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MTPO approves Gainesville plan for new pedestrian crossings on NW 13th Street
Summary
The MTPO unanimously approved the City of Gainesville's Transportation Alternatives application to add two pedestrian crossings and related safety work on NW 13th Street between University Avenue and 5th Avenue, with staff saying the concept already has FDOT PD&E approval and will move to final design and construction.
The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization voted unanimously Jan. 5 to transmit the City of Gainesville's Transportation Alternatives application for safety improvements on Northwest 13th Street between University Avenue and 5th Avenue.
The application, the only Transportation Alternatives submission this cycle, would add two new crossings — a raised crossing with an offset refuge at the southern location and an at‑grade crossing nearer 4th Avenue — along with corridor work intended to reduce spacing between crossings and improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities. MTPO staff said the concept plan grew from a city‑funded PD&E and that FDOT has approved the PD&E work.
"We do have approval from FDOT, for the PD and E," said Debbie Leisner, City of Gainesville Transportation Department, describing the current design status and noting that the package is intended for construction and final design funding.
Board members praised the project's focus on dense multimodal corridors. One member raised concerns about the offset or zigzag crossing design, saying it can be difficult for people using wheelchairs: "Like, it's very drastic and people in wheelchairs are like it's hard," the member said, asking staff to consider accessibility impacts during final design. City staff said the crossings would likely include push‑button controls and be consistent with treatments on nearby University Avenue, and that the design will move from a 30% concept to final design where minor adjustments could be made.
The board asked city staff and FDOT to review the median configurations and lane‑width questions as part of final design discussions. The board recorded a motion (mover: Cornell; second: Ward) to approve sending the application forward with that request; the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: the city will proceed toward final design and construction if funding is secured through the Transportation Alternatives program; staff said there may be limited adjustments in the final design phase but that the PD&E and permit approvals provide a strong basis for moving forward.
