Proposed Roundabouts Are Under Peer Review: What Does that Mean?
For the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), large and complex projects involve almost daily meetings and conversations to move the work from planning to design to construction to completion.
These discussions can include any number of internal or external partners and stakeholders; and the meetings sometimes include a process called a peer review.
Based on conversations with the City of Erie, its council and the public, it was determined the proposed roundabouts included in the Bayfront Parkway Central Corridor Improvement Project would undergo a peer review to ensure the best results to meet the purpose and need of the project and the safety needs of all users.
What is a peer review?
A peer review is an internal process where one consultant (peer) reviews the design work of the primary consultant to look for possible adjustments or improvements to the design. It includes a combination of meetings between the two consultant teams and PennDOT, such as an onsite field view and a roundabout design workshop.
In some instances, the independent reviews and calculations completed by the peer have led to recommendations for changes to the design.
In the case of the Bayfront Parkway Project, the primary consultant is ms Consultants, Inc. of Pittsburgh. The roundabout peer review consultant is Kittelson & Associates of Harrisburg, nationally recognized experts on roundabouts with a focus on pedestrian safety.
What information is reviewed?
The consultant charged with the peer review will look at a variety of factors to ensure the design is compliant with federal, state, and industry guidelines, as well as meets the needs of the 20-year traffic growth projections.
During the meetings, the consultant will see site conditions, evaluate traffic and safety needs, discuss conceptual traffic control strategies, and review other data collected related to the roadway.
They will also review any concerns brought forth through the public involvement process to determine if there is a need for updates to the design to address those concerns.
In the case of the Bayfront project, the consultant is also charged with reviewing information related to pedestrian safety at the roundabouts, including the needs of those who are visually impaired. This part of the process will focus on ensuring the roundabouts are the right size to balance the needs of all users.
Who reviews the information?
The consultant, contracted by PennDOT, leads the effort on the peer review. They are assisted by PennDOT, the primary consultant, and the peer review committee.
Among the members of the peer review committee for the Bayfront Parkway project will be a representative of the City of Erie Council and a member of the city’s administration team.
The committee will provide input and be kept apprised of progress and potential recommendations throughout the process. The tentative plan for the review calls for a minimum of two meetings between the consultant and the committee.
How long does the process take?
A typical peer preview process takes about three months to complete. The goal for the Bayfront Parkway roundabout review is to be finished and ready to share the results by the spring of 2021.
What is done with the findings?
The results of the roundabout peer review will be shared with PennDOT, the Bayfront Parkway Project Advisory Committee as well as with city council, and any potential changes recommended by the peer will be shared with the public for feedback at a public meeting.
Will the public know the results?
The public can learn about the results of the peer review by attending the public meeting expected to be held in the spring of 2021, or by going online to www.BayfrontParkwayProject.com or www.PennDOT.gov/ District1. Information will also be shared through the project Facebook group — Bayfront Parkway Project.
