street light is too 

dim, lens and bulb missing 

• Replace lens and bulbs• See corridor wide section 

for signal and pedestrian signal head issues
SAFETY ISSUES Solution Decision Agree/Reject Planned Completion Date Comments 

Between Spring Street and Church Street/Summer Street• On the northbound side of 

Calhoun Street there are three signs on one post (“No parking”, “pedestrian”, “speed limit” signs). The signs “pedestrian” sign is posted too low and protrudes into the travelway and sidewalk. 

• Remove the pedestrian sign 

and relocate on its own pole 

• On the northbound side of 

Calhoun Street there are several signs on one post (“No parking”, “no loitering” signs); signs are posted too low 

• Remove the “No Loitering” 

sign

Church Street/Summer Street Intersection• Double sided “one-way” 

signs for both Church and Summer Street are missing 

• Add double-sided “one-way” 

signs
 

 Title of Report: CALHOUN STREET - ROAD SAFETY AUDIT

 

Publication No.: 08003 

Date Published: January 2008 

Geographic Area Covered: 

The study area includes a section of Calhoun Street in the City of Trenton, New Jersey. It 

comprises four intersections from Hanover Street to Summer Street. 

Key Words: 

Road, safety, audit, potential, fatalities, injuries, reportable, crashes, issues, strategies, 

coordination, engineering, enforcement, education, prioritize, intersection, speed limit, traffic 

volumes, stakeholders, audit team, clear zone, geometry, pavement markings, signs, traffic 

signals, crosswalk, sidewalk, curb ramp, drainage. 

 

ABSTRACT: This is a documentation of the process and findings of the Calhoun Street Road 

Safety Audit (RSA) undertaken by Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). 

The goal of the audit is to generate improvement recommendations and countermeasures for 

intersections demonstrating a history of, or potential for a high incidence of motor vehicle 

crashes. The emphasis is placed on identifying low cost, quick turnaround safety projects to 

address the issues where possible. This project represents a step towards implementation of 

the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Regional Safety Action Plan. 

Improving the design and operation of intersections is a priority area for both engineering and 

enforcement discipline as documented in the Plan. 

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission 

190 North Independence Mall West 

8th Floor 

Philadelphia, PA 19106-1520 

Phone: 215-592-1800 

Fax: 215-592-9125 

Internet: www.dvrpc.org

Contact: 

Rosemarie Anderson, Manager, Office of Safety and Security Planning 

215-238-2832 randerson@dvrpc.org

Regina Moore, Transportation Engineer 

215-238-2862 rmoore@dvrpc.org

Kevin Murphy, Senior Transportation Planner 

215-238-2864 kmurphy@dvrpc.org 
DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL 

PLANNING COMMISSION

190 North Independence Mall West

Philadelphia, PA 19106

P: 215-592-1800

F: 215-592-9125

www.dvrpc.org
CALHOUN STREET

Road Safety Audit Road Safety Audit

DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL 

PLANNING COMMISSION

 January 2008