The city is embarking on a significant infrastructure improvement initiative, allocating approximately $46 million to enhance safety and mobility across over 30 miles of major corridors and arterials. The planned upgrades include pavement resurfacing, lane reconfigurations, and the addition of shared and protected bike lanes, as well as various traffic calming measures such as curb ramp upgrades and enhanced crosswalks.
Key areas targeted for these improvements include Union Boulevard, Goodfellow Boulevard, Jefferson Avenue, and Broadway, among others. The city is also focusing on the top ten intersections with the highest crash rates, which will be integrated into the overall safety enhancement program. Notable intersections include Broadway at Washington and Kings Highway Boulevard at Delmar.
The timeline for project procurement is extensive, averaging around four and a half years due to necessary compliance with laws and regulations. However, the city has streamlined some processes by engaging consultants early and incorporating funds into existing contracts to expedite project initiation. Currently, the city is managing approximately $450 million in construction contracts, with plans to bid two additional projects by November 21.
In addition to these immediate improvements, the city is developing a comprehensive transportation mobility plan, the first of its kind in decades. This plan aims to establish a long-term vision for transportation, focusing on safety, accessibility, and equitable investment. Public engagement has been a priority, with over 50 presentations and a statistically valid survey yielding more than 1,500 responses. Key themes emerging from this engagement include a strong emphasis on safety and the maintenance of infrastructure improvements.
The city anticipates having a draft of the transportation mobility plan ready for public feedback by early spring, with the goal of adoption by summer 2024. This initiative represents a proactive approach to addressing the city's transportation needs and enhancing the overall safety and accessibility of its roadways.