US Route 11 Potsdam Walkability, Bike-ability, & Transportation Study

Study Scope

Conduct a complete streets inventory and analysis of the study area and develop a concept plan for active transportation and traffic improvements along the corridor, with particular focus on specific locations in the corridor (such as: the entrances at Clarkson University, the south side of US 11 along Clarkson’s Property, the approaches to and crossing on the railroad bridge, intersection at Aldi/Walmart/TSC, paths to and from the Walmart area into the village). This is a multi-phased effort, this proposal only representing those parts of the study indicated in the tasks and activities below.

20221012 2022-006B Potsdam – US11 Study – Engagement & Options Proposal Package.pdf

Clarkson CEM Consulting Group Proposal

A copy of the technical proposal that was approved by the Town and Village of Potsdam as well as the Health Initiative.  Included is the draft schedule of the curent part of the study.

20221114a Public Kick-off Slides.pdf

Study Kick-off Presentation

Kick-off Presentation for the ongoing study.

Caeden Bailey & Elijah Doubleday

Current Study Information

Finalized Option Information

This brings together the previous work on the project, adding in feedback provided as part of the final public survey.  The Finalized Option ArcGIS Story for the proposed potential improvements along US Route 11 within the study area can be found at this link:  https://cu.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=ab6dda1ba80e4f2a927bd8a27926bf47.

20231212 Potsdam Route 11 Study - Final Report - w App.pdf

Final Project Report

12 December 2023

Erik Backus, Caeden Bailey, & Rebecca Kaminski

20231204 Route 11 Final Presentation.pdf

Project Final Presentation to the Village and Town of Potsdam on 4 and 12 December 2023

Erik Backus, Caeden Bailey, & Rebecca Kaminski

Historical Project Information

This area provides information from previous efforts as part of the study as a historic record and for background information.

Proposed Improvement Options Under Consideration

The following is a link to a preliminary ArcGIS Story for the proposed potential improvements along US Route 11 within the study area:  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2a840a1259184fd3bf647bfbe5adc81f.  These were posted in various locations for public comment.

20230304 2022-006B Potsdam – US11 Study - Survey Update Report.pdf

Public Survey Report

Results of the public survey that was active from Jul 22 to Mar 23

Caeden Bailey

Online Survey to give Feedback on the Proposed Improvement Options

Peer Review Video of the Proposed Options by National Expert Dan Burden

20230609 Burden - Peer Review - Potsdam Rt 11.pdf

Slide Show for the Peer Review of the Proposed Options by National Expert Dan Burden


20230613a Route 11 - Project Update Presentation.pdf

Presentation to the Town and Village of Potsdam on 13 and 20 June 2023

Caeden Bailey & Rebecca Kaminski

June 2023 Editorial - NNY360.com


Here is a recent Editorial by the Watertown Daily Times related to the Route 11 Study on 28 June 2023

"Erik C. Backus, a Clarkson University engineering professor, discussed the potential traffic problems with members of the Town Board at their Oct. 11 meeting. He persuaded the board to help fund ongoing research he’s been conducting on this issue.

Backus previously received a grant from the St. Lawrence County Health Initiative. He asked Town Board members to contribute $6,000 so he could complete the work he’s been doing on this matter.

Town Supervisor Ann M. Carvill expressed concerns about spending money to develop a proposal that could cost millions of dollars. She questioned where the money to finance the recommended improvements would come from.

Backus told her that government grants are available for this kind of work. He said a federal transportation grant could fund up to 80% of designated projects. Board members unanimously approved allocating the requested $6,000, and they made a wise choice."

Early Phase Survey and Public Meeting Information

Rt. 11 Public Meeting Ad.pdf

Early Phase Public Meetings Flyer

Flyer for the earlier public meetings, prior to the design charette

Initial Public Input Survey - Now Closed

Public survey to give feedback on the study and the conditions/improvements desired in the corridor.

20230304 2022-006B Potsdam – US11 Study - Survey Update Report.pdf

Public Survey Report

Results of the public survey that was active from Jul 22 to Mar 23

Caeden Bailey