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Engineers
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July 20, 2016

VIA EMAIL
Ms. Brandy Forbes, AICP, PP
Community Development Director
City of Hoboken
94 Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Re:

Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West

City of Hoboken, Hudson County, New Jersey
MC Project No: 16000445A

Dear Ms. Forbes:

This Traffic Study has been commissioned by the City of Hoboken (Hoboken) in order to
determine the most appropriate and feasible improvements to mitigate the congested corridors of
the Newark Avenue, Observer Highway and Paterson Avenue Corridors located at the southwest
gateway of Hoboken. These roadways support regional commuter travel to and from the City of
Hoboken. These roadways also provide a direct connection to Jersey City. A site location map
is provided as Figure 1 in Appendix A.
Challenge Statement
Newark Avenue is the primary entrance and exit gateway point at the southwest quadrant of
Hoboken City. Motorists entering Hoboken use Newark Avenue eastbound to traverse to
Jackson Street northbound, Paterson Avenue westbound, or Observer Highway eastbound.
Motorists exiting Hoboken use Monroe Street or Harrison Street to traverse to Newark Avenue
westbound.
The gateway corridors to/from Hoboken at the southwest quadrant are at or near capacity.
Newark Avenue is bound by commercial properties and Harrison Street, Jackson Street, and
Monroe Street are bound by commercial and residential properties. There is minimal to no
additional right-of-way that can be gained without property acquisition. Due to these constraints,
Hoboken has commissioned this Traffic Study to analyze Improvement Alternatives to mitigate
congestion in the southwest quadrant while maintaining comparable physical capacity to the
existing conditions.

Customer Loyalty through Client Satisfaction

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 2 of 12
A number of Alternatives were investigated to improve traffic operations and reduce queue in at
the southwest quadrant of Hoboken. These Alternatives were analyzed during the morning and
evening commuter peak hours using micro methodologies (Trafficwares SimTraffic) and macro
methodologies (Trafficwares Synchro) to determine the residual effect of the Improvement
Alternatives to the adjacent roadway network. This Traffic Study provides recommendations
based upon traffic operation, impacts to properties and businesses, ease of construction and
design feasibility. Specific elements included in this study are:

An inventory of the roadway facilities in the vicinity of the project, including the existing
physical and traffic operating characteristics;
Determination of the Existing Conditions;
Establishment of Improvement Alternatives;
Micro and Macro analysis of the Detour Alternatives;
Recommended Alternatives;
Additional Considerations; and
Summary and Conclusions.

Executive Summary
Multiple Improvement Alternatives were considered to improve traffic operations in the
southwest gateway area of Hoboken inclusive of Newark Avenue, Observer Highway, Jackson
Street and Paterson Avenue.
In reviewing the existing conditions, it was determined that the primary cause of congestion and
delay is transient traffic volumes traversing between Newark Avenue and Paterson Avenue.
These transit traffic volumes utilize this route to access Paterson Plank Road and Jersey Avenue
in Jersey City.
Two Improvement Alternatives are recommended from a traffic operational standpoint.
The short-term improvement involves upgrading the existing traffic signal at Paterson Avenue
& Jackson Street and providing a GPS Coordination System along Newark Avenue. The shortterm improvement is the most economical and immediate solution. The short-term
improvement provides a 15.1% reduction in total delay during the AM peak hour and a 2.7%
reduction in total delay during the PM peak hour with only upgrading signal equipment and
providing coordination.

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 3 of 12
The preferred long-term improvement involves the following enhancements:

Upgrading the existing traffic signal at Paterson Avenue & Jackson Street and
providing a GPS Coordination System along Newark Avenue;
Constructing a traffic signal at the intersection of Observer Highway & Jackson
Street;
Reconfiguring Paterson Avenue between Monroe Street and Harrison Street as
westbound only to create a Downtown Loop;
Coordinating all signals within this quadrant with the rail crossing adjacent to the
Paterson Avenue/Marshall Street/1st Street intersection; and

The preferred long-term improvement provides a 22.7% reduction in total delay during
the AM peak hour and a 40.1% reduction in total delay during the PM peak hour. The
preferred long-term improvement relocates the Newark Avenue westbound traffic
currently maneuvering right-turns onto Jackson Street northbound to Madison Street
northbound. This improvement will reduce the traffic conflict at Newark Avenue &
Jackson Street and reduce the traffic volumes on Jackson Street northbound.

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 4 of 12
Existing Conditions
A field investigation was conducted in the southwest quadrant of Hoboken to obtain an inventory
of existing roadway conditions, posted traffic controls, existing signing, existing pavement
markings, adjacent land uses, lane configurations, and existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic
patterns. The following intersections were included in the study area:
1. Newark Avenue & Harrison Street (unsignalized stop control);
2. Newark Avenue & Jackson Street (signalized);
3. Newark Avenue & Monroe Street/Grove Street (signalized);
4. Newark Avenue & Madison Street (unsignalized no control);
5. Newark Avenue/Observer Highway & Henderson Street (signalized);
6. Observer Highway & Jefferson Street (unsignalized stop control);
7. Observer Highway & Madison Street (unsignalized stop control);
8. Observer Highway & Paterson Avenue & Monroe Street (signalized);
9. Observer Highway & Jackson Street (unsignalized stop control); and
10. Paterson Avenue & Jackson Street (signalized).
Primary Corridors
Newark Avenue (CR 636) is an east-west oriented urban minor arterial under the jurisdiction of
Hudson County. Within the project vicinity, the roadway provides one travel lane in each
direction. The statutory speed limit is 25 MPH.
Newark Street (CR 636) is an east-west oriented urban minor arterial under the jurisdiction of
Hudson County. Within the project vicinity, the roadway provides one travel lane in each
direction. The statutory speed limit is 25 MPH.
Observer Highway (CR 681) is a northwest-southeast oriented urban minor arterial under the
jurisdiction of Hudson County. For the purposes of this study, Observer Highway will be
referenced as east-west. Observer Highway separates from CR 681 at its intersection with
Paterson Avenue and continues in the west direction as a local roadway. Within the project
vicinity, the roadway provides one travel lane in each direction. The statutory speed limit is 25
MPH.
Paterson Avenue (CR 681) is a northwest-southeast oriented urban minor arterial under the
jurisdiction of Hudson County. For the purposes of this study, Paterson Avenue will be
referenced as east-west. The roadway provides one lane in each direction between Monroe
Street and Harrison Street. The roadway provides two lanes in each direction north of Harrison
Street. The statutory speed limit is 25 MPH.

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 5 of 12
Traffic Counts
Traffic data was collected within the study area to gain an understanding of the existing roadway
conditions and operations. MioVision traffic video cameras were installed and manual turning
movement counts were conducted on Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and
from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. An additional manual count was conducted at the intersection of
Paterson Avenue & Jackson Street on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and
from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The data collections efforts included:

Passenger Vehicles;
Buses;
Heavy Vehicles (i.e. Trucks); and
Pedestrians.

The data collection efforts and the network peak hours are detailed in Table 1. The processed
manual count data is provided in Appendix B.
Table 1 Data Collection Efforts and Network Peak Hour
DateCollected

PeakPeriod

Thursday,April21,2016
Thursday,May12,2016

MorningCommuter
(AM)PeakHour
EveningCommuter
(PM)PeakHour

TrafficCount
TimePeriods

Network
PeakHour

7:00AM9:00AM

7:30AM8:30AM

4:00PM6:00PM

4:30PM5:30PM

The count data was cross-referenced to establish the 2016 Existing Traffic Conditions. The
traffic volumes between the counted intersections were consistent with minimal variation in
traffic volumes. The traffic volumes between the intersections were balanced in an upward
fashion to provide a conservative analysis. The 2016 Existing Balanced Traffic Volumes are
illustrated as Figure 2 in Appendix A.
Timing Directives
The timing directives for the signalized study intersections were obtained from the Hudson
County Engineering Department. The timing directives were used in the capacity analysis and
are provided in Appendix B.

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 6 of 12
Existing Findings
In reviewing the existing conditions, it was determined that the primary cause of congestion and
delay is transient traffic volumes traversing between Newark Avenue and Paterson Avenue.
These transit traffic volumes utilize this route to access Paterson Plank Road and Jersey Avenue
in Jersey City.
The existing regional commuter pattern is illustrated as Figure 3 in Appendix A.
Improvement Alternatives
Based upon coordination with the City of Hoboken and evaluating the existing traffic patterns in
the area, multiple variations of improvement alternatives were reviewed. Our recommendations
are detailed below:
Short Term
Upgrade Existing Traffic Signal Equipment and Implement a GPS Coordination System at all
intersections within and adjacent to the study area.

Provide a GPS based coordination system along the Newark Avenue Corridor. The existing
traffic signals along this corridor are equipped with video detections but are not coordinated.
The intersections that would benefit from a GPS based coordination system include:
o Newark Avenue & Jackson Street;
o Newark Avenue & Monroe Street/Grove Street; and
o Newark Avenue/Observer Highway & Henderson Street.

Upgrade the traffic signal equipment at Paterson Avenue & Jackson Street. This traffic
signal does not have video detection and is running on a dated pre-timed system. It is
recommended to implement a semi-actuated system with video detection and coordinate
this intersection with the intersection of Observer Highway & Paterson Avenue & Monroe
Street. (We understand the County is currently completing preparations to reconstruct this
signal).

Optimize the traffic signal timings at all study locations.

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 7 of 12
Long Term
Construct a Traffic Signal at the intersection of Observer Highway & Madison Street to permit
northbound left-turns and reconfigure Paterson Avenue between Monroe Street and Harrison
Street as Westbound only to create a Downtown Loop.

Implement changes from Short Term Alternative.

Construct a traffic signal at the intersection Observer Highway & Madison Street and convert
the Madison Street northbound approach from one dedicated right-turn lane to a dedicated
left-turn lane and a shared left-turn/through/right-turn lane. Additionally, there is capacity to
provide a dedicated right-turn lane along Newark Street westbound to Madison Street
northbound. Approximately five on-street angled parking stalls will need to be relocated.
o This improvement will relocate the Newark Avenue westbound traffic currently
maneuvering right-turns onto Jackson Street northbound to Madison Street
northbound. This improvement will reduce the traffic conflict at Newark Avenue
& Jackson Street and reduce the traffic volumes on Jackson Street northbound.

Construct a Traffic Signal at the intersection of Observer Highway & Jackson Street;
o The existing unsignalized intersection of Observer Highway & Jackson Street has
stop control on the eastbound and westbound approaches of Observer Highway.
During the peak hours, the Observer Highway eastbound and westbound
approaches experience excessive delay do the high congestion on Jackson Street
northbound. This poses both operational and safety issues for vehicles and
pedestrians. A traffic signal at this location will provide the following benefits:

Provide added safety to pedestrians crossing Jackson Street;

Provide the needed gaps in traffic for vehicles maneuvering an eastbound

left-turn or a westbound right-turn from Observer Highway onto Jackson
Street northbound.

Monitor Jackson Street congestion between Newark Avenue and Paterson

Avenue.

Reconfigure Paterson Avenue between Monroe Street and Harrison Street as Westbound
only to create a Downtown Loop;
o Reconfigure Paterson Avenue between Monroe Street and Harrison Street as two
westbound lanes that connect to the four lane section of Paterson Avenue north of

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 8 of 12
Harrison Street. This improvement will remove the Paterson Avenue southeast
approach at the intersection of Observer Highway & Paterson Avenue & Monroe
Street as well as the Paterson Avenue eastbound approach at the intersection of
Paterson Avenue & Jackson Street. Removing these approaches will provide
additional green time to Observer Highway, Monroe Street, and Jackson Street.
Paterson Avenue eastbound traffic heading towards Newark Avenue will utilize
either Harrison Street or Monroe Street.

Improve the intersection of Observer Hwy and Harrison Street to include one thru lane
and a Left Turn Lane onto Observer Hwy. Some on-street parking spaces near the
intersection will need to be relocated in order to facilitate this change.

The Long Term Alternative relocates the Newark Avenue westbound traffic currently
maneuvering right-turns onto Jackson Street northbound to Madison Street northbound. This
improvement will reduce the traffic conflict at Newark Avenue & Jackson Street and reduce the
traffic volumes on Jackson Street northbound. By separating the conflicting traffic, vehicular
congestion is reduced providing an enhanced environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
The two additional traffic signals also provide pedestrians more clearly delineated crosswalks
and signal right-of-way. Based upon the comprehensive capacity analyses, review of the
simulation models, the reduction of traffic on Jackson Street and the added benefits to
pedestrians we recommend the Long Term improvements.

Analysis of Alternatives
The existing traffic volumes, pedestrian volumes, truck percentages, peak hour factors,
geometric data, and timing information was input into Synchro, a macro traffic capacity program
that analyzes intersection operations. The methodology used in the capacity analysis is based
upon the standards provided in the 2010 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), published by the
Transportation Research Board.
The traffic input was then modeled within SimTraffic, a micro program that animates the traffic
volumes traversing the project network during the peak hour periods. SimTraffic inputs
including headway factors, positioning distances, lane alignments, and turning speeds were
incorporated for simulation purposes. Using the field observations and the traffic modeling
programs, the Existing Conditions and Improvement Alternatives were analyzed.
Study Area Total Delay Analysis
The total delay within the study area was calculated. The total delay accounts for the time
vehicles have to queue in a congested state due to traffic control as well as oversaturated

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 9 of 12
conditions. Table 2 details the total delay for the Existing Conditions and Improvement both for
the Short and Long Term Alternatives. The comprehensive capacity analysis worksheets,
including movement delay, queueing, and level of service is provided in the Appendices at the
end of this report.
Table 2 Total Delay in Study Area (Existing and Short & Long Term Alternatives)
Alternatives
PeakHour

AMPeak
Hour
PMPeak
Hour

MeasureofEffectiveness Existing

Short
Term

Long
Term

157

143

TotalDelay(hr)

185

%Improvement

TotalDelay(hr)

147

143

88

%Improvement

2.7%

40.1%

15.1% 22.7%

We observe from the table above that both alternatives yield positive results in comparison to the
existing conditions. The Short Term Alternative provides a 15.1% reduction in total delay
during the AM peak hour and a 2.7% reduction in total delay during the PM peak hour. The
Long Term Alternative provides a 22.7% reduction in total delay during the AM peak hour and a
40.1% reduction in total delay during the PM peak hour. Both Alternatives will provide added
benefit to the community.

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 10 of 12
Additional Considerations
1. Based upon the existing conditions, a significant portion of the traffic conflict was
determined to be caused by transient traffic volumes utilizing Newark Avenue and
Paterson Avenue to access Paterson Plank Road and Jersey Avenue in Jersey City. The
recommendations in this Traffic Study were issued based upon the study area limits.
Additional analysis of the regional traffic patterns outside of Hoboken may provide
insight regarding the transient route operations, which could establish regional
improvement recommendations.
2. Jackson Street northbound was previously designed as a two lane roadway. The
feasibility of reverting Jackson Street back to two lanes was reviewed. Based on our
observations public there are significant pedestrian volumes in this area. Converting
Jackson Street northbound to two lanes may have the following impacts:
o
o
o
o

Removal of approximately 20 to 22 on-street parallel parking spaces;

Removal of a the designated bike lane;
Blocking two existing fire hydrants; and/or
Less distance between the traveled way and pedestrian sidewalks, curb ramps, and
crosswalks.

3. We do not recommend converting Jackson Street northbound to two lanes at this time as this
may have impacts to on-street parking, bike travel, pedestrian travel, and fire hydrant access.
At this time, the preferred improvement alternative is the Long Term Alternative as it
will reduce the traffic conflict at Newark Avenue & Jackson Street and reduce the traffic
volumes on Jackson Street northbound. By separating the conflicting traffic, vehicular
congestion is reduced providing an enhanced environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and
vehicles.
Please note that we have requested additional data to review accident and historical information
in this area.

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 11 of 12
Summary
Based upon the analyses contained within this Traffic Study two Improvement Alternatives are
feasible from a traffic operational standpoint. Of these two alternatives, the long-term
Improvement Alternative is preferred from a traffic operational standpoint. The following
summarizes the analyses and results of this report.
1. Based upon the existing conditions, a significant portion of the traffic conflict was
determined to be caused by transient traffic volumes utilizing Newark Avenue and
Paterson Avenue to access Paterson Plank Road and Jersey Avenue in Jersey City.
2. Multiple Improvement Alternatives were considered to improve traffic operations in the
southwest gateway area of Hoboken.

3. Short-Term Improvement involves upgrading the existing traffic signal at Paterson

Avenue & Jackson Street and providing a GPS Coordination System along Newark
Avenue. This alternative is the most economical and immediate short-term solution.
The long-term alternative provides a 15 % reduction in total delay during the AM peak
hour and a 3 % reduction in total delay during the PM peak hour with only upgrading
signal equipment and providing coordination.

4. In all cases it is clear the efforts must be made to coordinate all signals within the area
and to work with NJDOT and NJT to coordinate the City and County signals based on the
operation of the light rail.

5. Long Term Improvement involves the following improvements:

Provide a GPS Coordination System along Newark Avenue;

Constructing a traffic signal at the intersection of Observer Highway & Jackson
Street;
Upgrading the existing traffic signal at Paterson Avenue & Jackson Street;
Reconfiguring Paterson Avenue between Monroe Street and Harrison Street as
westbound only to create a Downtown Loop;
Constructing a traffic signal at the intersection of Observer Highway & Madison
Street and change existing turn lane to a dedicated left-turn lane and a shared leftturn/through/right-turn lane. Additionally, add storage capacity for WB right turning
traffic along Newark Avenue in the form of a right turn lane. This street segment will
remain one way NB; and

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Page 12 of 12

Adding a left turn lane on Harrison Street SB at the intersection with Observer
Highway. This change will improve SB throughput and decrease congestion at the
intersection.

This alternative provides a 22 % reduction in total delay during the AM peak hour and a
40 % reduction in total delay during the PM peak hour. This Long Term Alternative
relocates the Newark Avenue westbound traffic currently maneuvering right-turns onto
Jackson Street northbound to Madison Street northbound. This improvement will reduce
the traffic conflict at Newark Avenue & Jackson Street and reduce the traffic volumes on
Jackson Street northbound. This is the preferred Improvement Alternative.

Please contact this office should you have any questions or require additional information.
Very truly yours,
MASER CONSULTING P.A.

Approved
John J. Jahr, PTP, TSOS
Senior Associate
JJJ
Appendix
C:\Users\jjjahr\Desktop\160603_jdr_Hoboken SW Analysis_R4.docx

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Appendix

CITY OF HOBOKEN
TRAFFIC STUDY AND SYNCHRO MODEL,
SOUTH WEST
________________________________________________________________________

APPENDIX A
TRAFFIC FIGURES

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Appendix

CITY OF HOBOKEN
TRAFFIC STUDY AND SYNCHRO MODEL,
SOUTH WEST
________________________________________________________________________

APPENDIX B
EXISTING DATA

Ms. Brandy Forbes, Community Development Director

City of Hoboken
Traffic Study and Synchro Model, South West
MC Project No. 16000445A
Appendix

CITY OF HOBOKEN
TRAFFIC STUDY AND SYNCHRO MODEL,
SOUTH WEST
________________________________________________________________________

APPENDIX C
CAPACITY ANALYSIS