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Transportation planner Ben Chambers outlines $11 million Smart Scale bid to reconfigure West Main and Ridge intersection
Summary
City transportation staff presented a VDOT STARS study recommending a one-way Water Street, protected bike facilities and signal changes at the West Main/Ridge intersection; staff said the preliminary cost estimate is $11 million, and a Smart Scale pre-application and targeted April outreach are next steps.
Ben Chambers, transportation planning manager with NDS, told Charlottesville City Council that a VDOT STARS study recommends changing Water Street to one-way, adding a protected bicycle facility and simplifying signal phasing at the West Main and Ridge intersection to reduce conflicts and improve safety.
The presentation described a design that moves motorists and cyclists through a reconfigured five-leg intersection, shortens crosswalks, provides leading pedestrian intervals and reserves space in the intersection to preserve a historic pedestal (the statue has been removed). “We want to make sure that we are improving safety for all road users,” Chambers said, pointing to a history of serious injuries and fatalities at the location.
Why it matters: Chambers said the design is intended to make the…
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