Council approves Hudson Street/Hudson-area appropriation and pilots protected Town Street cycle track

Greenville City Council approved an ordinance to appropriate $241,976 to support the Hudson Street Bridge replacement and the Town Street improvement project, including funding that will support a pilot protected, bi-directional cycle track on Town Street.

City staff member Clint explained that the Town Street road-diet project will convert the roadway between Elford Street and Park Avenue to include a protected, bi-directional cycle track with concrete curbing, delineated parking and specific truck/bus parking accommodations for event overflow. "When you say cycle track that means two lanes in opposite directions." he said. "Correct. It's a bi-directional bike lane."

Clint said resurfacing work is expected in mid to late July and the bike-infrastructure components would follow, with the city targeting completion "by the end of this summer." He described the pilot as a test for a more robust, aesthetic approach to bike protection than painted buffers and delineators, and council members asked whether the approach would be deployed elsewhere if successful. Staff said they hope to use the pilot as a model for future projects.

Council members also asked about safety, lighting under Academy Street Bridge, and on-street parking configurations. Staff cited coordination with the arena developer, a local church, Yugata and Bikewalk Greenville as project partners. The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote.

Ending: With the ordinance approved, staff will continue design and contract work; council requested follow-up reviews of the pilot's performance and potential citywide application.