In a recent government meeting, officials presented findings from extensive public engagement efforts aimed at improving a key transportation corridor. The engagement included a pop-up event at the Old Town Christmas Festival, where 75 participants shared their priorities for enhancements, alongside a public open house with 25 attendees and two virtual meetings with developers. The outreach also involved 240 letters sent to local business owners, resulting in 57 online comments.
The data collected revealed that approximately one-third of participants prioritized mobility improvements, particularly addressing traffic congestion. Other significant concerns included the need for better pedestrian infrastructure, enhanced connections to rail services, and overall safety improvements along the corridor.
A needs assessment report highlighted three main areas for improvement: supporting alternative transportation modes, addressing intersection capacity issues, and implementing access management strategies. The report noted existing gaps in sidewalks and a high incidence of pedestrian crashes, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced pedestrian safety measures.
To address these issues, officials outlined nine proposed projects, which include roadway and pedestrian improvements designed to enhance traffic flow and safety. Key proposals involve adding turn lanes at congested intersections, improving pedestrian crossings, and constructing a potential pedestrian bridge to connect to a transit station.
The projects are strategically packaged to strengthen funding applications, with various grants identified to support the initiatives. The meeting underscored a commitment to creating a safer, more efficient transportation network that accommodates both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, ultimately aiming to reduce congestion and improve overall mobility in the area.