Get Started Studio | Bridgeport Way

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Photo: A 5-lane roadway near the edge of town. While the area is being absorbed, such roads often don't change to fit the emerging needs.

Description of Problem: In many communities, a 5-lane design is standard for commercial arterial streets or major roads on the outskirts of town. However, such a design typically uses a tremendous amount of space and is very pedestrian- and bicycle-UNfriendly.

- Such streets are quite wide for people who need to cross on bike or foot.
- The design tends to encourage high traffic speeds.
- The continuous two-way turn lane isn't a secure or safe place for pedestrians to stop.
- The turn lane also leads to a lack of access control and many commercial driveways.

This last problem is serious for both pedestrians and bicyclists because it creates a continuous traffic crossing zone along the street. Motorists turning into and out of the many driveways often don't notice those on foot or bike and, as a result, may not yield, as required by law.

In addition, streets like the one shown above may not have adequate street lighting and the pavement edge may be uneven and covered with debris.

Problem Statement: How can a major street be made more accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists, while at the same time accommodating the required traffic flow of motorized vehicles?

Bridgeport Way Ideas

The photo above shows a design that solves many of the problems identified. The continuous raised median eliminates much of the mid-block left-turning traffic; left turns are allowed at specific locations (e.g., intersections) where conflicts may be controlled.

The sidewalks on both sides encourage walking, as do the highly visible crossings with "pedestrian refuges" in the middle of the road. The refuges are particularly helpful during busy times, since they allow pedestrians to cross half of the street at a time. The bicycle lanes provide designated space for cyclists and also act as a buffer between pedestrians on the sidewalks and motor vehilces.

Note that the street is well-lit, with light standards in the median as well as along the sides of the street. These help motorists see pedestrians and bicyclists and predict their actions.

Finally, the curbs and gutters help reduce the amount of debris on the roadway, as compared to the ragged roadway edges in the "Before" example.

How to make it happen:

This is a substantial project – a major street makeover – and requires the cooperation of your community's decision-makers and the local transportation and planning agencies. It probably also requires a signoff from the state department of transportation, especially if the street is a designated "state route." And it will be important to get "buy-in" from the property owners along the street. All of this involves meeting the people involved and sharing your ideas.

For these reasons and because of the likely expense, a street makeover like this should not be the first project you attempt. However, if you have a target street corridor for such a treatment, check to see if there are plans to modify the existing street. Such projects would start out being mentioned in the local "Transportation Plan," so check out that document (ask your local planning or public works department).

The next step will be for the project to be included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). If you find the project identified in the TIP, that means it is scheduled to be worked on at some future date. There may be a project coming up that would, for instance, add new intersection signals and consolidate intersecting driveways to reduce turning movements. If this is the case, work to include sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and medians in the plan.

Remember: The earlier, the better in making changes like this. If the street is only mentioned in the Transportation Plan, then start lobbying for a more "complete street" approach. If a street project is in the TIP, you may be able to make sure it includes sidewalks, bike lanes, etc. However, if property for widening the street has already been bought and detailed improvement plans are settled, you may not be able to get much of a change. The earlier in the process you get involved, the easier it will be to get your ideas incorporated into the plan. )

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