chestnut branch connector feasibility study

June 2013

Chestnut Branch Connector Feasibility StudyGloucester County, NJ

NNJNJ

PA

DE

New York City

Wilmington

Baltimore

MD

BURLINGTON

CHESTER

MERCER

BURLINGTON

CAMDEN

GLOUCESTER

DELAWARE

PHILADELPHIA

MONTGOMERY

CHESTER

BUCKS

The symbol in 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 govern-

ments. The authors, however, are solely responsible for the findings and conclusions

herein, 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 (www.dvrpc.org)

may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can be

made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. For more information,

please call (215) 238-2871.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning

Commission is dedicated to uniting the

region’s elected officials, planning

professionals, and the public with a

common vision of making a great region

even greater. Shaping the way we live,

work, and play, DVRPC builds

consensus on improving transportation,

promoting smart growth, protecting the environment, and enhancing the economy. We

serve a diverse region of nine counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and

Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer in New

Jersey. DVRPC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the

Greater Philadelphia Region — leading the way to a better future.

i

Table of Contents

Introduction

Project Purpose

Report Structure

Segment Analyses

Segment 1: Mantua Portion

Mantua Portion Parcel Analysis

Mantua Portion Recommendations

Segment 2: Looney Trail

Looney Trail Parcel Analysis

Looney Trail Recommendations

Segment 3: Active Conrail Line I

Active Conrail Line I Parcel Analysis

Active Conrail Line I Recommendations

Segment 4: Glassboro Portion

Glassboro Portion Parcel Analysis

Glassboro Portion Recommendations

Segment 5: NJ 47 Connector

NJ 47 Connector Parcel Analysis

NJ 47 Connector Recommendations

Segment 6: On-Street Portion

On-Street Portion Parcel Analysis

On-Street Portion Recommendations

Segment 7: Active Conrail Line II

Active Conrail Line II Parcel Analysis

Active Conrail Line II Recommendations

Segment 8: Franklin Township and Newfield

Franklin Township and Newfield Parcel Analysis

Franklin Township and Newfield Recommendations

Summary

1

1

1

3

4

5

6

7

7

8

9

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

20

21

22

22

23

24

ii

Figures and Tables

Figures Figure 1: Proposed Alignment for Chestnut Branch Connector

Figure 2: Mantua Portion Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 3: Mantua Portion Parcel Analysis

Figure 4: Mantua Portion Recommendations

Figure 5: Looney Trail Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 6: Looney Trail Parcel Analysis

Figure 7: Looney Trail Recommendations

Figure 8: Active Conrail Line I Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 9: Active Conrail Line I Parcel Analysis

Figure 10: Active Conrail Line I Recommendations

Figure 11: Glassboro Portion Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 12: Glassboro Portion Parcel Analysis

Figure 13: Glassboro Portion Recommendations

Figure 14: NJ 47 Connector Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 15: NJ 47 Connector Parcel Analysis

Figure 16: NJ 47 Connector Recommendations

Figure 17: On-Street Portion Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 18: On-Street Portion Parcel Analysis

Figure 19: On-Street Portion Recommendations

Figure 20: Active Conrail Line II Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 21: Active Conrail Line II Parcel Analysis

Figure 22: Active Conrail Line II Recommendations

Figure 23: Franklin Township and Newfield Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 24: Franklin Township and Newfield Parcel Analysis

Figure 25: Franklin Township and Newfield Recommendations

Figure 26: Recommended Alignment for the Chestnut Branch Connector

Tables Table 1: Segment Descriptions

2

4

5

6

7

8

8

9

10

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

21

22

23

23

25

1

1

Introduction

Project Purpose

Report Structure

This report includes a description of each segment that details points of interest and existing

conditions. A parcel analysis is included for each section, except for segments that are entirely

on-road. Road characteristics (AADTs and speed limits) are included for any portion where on-

road routing is proposed or recommended.

Segment Name From To

1

Mantua Portion Alternative 1via NJ 55 and Atlantic Ave.

Chestnut Branch Park

(Mantua)

Lambs Road

(Pitman)

Mantua Portion Alternative 2via Main St.

Chestnut Branch Park

(Mantua)

Lambs Road

(Pitman)

2 Looney TrailLambs Road

(Pitman)

Bowe Boulevard

(Glassboro)

3 Active Conrail Line IBowe Boulevard

(Glassboro)

Sewell and Ellis Roads

(Glassboro)

4 Glassboro PortionSewell and Ellis Roads

(Glassboro)

Monroe Trail and NJ 47

(Glassboro)

5 NJ 47 ConnectorMonroe Trail and NJ 47

(Glassboro)

Academy Street

(Clayton)

6 On-Street PortionAcademy Street

(Clayton)

Fries Mill Road and NJ 47

(Franklin)

7 Active Conrail Line IIFries Mill Road and NJ 47

(Franklin)

West Boulevard

(Newfield)

8 Franklin Township and NewfieldWest Boulevard

(Newfield)

Atlantic County line

(Franklin)

Because of the length of the proposed trail and the wide variation in its condition, it was

necessary to divide the alignment into segments. Table 1 lists each segment, its origin, and its

terminus. Each segment is displayed on the map on the following page (Figure 1).

The purpose of this project is to evaluate a proposed trail alignment, detailed in GIS files

provided by Gloucester County planning staff, spanning several municipalities in central and

southeastern Gloucester County. The alignment, referred to tentatively as the Chestnut Branch

Connector, would link parks and open space with existing and proposed trails (like the Monroe

Trail and Bridgeton Secondary). Towns such as Glassboro (and Rowan University’s campus)

and Pitman are also located along the trail alignment.

To determine the feasibility of this trail, DVRPC staff conducted several field visits to evaluate

the alignment, locate barriers to implementation, and determine alternatives, where appropriate.

To supplement these field views, staff examined parcel information to determine property

ownership, when relevant, and provided traffic counts to facilitate informed decision making.

Table 1: Segment Descriptions

DVRPC 2012

2

FranklinTownship

ElkTownship

MonroeTownship

PittsgroveTownship

WashingtonTownship

MantuaTownship

Clayton

Glassboro

Vineland

WinslowTownship

UpperPittsgroveTownship

Pitman

Harrison Township

Newfield

DeptfordTownship

Elmer

Monroe Trail

Brid

geto

n Se

cond

ary

Trai

l(P

ropo

sed)

Frie

s M

ill R

oad

Bike

Lan

es

Chestnut

Branch TrailsCumberland County

Gloucester County

Camden County

Mantua PortionLooney TrailActive Conrail Line IGlassboro PortionNJ 47 ConnectorOn-Street PortionActive Conrail Line IIFranklin Township and Newfield

Alternative 2

Alternative 1

Clayton Trail

Segments:

´Figure 1: Proposed Alignment for Chestnut Branch Connector

DVRPC 2012

Bucks

Montgomery

Chester

Delaware

Glouces

ter

Camden

BurlingtonPhila

delph

ia

Mercer

STUDY AREA

3

Segment AnalysesThis section describes each of the eight segments that comprise the proposed trail alignment.

Each analysis has three component parts:

1. Segment Description and Existing Conditions

The segment, its limits, and points of interest are described and presented in an

accompanying map. Pictures are included to illustrate current conditions.

2. Parcel Analysis

When appropriate, a parcel analysis was done to identify the parties whose

cooperation is necessary for implementation and to further illustrate possible barriers

to implementation. No parcel analysis was done for on-road segments.

3. Recommendations

Recommendations for problem areas and issues, as well as alternatives (when

necessary), are made.

4

Alternative 2

Alternative 1

MantuaTownship

Wenonah

55

Main St

Lam

bs R

d

Mantua B

lvd

Barnsboro Rd

Pitman Rd

Mount Royal Rd

Atlantic Ave

Tyler

s Mill

Rd

New

St

Laurel Dr

Map

le A

ve

Barlow AveTrenton Ave

Suss

ex A

ve

C

Ow

ens

Ln

Lestershire Dr

Rambo Dr

Sale

m A

ve

Mar

ylan

d A

ve

Esse

x A

ve

Livi

ngst

one

Rd

P

Indi

ana

Ave

e

Garfield Ave

Mantua BlvdWoodbury Glassboro Rd

Chestnut BranchPark Ceres

Park

SewellBaseballFields

Main St

Main St

´

0 0.3 0.60.15 Miles

Segment 1: Mantua PortionThe proposed trail originates in Chestnut Branch Park (and connects to park trails) in Mantua

Township. From there, two alternatives are presented. The first alternative alignment would

head north through wooded land adjacent to Chestnut Branch Park (), circle the Sewell

Baseball Fields, and then travel east along active Conrail right-of-way (). At NJ 55, users

would head south along the western embankment of the highway until reaching a culvert that

crosses under NJ 55. Then, users would travel south through a wooded area that parallels NJ

55 () before coming out along Pitman-Barnsboro Road, where they would go east a short

distance and then south along Lambs Road until the end of this segment.

In the second alternative, from Chestnut Branch Park, the alignment heads east on Main Street

past Barnsboro Road. Users would turn south into Ceres Park and use existing pathways in

the park to reach the same culvert detailed in the first alternative, and then follow Pitman-

Barnsboro Road until the end of the segment. Figure 2 depicts both of these options.

DVRPC 2011 DVRPC 2011 DVRPC 2011

DVRPC 2011

Figure 2: Mantua Portion Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

5

MantuaTownship

Pitman

Wenonah

55

Main St

Lam

bs R

d

Mantua B

lvdBarnsboro Rd

Pitman Rd

M

Mount Royal Rd

Atlantic Ave

Tyler

s Mill

Rd

New

St

Rd

Laurel Dr

Map

le A

ve

Barlow AveTrenton Ave

Fairview Dr

Rambo Dr

Mantua Blvd

ChestnutBranch

Park


Cen

ter

St

Tylers Lake Rd

CeresPark

´

0 0.3 0.60.15 Miles

Alternative 2

Alternative 1

6,400(2008)

Parcel Ownership

Municipal

County

Conrail

County Road

State

Private Owner

Traffic Count (count year)

Figure 3 depicts the parcel analysis for this segment. For the first alternative, the

land just north of Chestnut Branch Park is largely owned by Mantua Township,

whereas the Sewell Baseball Fields and adjacent lands are privately owned.

Conrail owns the active rail line along Atlantic Avenue, and NJDOT owns the

culvert and the land in the right-of-way along NJ 55. On the east side of NJ

55, the county owns the land just north of Pitman-Barnsboro Road, where this

segment would end.

Looking at the second alternative, Ceres Park and much of the land adjacent to

it are publicly owned (by either the county or Mantua Township). The rest of

the alignment is on-road.

Figure 3: Mantua Portion Parcel Analysis

Mantua Portion Parcel Analysis

DVRPC 2012

6

Main St

Lam

bs R

d

Mantua Blvd

Barnsboro Rd

Pitman Rd

Mount Royal Rd

Atlantic Ave

Tyler

s Mill

Rd

New

St

Laurel Dr

Map

le A

ve

Cen

ter S

treet

Fairview Dr

Rambo Dr

Mar

ylan

d A

vee

E

Tylers Lake Rd

Main St

Main St

Mor

ris A

ve

MantuaTownship

Pitman

Wenonah

Chestnut BranchPark Ceres

Park


0 0.3 0.60.15 Miles

´

55

County Road

Proposed Alignment

Recommended Alignment

Issue Area

Existing Trail

Figure 4: Mantua Portion Recommendations

Mantua Portion Recommendations

Grade issues north of Chestnut Branch Park

Providing access to the trail along the active rail line east of Atlantic Avenue

Crossing issues at Tylers Mill Road and at Main Street

Remaining Issue Areas for Recommended Alignment:

There are complications with both alternatives. In regard to Alternative 1, grade issues are

present north of Chestnut Branch Park, and there may be issues with the rail right-of-way,

particularly when it separates from Atlantic Avenue east of East Morris Avenue. There are

crossing issues with any path that would run parallel to NJ 55 at Tylers Mill Road and Main

Street. Alternative 2 has potential issues with the narrow cartway of Main Street as well as

environmental issues in Ceres Park that make paving trails an unattractive option.

Staff recommends pursuing Alternative 1 because of the connections to the baseball fields in

Sewell as well as to the proposed Gloucester County Community College Connector Trail and

the potential siting of a future train station. Further, the majority of the alternative is off-road and

publicly owned.

DVRPC 2012

7

Figure 5 depicts the proposed alignment and existing conditions of the Looney Trail. West from

Lambs Road, there is an unnamed dirt road () that travels behind Alcoyn Park and the Rowan

Research Center. The trail would then cross over a small bridge into Pitman () and continue

along a clear path () to the playground at Looney Road. East of the playground the pathway

is overgrown and inaccessible until it re-emerges behind an apartment complex before ending

near Bowe Boulevard in Glassboro.

Alc

yon

Blv

d

Carew

Ave

Bow

e B

lvd

Flor

ence

A

ve

Carr Ave

Gra

nt A

ve

Lake

side

Dr

Lam

bs R

d

Center Ave

Cum

min

gs A

ve

Stafford Rd

Dub

ois

Rd

State Hw

y 55

Lake

view

Ave

Lakeside AvePo

inse

tt A

ve

Vassar Ave

Woodruff Rd

Loon

ey Rd

Beebe Rd

US Hwy 322

Pitman

Glassboro

Mantua Township

Alcoyn Park

RowanResearch Center

´0 .08 .16.04 Miles

Segment 2: Looney Trail


DVRPC 2011

Figure 5: Looney Trail Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Looney Trail Parcel Analysis

Figure 6 depicts the parcel analysis for the Looney Trail segment. From Lambs Road

east, the alignment traverses property owned by Rowan University and then by the

state’s New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority. The presented alignment continues

east through privately owned parcels until it enters Glassboro, where it crosses onto

municipal property. The segment ends at a privately owned apartment complex near

Bowe Boulevard.

8

US Hwy 322

State Hw

y 55

Lam

bs R

d

Alc

yon

Blv

d

Bow

e B

lvd

Carew

Ave

Flor

ence

A

ve

Carr Ave

Gra

nt A

ve

Rd

Lake

side

Dr

Center Ave

Swarthm

Cum

min

gs A

ve

Dub

ois

Rd

rvar

d R

d

Lake

view

Ave

Lakeside Ave Vassar Ave

C

Looney

Rd

Pitman

Glassboro

MantuaTownship


Alcoyn Park

GlassboroHigh

School

0 .08 .16.04 Miles

´

Staff found this segment, as presented by the county, to be feasible. However, Figure 7

depicts two small deviations the recommended alignment makes from the proposed alignment.

These deviations would avoid several private properties and instead traverse land owned first

by Rowan University and then publicly. From Lambs Road until the playground at Looney

Road, the alignment would use an accessible, existing path. East of the playground, the path

is imperceptible through the dense growth. However, there is room for a multi-use trail, and

some flexibility may exist in planning the alignment because of the amount of publicly owned

land in this segment. Finally, the recommended alignment would connect to the Conrail tracks

farther north in order to stay on public land and to connect to the next segment.

A trail in this location would make a great local amenity. With potential connections to

Alcoyn Park, the Rowan Research Center, the playground at Looney Road, Glassboro High

School, and the neighborhoods surrounding Alcoyn Lake, it could be targeted for near-term

implementation.

Proposed Alignment


Issue AreaFigure 7: Looney Trail Recommendations

Looney Trail Recommendations

Clearing and constructing a path through the overgrown area east of the

playground at Looney Road


DVRPC 2012

US Hwy 322

Alc

yon

Blv

dCarew

Ave

Edsa

m A

ve

Bow

e B

lvd

Carr Ave

Gra

nt A

ve

p

Lake

side

DrLa

mbs

Rd

Center Ave

Cum

min

gs A

ve

Dub

ois

Rd

State Hw

y 55

Lake

view

Ave

Lakeside Ave Vassar Ave

Pitman

Glassboro

MantuaTownship

Alcoyn Park


GlassboroHigh

School

´0 .08 .16.04 Miles

Parcel Ownership

Rowan University

Private Owner

Municipal

State

Utility

Figure 6: Looney Trail Parcel AnalysisDVRPC 2011

9

US Hwy 322

Girard Rd

Bow

e B

lvd

Whit

ney

Ave

Oakwood Ave

Swarth

more Rd

Beau Rivage Rd

Glassboro

´

0 0.1 0.20.05 Miles

Segment 3: Active Conrail Line IFigure 8 depicts the proposed alignment and existing conditions for the first portion of Conrail

line. From the Looney Trail, users would be directed onto a rail-with-trail facility that would

run south with the active Conrail line ( and ) and parallel Rowan University. The segment

crosses two significant roads, Bowe Boulevard and US 322, before ending just north of

Oakwood Avenue ().


DVRPC 2011

Figure 8: Active Conrail Line I Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 9 depicts the parcel analysis for this segment. According to DVRPC parcel data, the

rail tracks and land abutting it are owned by Glassboro Borough. Most of the land adjacent

to the track is publicly owned, either by the state or the borough. Rowan University owns

some of the land on the north side of this segment as well.

Active Conrail Line I Parcel Analysis

10

US Hwy 322

High St

Girard Rd

New St

Bow

e B

lvd W

hitne

y A

ve

Oakwood Ave

Hamilton R

d

Swarth

more Rd

Victoria

Beau Rivage Rd

Ruth Mancuso Ln

Glassboro

0 0.1 0.20.05 Miles

´

GlassboroHigh

School North Campus

Drive

The proposed alignment is feasible but challenging because the rail is active. Instead, staff

recommends crossing the railroad tracks at Ruth Mancuso Lane onto Glassboro High School

property and circling the perimeter of the school fields until reaching the intersection of Bowe

Boulevard and North Campus Drive. Currently, this intersection is unsignalized, but a signal

could be installed to create a safe crossing and regulate traffic. The alignment would cross

Bowe Boulevard into Rowan’s campus and turn south onto a service road that connects to a

university parking lot (although the lot is state owned, as indicated in the parcel analysis above).

Here, the alignment would continue south along the perimeter toward US 322. A ramp would

be required to bring the trail level with the road.

The alignment would cross over US 322 and the railroad tracks again and onto Girard Road,

where it would travel on-road until Oakwood Avenue.

Proposed Alignment


Issue AreaFigure 10: Active Conrail Line I Recommendations

Active Conrail Line I Recommendations

Bringing the trail to the same grade as US 322 as it exits the Rowan parking

lot

Crossing US 322 due to traffic volumes and a lack of signalization


DVRPC 2012

US Hwy 322

Girard Rd

St

New St

Bow

e B

lvd

Whit

ney

Ave

Oakwood Ave

Victoria

Ave

Beau Rivage Rd

North Campus

Drive

Ruth Mancuso Ln

Glassboro

GlassboroHigh

School

´

0 0.1 0.20.05 MilesParcel Ownership

Municipal

Conrail

Rowan University

State

Private Owner

Figure 9: Active Conrail Line I Parcel AnalysisDVRPC 2011

11

Mai

n S

t

High St

Ellis St

Monroe Trail

New St

Sewell StGirard Rd

Grove St

Wilmer St

State Hw

y 47

State St

Lake

St

Cou

nty

Hw

y 63

7

Uni

on S

t

Whitney Ave

Oakwood Ave

Buck

Rd

Church St

Prince

ton

Rd

Popl

ar S

t

Franklin Rd

Liberty St

Hol

ly S

tDickinson Rd

William

s St

Cornell Rd

University Blvd

Zane St

Victoria Ave

Georgetown Rd

Deptford Rd

Messina St

Falco

n Ave

War

rick

Ave

Aca

dem

y St

Owen Ave

e Rd

Glassboro Ave

College AveGifford St

East Blvd

Redmond Ave

New St

GlassboroSports

Complex

Rowan Blvd

GlassboroWasteFacility

Aca

dem

y St

Glassboro

ElkTownship0́ 0.1 0.20.05 Miles

Segment 4: Glassboro PortionFigure 11 depicts the proposed alignment and existing conditions along the Glassboro section.

South of Oakwood Avenue, the alignment switches from the active Conrail line to an

abandoned rail right-of-way until Sewell Street, where it travels east along Sewell until the

Glassboro Sports Complex (). From here, it travels around the perimeter of the park, crosses

over active Conrail tracks, and traverses another segment of abandoned rail (), crossing

Union and Main Streets.

At Academy Street, the alignment would shift briefly on-road and then turn east through a

municipally owned lot connecting to Messina Street. It then turns south onto Williams Street

before turning east again and traveling along the abandoned rail right-of-way north of Grove

Street. Eventually, it connects to the Monroe Trail (). This segment is already being designed,

with some funding secured for its eventual construction.


DVRPC 2011

Figure 11: Glassboro Portion Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

12

Mai

n S

tHigh St

Ellis St

New St

Sewell St

Girard Rd

Grove St

Wilmer St

State Hw

y 47

State St

Lake

St

Cou

nty

Hw

y 63

7

Uni

on S

t

Whitney Ave

Oakwood Ave

Buck

Rd

Church St

Princ

eton

Rd

Popl

ar S

t

Liberty St

Franklin Rd

Hol

ly S

t

William

s St

Mic

k A

ve

Cornell Rd

University Blvd

Victoria Ave

Georgetown Rd

Read

ing

St

Deptford Rd

Messina St

War

rick

Ave

Aca

dem

y S

t

College AveGifford St

East Blvd

New St

Rowan Blvd

Aca

dem

y St

Glassboro

Elk Township

GlassboroSports

Complex


0́ 0.1 0.20.05 Miles

Parcel Ownership

Conrail

Private Owner

County Road

Municipal

County

State

Utility

Rowan University

Figure 12 depicts the parcel information for the off-road portions. The abandoned

rail right-of-way is owned by Conrail. The Glassboro Sports Complex is publicly

owned. East of the park until Academy Street, the right-of-way is owned by

Conrail as well. From Academy Street until the junction with the Monroe Trail,

the right-of-way is publicly owned.

Figure 12: Glassboro Portion Parcel Analysis

Glassboro Portion Parcel Analysis

DVRPC 2011

13

Figure 13 depicts recommendations for this segment. As proposed by the county, this

segment’s alignment is feasible, but there are some significant issues. If the off-road option

is pursued, the abandoned rail right-of-way is wide enough for a multi-use trail, although an

arrangement with Conrail would be necessary, and significant work would have to be done

clearing the area. This old rail line continues south as the proposed Bridgeton Secondary Trail

that extends into Cumberland and Salem counties.

As in the previous section, an on-road alternative is proposed for short- to medium-term

implementation. Users can ride on Girard Street (continued from the previous segment) until

Ellis Street. From Ellis Street, it is a short distance until users would turn east onto Sewell

Street. From Sewell Street, the alignment recommended here is the same as the county’s

proposal. However, two issues would remain. The trail will cross the active Conrail right-of-way

just below Zane Street, a potentially dangerous situation for trail users. Also, the trail will cross

busy NJ 47. Warning signs at this location would be necessary.

Glassboro Portion Recommendations

Crossing active railroad tracks

Crossing NJ 47


Mai

n S

t

High St

Ellis St

New St

Sewell St

Girard Rd

Grove St

Wilmer St

State Hw

y 47

State St

Lake

St

Cou

nty

Hw

y 63

7

Laurel St

Uni

on S

t

Whitney Ave

Oakwood Ave

Buck

Rd

Church St

Oak St

Princ

eton

Rd

Popl

ar S

t

Franklin Rd

Hol

ly S

t

William

s St

Cornell Rd

University Blvd

Mic

k A

ve

Zane St

Victoria Ave

Georgetown Rd

Villanova Rd

Deptford RdRe

adin

g S

t

Grillo Ave

War

rick

Ave

Aca

dem

y S

t

Owen Ave

Glassboro Ave

College Ave

East Blvd

New St

Glassboro

ElkTownship

GlassboroSports

Complex


0́ 0.1 0.20.05 Miles

County Road

Proposed Alignment


Issue Area

Existing Trail

Figure 13: Glassboro Portion Recommendations

Z

DVRPC 2011

14

Clayton

Glassboro

Monroe Trail

47

£322

Academy St

Stanger Ave

Carpenters Ave

Center St

Howard Street

Gre

en St

Earl Ave

Atl

Clayton Aura Rd

Fairview Rd

Costill Ave

Truman Ave

8th Ave7th Ave

Wilson Ave

Euclid Ave

Buckboard Dr

Page Ave

Main St

Filbert St

Garw

ood Blvd

ClaytonHigh

School

Clayton Trail

´

AAt0 0.2 0.40.1 Miles

Segment 5: NJ 47 ConnectorFrom the intersection of the Monroe Trail and NJ 47, the alignment would continue south for

two and a half miles via bicycle lanes on NJ 47. The alignment turns left onto Howard Street

and then onto the Clayton Bike Path, which travels around the perimeter of Clayton High

School, through a wooded area, and behind a subdivision just north of Academy Street. This

segment would continue south onto Garwood Boulevard, either on- or off-road, until ending at

Academy Street.

DVRPC 2011

Figure 14: NJ 47 Connector Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

15

9,947 (2009)

Clayton

Glassboro

ElkTownship

MonroeTownship

Monroe Trail

47

Academy St

Stanger Ave

Carpenters Ave

Center St

Clinton St

Gre

en St

Earl Ave

Atlantic A

ve

Clayton Aura Rd

Fairview Rd

Costill Ave

Truman Ave

8th Ave7th Ave

Wilson Ave

Euclid Ave

Page Ave

WLinden St

Main St

Filbert St

Clayton Trail

ClaytonHigh

School

´0 0.2 0.40.1 Miles

13,450 (2010)

County Road


Existing Trail

Much of the alignment in this segment is on-road. NJ 47 has an AADT of over 10,000 cars

per day and a speed limit of 50 miles per hour. The Clayton Bike Path is located on privately

owned land.

Figure 15: NJ 47 Connector Parcel Analysis

NJ 47 Connector Parcel Analysis

DVRPC 2012

16

Monroe Trail

Academy St

Stanger Ave

Carpenters Ave

Center St

Clinton St

Coyle Rd

Linden St

Earl Ave

Atlantic A

ve

Clayton Aura Rd

Carvin St

Costill Ave

Truman Ave

Filbert St

8th Ave7th Ave

Church Ln

Wilson Ave

Euclid Ave

Page Ave

Main St

Filbert St

Clayton Trail

Clayton

Glassboro

ip

MonroeTownship

´0 0.2 0.40.1 Miles

47

The alignment as depicted is feasible. NJ 47 has high traffic volumes and speeds, so bicycle

lanes should be buffered physically or with striping, and/or they should be sufficiently wide (7–8

feet or more) to provide additional separation between cyclists and vehicular traffic. Speed limits

should be lowered as well, if possible. Signage will be needed to direct people to the Clayton

Bike Path. Staff also recommends striping bicycle lanes on Academy Road the entire way to NJ

47 to increase the connectivity of the bicycle network and to provide a less circuitous option.

Figure 16: NJ 47 Connector Recommendations

NJ 47 Connector Recommendations

County Road

Proposed Alignment


Issue Area

Existing Trail

DVRPC 2011

Creating a comfortable

environment for

bicyclists on NJ 47,

despite high speeds and

volumes.

Remaining Issue Areas for

Recommended Alignment:

17

Clayton Trail

Fries Mill Rd

Monroe Trail

State Hw

y 47

Academy St

Grant Ave

Coles Mill Rd

Willi

amsto

wn Rd

US Hwy 322

Stanger Ave

Clayton Ave

East

A

ve

Washington Ave

Carpenters Ave

Center St

Chestnut St

Jack

son

Ave

Hall Ave

Clinton St

Madison Ave

Carpenter Ave

Blackw

ood

Ave

Vin

e S

t

Gre

en St

Clearfield Ave

Arlington Dr

Clayton W

illiamstown Rd

Scotland Run Ave

Holly Rd

Stanger Ave

ScotlandRunPark

Frie

s M

ill R

d

Franklin Townshp

Clayton

MonroeTownship

Glassboro

0́ 0.5 10.25 Miles

Segment 6: On-Street Portion

From the NJ 47 Connector, users would travel east on Academy Street () to Fries Mill Road,

where they could continue east into Scotland Run Park (). Bicycle lanes would be striped

north on Fries Mill Road, connecting to existing lanes around Holly Road (). Bicycle lanes

would also be striped to the south until the junction of Fries Mill Road and Blackwood Avenue,

where they would continue on Blackwood Avenue, past the library, until NJ 47, where users

would then be directed off-road through a wooded area to an active Conrail right-of-way,

where this segment ends.

DVRPC 2011

DVRPC 2011

DVRPC 2011DVRPC 2011

Figure 17: On-Street Portion Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

18

Clayton Trail

Frie

s M

ill Rd

Monroe Trail

NJ 47

Academy St

Grant Ave

Coles Mill Rd

Willi

amsto

wn Rd

Stanger Ave

Clayton Ave

East

A

ve

Washington Ave

Carpenters Ave

Center St

High St

Chestnut St

Jack

son

Ave

Hall Ave

Clinton St

Madison Ave

Carpenter Ave

Blackw

ood

Ave

Gre

en St

Arlington Dr

Clayton William

stown Rd

Har

rison

A

ve

Scotland Run Ave

Holly Rd

Stanger Ave

Frie

s M

ill R

d

FranklinTownship

Clayton

MonroeTownship

Glassboro

5,912 (2009)

1,200 (2010)

4,365 (2008)

4,537 (2009)

5,695 (2009)

8,906 (2008)

ScotlandRunPark

NJ 47

NJ 55

CR 610

0́ 0.5 10.25 Miles

The properties just north of the Conrail right-of-way are all privately owned, as depicted on

Figure 18. The rest of this segment is on-road, so no parcel analysis is necessary. Instead, traffic

volumes along Fries Mill Road, Blackwood Avenue, and Academy Street are shown. Both

Blackwood Avenue and Fries Mill Road are county roads.

Parcel Ownership

Conrail

Private Owner

County Road


Figure 18: On-Street Portion Parcel Analysis

On-Street Portion Parcel Analysis

DVRPC 2012

19

Frie

s M

ill Rd

State Hw

y 47

Academy St

Grant Ave

Willi

amsto

wn Rd

Monroe Trail

Coles Mill Rd

Stanger Ave

Clayton Ave

East

A

ve

Washington Ave

Royal Ave

Carpenters Ave

Swedesboro Rd

Pennsy

lvania

Ave

Willow

Grove Rd

Chestnut St

Jack

son

Ave

Porchtown R

d

US Hwy 322

Hall Ave

Madison Ave

Fairview Rd

Clayton Aura Rd

Whitney Ave

Blackw

ood

Ave

Reed Ave

Green St

Clayton Williamstown

Rd

Arlington Dr

Scotland Run Ave

Borough Ave

Jack

son

Ave

Stanger Ave

Cenco Blvd

DelseaRegional

High School

Frie

s M

ill R

d

FranklinTownship

Clayton

Glassboro

MonroeTownship

ElkTownship

ScotlandRunPark

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

´

Clayton Trail

The on-road facilities proposed by the county are feasible. To enhance access to the new

facilities along NJ 47 (Segment 4), bicycle lanes should be striped on Academy Street (AADT

5,900) all the way to NJ 47. In addition to using Blackwood Avenue, Fries Mill Road south of

the Blackwood intersection should be striped with bicycle lanes to provide access to Delsea

Regional High School.

To further enhance bicycling along Fries Mill Road, the speed limit (currently 50 miles per

hour) should be lowered and a buffer should be painted onto the road between bicycle lanes

and traffic lanes, creating additional separation between cyclists and vehicular traffic.

County Road

Proposed Alignment


Issue Area

Existing Trail

Figure 19: On-Street Portion Recommendations

On-Street Portion Recommendations

DVRPC 2012

Remaining Issue Areas for

Recommended Alignment:

Lower speed limit

and paint buffer along

bicycle lanes on

Fries Mill Road and

Blackwood Avenue

to enhance safety and

comfort for cyclists.

20

FranklinTownship

CumberlandCounty

NewfieldUS H

wy 40

State Hwy 47 West Blvd

Oak Ave

Dut

ch M

ill R

d

Porchtown Rd

Fries Mill Rd

M

Gru

bb Rd

Blac

kwoo

d A

Pear

l St

Leon

ard

Cak

e R

d Malaga Lake Drive

Church StNel

son

Ave

Elm

er S

t

Main St

St

Old

Mar

shal

l M

ill Rd

Wal

l S

t

Sale

m A

ve

MalagaLake

´

St

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

Segment 7: Active Conrail Line II

The proposed alignment of this segment uses an existing, active Conrail line to travel east

through Franklin Township. On average, the Conrail right-of-way measures about 50 feet with a

single track in most parts (, , and ). The proposed alignment continues along this right-of-

way for approximately four and a half miles (including under NJ 47) until N West Boulevard in

Newfield Borough.

DVRPC 2011 DVRPC 2011DVRPC 2011

DVRPC 2011

Figure 20: Active Conrail Line II Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Figure 21 depicts the parcel map for this segment. The proposed alignment runs east

along an active rail right-of-way owned entirely by Conrail. The only exceptions are

parcels north of Porchtown Road in Franklin Township, along the far western portion of

this segment, which are privately owned. The alignment crosses these parcels as the On-

Street Portion connects to this segment.

Active Conrail Line II Parcel Analysis

21

FranklinTownship

Newfield

Vineland

US Hwy 4

0

State Hwy 47 N West Blvd

Lake

Rd

Oak Ave

Dut

ch M

ill R

d

Porchtown Rd

Fries Mill Rd

Morris

Ave

Gru

bb Rd

Blac

kwoo

d A

ve

Col

umbi

aAve

Leon

ard

Cak

e R

d

Malaga Lake Drive

Not

hnick

Ln

Nel

son

Ave

Old

Mar

shal

l M

ill Rd

Sale

m A

ve

MalagaLake

´́

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

While the right-of-way is overgrown and difficult to access at points, the proposed

alignment is feasible (pertaining to infrastructure or available space). Additionally, some

segments of the Conrail property run through publicly owned lands, giving some flexibility in

the design of the trail alignment. The parcels north of Porchtown Road are privately owned,

but the land is wooded, and there is room to build a short off-road segment without impacting

existing structures or yards.

If rail-with-trail is impermissible, staff has recommended an on-road alternative. From

Fries Mill Road (in Segment 6), bicycle lanes can be striped along NJ 47 for almost three miles.

It would then continue south on NJ 47/NJ 40 briefly before turning onto N West Boulevard,

which becomes County Road 615.

While only County Road 615/West Boulevard south of Columbia Avenue is currently wide

enough for bicycle lanes (north of Columbia, the shoulders are six feet or less, and there is

only one lane in each direction), parcel records indicate that there is extra space within the

existing right-of-way to add bicycle lanes to remaining sections of County Road 615 and US 40

without having to acquire additional right-of-way.

County Road

Proposed Alignment


Area of IssueFigure 22: Active Conrail Line II Recommendations

Active Conrail Line II Recommendations

Pedestrians currently use the shoulders to travel along the corridor. If bicycle

lanes were striped onto the road, pedestrians would have to find, or be

provided with, alternative accommodations.

The intersection of NJ 47 and NJ 40 is challenging. Speed is a concern, and

directional signage for trail users would be very important.


DVRPC 2012

Franklin Township

CumberlandCounty

NewfieldUS Hwy 4

0

State Hwy 47 N West Blvd

Penn

sylv

ania A

ve

Oak Ave

Dut

ch M

ill R

d

Porchtown Rd

Fries Mill Rd

Gru

bb Rd

Helena

St

Catawba

A

Har

ris A

ve

Col

umbi

aAve

Leon

ard

Cak

e R

d

County Hwy 615

Not

hnick

Ln

Roos

evel

t A

ve

Church StNel

son

Ave

Elm

er S

t

Old

Mar

shal

l M

ill R

d

´́

0 0.5 10.25 Miles

Parcel Ownership

Municipal

County

Conrail

Private Owner

County Road

UtilityFigure 21: Active Conrail Line II Parcel Analysis

DVRPC 2011

22

Main Rd

Weymouth Rd

Blue

Bel

l Rd

Strawberry Ave

Gorgo LnPea

rl St

Rena St

Forest Grove Rd

Arch St

West Blvd

Mulberry

Forsythia Dr

Hazel Ave

Franklin Township

CumberlandCounty

Newfield

´0 0.25 0.50.125 Miles

Segment 8: Franklin Township and Newfield

DVRPC 2011DVRPC 2011DVRPC 2011

DVRPC 2011

Figure 23: Franklin Township and Newfield Proposed Alignment and Existing Conditions

Franklin Township and Newfield Parcel Analysis

Figure 23 depicts the proposed alignment of this segment and photographs of existing

conditions. From the active Conrail right-of-way at Rena Street (Segment 7), the alignment

continues along an abandoned, overgrown rail right-of-way headed east (). At Gorgo Lane,

there are large piles of dirt and debris in the right-of-way (). The alignment continues past

Forsythia Drive and over Weymouth Road. From here to Main Road, the alignment is clear

and open (), although there is some evidence it is used by adjacent property owners. Once

over Main Road, a driveway appears to have been built in the right-of-way, blocking access and

further exploration between Main Road and Blue Bell Road.

East of Blue Bell Road, the alignment is impassible and difficult to find through trees and brush.

Aerial imagery indicates that several buildings have been built in the alignment as well as

several driveways.

As depicted in Figure 24, the majority of parcels in this segment are in private

ownership, and some structures have been built in what was previously the rail

right-of-way. A small parcel on Weymouth Road is owned by the South Jersey Gas

Company. Newfield Borough owns several lots near Gorgo Lane.

23

Main Rd

Weymouth Rd

Blue

Bel

l Rd

Rd

Strawberry Ave

Mad

ison

A

ve

Gorgo LnPea

rl St

Rena St

Forest Grove Rd

Arch St

West Blvd

Forsythia Dr

Franklin Township

CumberlandCounty

Newfield

´Miles0 0.25 0.50.125

Despite property ownership issues, the proposed alignment is largely feasible. At

Forsythia Drive, users would have to be directed on-road for a quarter of a mile along

Weymouth Road because of structures in the proposed alignment. Some rerouting may have

to be done around Gorgo Lane, depending on Newfield Borough’s plans for those properties.

East of Blue Bell Road, the alignment is undetectable through the woods, but aerial imagery

indicates that homes and driveways have been built in the right-of-way, so some rerouting will

have to be done to avoid these structures. These deviations can be seen in Figure 25.

It should be noted that across the Atlantic County line, a trail runs along this same right-of-way.

However, as that trail approaches the Gloucester County line, it is diverted south. Connecting

to this trail would link trail users into downtown Buena, Atlantic County, and the feasibility of

such a connection should be studied.

Proposed Alignment


Issue AreaFigure 25: Franklin Township and Newfield Recommendations

Franklin Township and Newfield Recommendations

Rerouting may be necessary at Gorgo Lane, depending on future

development plans

Alignment would have to shift on-road at Weymouth Road because of

structures in the path of the proposed alignment

Private structures have encroached on proposed alignment


DVRPC 2011

Main Rd

Weymouth Rd

Blue

Bel

l Rd

Flora RdStrawberry Ave

Mad

ison

A

ve Gorgo Ln

Pearl S

t

Forest Grove Rd

Rena St

West Blvd

Arch St

Mulberry

Forsythia Dr

R

Forest Grove R

d

Franklin Township

CumberlandCounty

Newfield

´0 0.25 0.50.125 Miles

Parcel Ownership

Municipal

Utility

Conrail

Private Owner

Figure 24: Franklin Township and Newfield Parcel AnalysisDVRPC 2011

24

Summary

Some segments, while feasible, may be more complicated. Any trail proposed to run alongside

active rail right-of-way would require negotiations with the owner to allay safety concerns.

There is no single accepted standard for designing these types of trails, although it is accepted

that there must be at least 10 feet between the center of the tracks and the trail. All of the

segments that run alongside the active Conrail line meet this requirement, but there may be

other concerns that arise.

A map of the recommended segments is shown in Figure 26. Many of the recommended

segments coincide with the proposed alignment, demonstrating that much of what is proposed

by the county is feasible. In particular, the following segments represent significant opportunities

to improve access and could be short-term priorities.

The Looney Trail (Segment 2)

The Looney Trail would extend from Lambs Road in Mantua Township to

Rowan’s campus at Bowe Boulevard. It could provide access to the campus

of Rowan University, Rowan Research Center, as well as to residents on the

north side of the proposed alignment. Much of the trail could be built on

publicly owned land, and there is some flexibility in its routing.

Extension of Monroe Trail through Glassboro (Segment 4)

Extending the Monroe Trail west from its current terminus at NJ 47 would

improve access into Glassboro as well as create a link to the planned

Bridgeton Secondary Trail, which will extend south to Salem County. Providing

on-road facilities from the trail to Rowan’s campus and downtown Glassboro,

would further enhance these connections.

25

FranklinTownship

ElkTownship

MonroeTownship

PITTSGROVE

WashingtonTownship

MantuaTownship

Clayton

Glassboro

Vineland

GloucesterTownship

WinslowTownship

Upper PittsgroveTownship

Pitman

HarrisonTownship

Newfield

DeptfordTownship

Elmer

Monroe Trail

Brid

geto

n Se

cond

ary

Trai

l(P

ropo

sed)

Clayton Trail

Mantua PortionLooney TrailActive Conrail Line IGlassboro PortionNJ 47 ConnectorOn-Street PortionActive Conrail Line IIFranklin Township and Newfield

Frie

s M

ill R

oad

Bike

Lan

es

Chestnut

Branch Trails

Segments:

Cumberland County

Gloucester County

Camden County

´Figure 26: Recommended Alignment for the Chestnut Branch Connector

DVRPC 2012

Publication Title:

Publication Number:

Date Published:

Geographic Area Covered:

Chestnut Branch Connector Feasibility Study, Gloucester County, NJ

12022

June 2013

New Jersey, Gloucester County, Clayton, Franklin Township, Glassboro, Mantua

Township, Newfield, Pitman

Key Words: Multi-use trails, feasibility studies, bicycles, pedestrians, bicycle facilities

Abstract: This project evaluates the viability of a multi-use trail spanning several municipalities in Gloucester

County, New Jersey. Staff conducted fieldwork and analyzed parcel data throughout the study area to determine

the trail’s feasibility. Where on-road bicycle facilities are considered, traffic speeds and volumes were consulted.

Alternatives are recommended when a particular segment of trail is determined to be infeasible or challenging.

Staff Contacts:

Cassidy Boulan

Transportation Planner

215.238.2832

[email protected]

chestnut branch connector feasibility study

Documents