Lower Manhattan – Jamaica/JFK Liberty International Airport Access Study Manhattan and Queens, NY

SIMCO, as part of a team, conducted a detailed traffic study of potential Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alternative routes between Lower Manhattan and the JFK Liberty International Airport in Queens.

Comprehensive field reconnaissance trips were documented by on-site photographs and video logs to ascertain the feasibility of potential BRT routes along the major roadways (e.g., Long Island Expressway, Van Wyck Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Nassau Expressway, Ocean Parkway, Queens Boulevard, and North/South Conduit Avenue), as well as the possible consideration of abandoned rail lines (i.e., Old Rockaway Branch, Atlantic Avenue, and Bay Ridge Lines).

SIMCO conducted a limited traffic count survey to update traffic flow database at the selected critical intersections identified along the roadway BRT alternatives. Capacity analysis of critical intersections was performed to ascertain the magnitude of any reserve capacity available along these BRT routes during the weekday AM and PM peak periods.

Graphic presentation summaries were prepared to indicate the existing physical and operational constraints and opportunities evaluated along the selected BRT routes. Combinations of on-site photographs, street maps and cross sections were used to visualize the essential features identified for the alternative BRT routes. The existence of sensitive land uses, such as schools, hospitals and churches, was clearly identified on the summaries for subsequent review and understanding by the involved transportation agencies. The possible bus stops for passenger pick-up and drop-off service at the origin-destination stations in Lower Manhattan and the JFK Airport, as well as bus layover areas, were defined on the presentation summaries.