Village of Plainfield Transportation Plan Curb and storm grate details The Village currently uses storm-grates that have bars parallel to the direction of travel and located within potential bike lanes. These grates are hazardous for bicyclists because bike tires can get stuck in them. Existing streets within the Village can be retrofitted by replacing standard drainage grates with a design that is compatible with bicycle use. This will improve mobility and comfort for bicyclists and reduce bicycle-related crashes.
Figure 4.11 Bicycle Compatible Drainage Grates Bicycle compatible drainage grates, like the one shown above, make shared lanes more compatible with bicycling. Source: Neenah Foundry
Crosswalks- Currently, busy streets like Route 59 do not have accommodations for trail connections across the intersections (119th, 127th, 135th, etc.). The trails need to be continued to the curb of the cross street with special crosswalk signals for trail users. The signal request button should be conveniently located for use by bikers. Railroad crossing improvements – Given the orientation of the railway lines in Plainfield, all the locations at which the shared-use path cross the railroad tracks are at acute angles. This is dangerous to bicyclists because it has the potential of trapping the bicycle‘s front wheel in the rail flange-way resulting in a loss of steering control. This issue can be addressed by widening the outside lane, shoulder, or bicycle lane to improve the angle of approach. Alternately, compressible flange-way fillers can also be used to fill the gaps between the asphalt and flange, but would need to be checked for replacement periodically. The top surface of the shared-use path and railway tracks should be level so that it is easier for the bicyclist to maneuver over them safely. The Village has secured a grant to help improve with the 135th Street railroad crossing in such a manner. Figure 4.12 The angular railroad crossing along Van Dyke Road
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