Delaware Ave. Complete Streets Project Continues

The Town of Bethlehem is moving forward on an initiative to implement transportation improvements along Delaware Avenue between Elsmere Avenue and the City of Albany, with the goal of creating a safer, more inviting environment for drivers and pedestrians.

The effort, known as the Delaware Avenue Complete Streets project—supported by a $2.9 million federal transportation grant—began in earnest in February with the Town’s hiring of the engineering firm CHA to conduct the design study. The design study will include the documentation of existing conditions and analysis of alternatives.

Examples of changes that the study will analyze include installing “gateway features”; adding high-visibility, signalized mid-block pedestrian crossings and refuge islands; providing consistent travel lane widths throughout the corridor; and consolidating existing driveways or reducing widths of driveway openings. While the study does not include a reduction in the number of travel lanes as originally envisioned, these potential changes—along with sidewalk improvements, landscaping, and lighting—can address longstanding challenges in this critical corridor for Bethlehem.

The design phase will continue through the remainder of this year and into 2024, with construction expected to begin in 2025.

The Town will provide regular updates on the project schedule and opportunities for public engagement. Below is a summary of anticipated work and key dates over the coming months:

April 10 – May 5: Survey field work and mapping; development of project website; request/obtain accident reports

May 8 – May 14: Traffic data collection

May 15 through summer: Environmental screenings; collection of existing road features (pavement conditions, driveway widths, accessibility assessment, drainage); develop preliminary road layouts

June 15: Public meeting at 6:30 pm at Elsmere Elementary. Details to follow.