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Portsmouth reviews Link District corridor design; council appoints two-member committee
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Summary
A VHB consultant presented two typical-section alternatives for the grant-funded Link District corridor, and council agreed to a two-member committee to refine options and meet grant-related design timelines.
A consultant from VHB presented two design alternatives for Portsmouth's Link District corridor at the April 30 work session, asking council to confirm design priorities so federally-grant-funded work can remain on schedule.
The presentation emphasized two assumptions that guide typical-section alternatives: (1) keep construction within the existing right-of-way where possible to avoid delays from property impacts, and (2) include a median area that supports special events and provides room for turn lanes. The consultant described Alternative 1, which preserves a larger vegetative buffer and a raised separated cycle track, and Alternative 2, which fits angled parking but reduces vegetative space.
The consultant explained the trade-offs: Alternative 1 provides more green space and better tree canopy potential, while Alternative 2 increases pavement width and parking capacity. The presentation also proposed movable concrete planters in the median to preserve flexibility for special events.
Councilmembers debated parking types, pedestrian crossings and maintenance costs. One councilmember urged removing the median to gain parking capacity; others argued for mature tree canopy, understory planting and safer separated bike facilities. The consultant noted technical constraints for turn-lane transitions and noted that angled parking typically reduces safety for multimodal users, although back-in angled parking has different considerations.
Given the divergent preferences, Mayor Glover and City Manager Steven Carter asked two councilmembers to form a short committee with staff to refine an option that balances grant requirements, pedestrian/bike accommodations and parking needs. The council appointed Councilwoman Bridal and Councilman Tillich as the two-member committee; staff aim to return recommendations within roughly two weeks to allow design and budgeting to proceed.
No formal vote was taken on a single typical section; the consultant will work with the appointed committee and city staff to produce options the council can act on.
