University Drive bicycle plan draws mixed reaction at public hearing; road diet and bike lanes proposed

City transportation staff presented the University Drive bicycle facilities project at a public hearing on Feb. 25, showing a corridor plan with three distinct sections: shared-lane markings (sharrows) through Old Town, a road diet with dedicated bike lanes between Leighton Hall Drive and North Street, and intersection improvements at Leighton Hall intended to reduce conflict points.

Key elements and funding: The middle segment would be restriped from four vehicle lanes to two through lanes with a center two-way left-turn lane and bike lanes on each side; the plan includes removal of a northbound right-turn slip lane at Leighton Hall, the addition of a pedestrian refuge island and green conflict markings at major intersections, and resurfacing across the corridor. Staff estimated a project cost around $2,019,000 and said funding is in place through Transportation Alternatives, regional surface-transportation funds and the required local match.

Public concerns and staff responses: Several residents and bicyclists supported the project but urged stronger protection than sharrows in the Old Town segment; commenters recommended raised or curb-level bike lanes, removable concrete barriers and green paint to increase visibility. Staff and consultants said they considered physical separators (flex or vertical posts) but did not recommend them now because of maintenance, snowplow and emergency-vehicle constraints; they said flex posts are primarily visual and that the project team would monitor conditions and could add separation later if warranted.

Next steps: The public hearing record remains open to March 7 for written comments; staff will finalize 90%-100% plans, respond to comments, and anticipate issuing a construction IFB later this year with construction beginning next year, subject to final design and contract award.