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Council supports studying one-way conversion, bike and pedestrian improvements for South Ridgeway Avenue
Summary
Council directed staff to pursue the Ridgeway Avenue one-way analysis recommendations, engage the Active Mobility Commission and meet with Norfolk Southern about parking near the rail yard. Residents urged the change, citing frequent pedestrian conflicts on the narrow street.
Council members discussed a staff-supported plan to convert South Ridgeway Avenue (and a portion of Sutton Avenue) to one-way traffic to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and to create space for a dedicated bike/pedestrian zone.
Michelle Kennedy, planning director, said a town-funded Ridgeway Avenue one-way analysis showed conversion could proceed without harming traffic flow; the major infrastructure change would include adjusting signal timing at Richardson and State Street and narrowing the vehicle lane to create room for a 12–14‑foot mixed-use lane plus a separated bike or pedestrian area.
Public comment strongly favored the change. Sydney Joyner, a South Ridgeway resident, described regularly dodging cars while walking her dog and said many nearby homes are short-term rentals with heavy pedestrian use. Business owners, including owner-operators at Bush Farmhouse, and residents with mobility challenges emphasized the safety problem caused by the narrow roadway, limited sidewalks and frequent foot traffic.
Staff noted an adjacent area currently used for informal parking sits inside Norfolk Southern’s right of way and that the railroad will inspect the property to determine whether parking there can remain; staff said Norfolk Southern will meet with town and restaurant representatives to explore options.
Next steps and guidance: Council directed staff to take the Ridgeway one-way analysis forward, engage the Active Mobility Commission for review and public input, coordinate a meeting with Norfolk Southern about parking options, and return to council with a refined plan and implementation steps. Staff said the change could create room for parallel parking near the restaurant if an agreement with the railroad is reached and that redevelopment of the former railyard parcel could provide additional sidewalk or parking opportunities.
Why this matters: Council members framed the proposal as aligned with the town’s Elevate Black Mountain plan and Active Mobility priorities, citing pedestrian safety, walkability and economic benefits of more walkable downtown corridors.
Ending: Staff will seek public‑commission input and report back; council encouraged residents to attend Active Mobility and planning meetings as the project moves forward.
