The following projects have been provided by ITE's public agency members in support of United for Infrastructure Week and Bike Month.
Longest Continuous Protected Bike Lanes Open, Victoria, British Columbia
British Columbia’s capital city is building on its reputation for success with the recent addition of 2.7 kilometres of protected bike lanes on Fort Street. This latest project opened in January 2024, connecting an existing downtown route to provide a total of 3.9 kilometers of continuous high-quality AAA urban infrastructure. The $9.4 million project also included underground utility renewal, road paving, new and upgraded crosswalks, sidewalk upgrades, new trees, traffic signals upgrades, a 40 km/h speed limit, rain gardens and placemaking features. Fort Street links the picturesque west-coast waterfront and central business district with housing, schools, recreation centres, hospitals, and community services. The City has built more than 32 kilometers of new AAA infrastructure since 2017, resulting in a 44% increase in cycling mode share to support residents and visitors alike.
Design Guide for Bus Stops Adjacent to Cycling Infrastructure, British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Many communities across North America have integrated cycling infrastructure along corridors with transit. A design solution that has increasingly been used involves an “island platform bus stop” which routes the cycling infrastructure behind the bus stop to maintain physical protection for people cycling while providing a platform for transit users. This design has created conflicts between cyclists and transit users, as it requires pedestrians to cross over the bicycle lane to access the bus stop. This has introduced some barriers, particularly for people with disabilities–including people with sight loss–to access the transit system. The BC Human Rights Tribunal (HRT) recently determined that by installing island platform bus stops, the City of Victoria discriminated against the complainant.
TransLink, in partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) recently developed the Design Guide for Bus Stops Adjacent to Cycling Infrastructure to address a significant gap in knowledge. The Design Guide provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of island platform bus stops in a range of contexts, along with guidance for education and engagement. This is the most comprehensive set of guidance on this topic to date anywhere in North America.
The Design Guide was developed through a collaborative, stakeholder-driven process over an 18-month period, including engagement with practitioners from across Canada and internationally, and with people with lived experience, and included pilot projects in five municipalities to test potential treatments. The findings from pilot projects and input from people with lived experience directly informed the recommendations. While there are still issues to be addressed that were beyond the ability of this study to address, we hope project which marks the start of a process for improving accessibility at bus stops adjacent to cycling infrastructure.
Combined Corridor Improvements for University Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
The project is the combined corridor improvements for University Drive, the main thoroughfare through CarletonU’s campus. The project included the reconstruction of Bronson Avenue and University Drive to a protected intersection for cycling and pedestrian safety improvements and the reconfiguration of the Campus Avenue and University Drive three-way stop controlled intersection to a roundabout with separated and dedicated cycling facilities.
The improvements at the protected intersection included dedicated and fully protected cycle tracks with improved pedestrian waiting areas for students crossing Bronson Avenue to access CarletonU campus. New signal plant was required to include new bike signals and a second to the eastbound left turn lane.
The Campus Avenue roundabout uses Dutch-inspired design principles to provide dedicated and protected bi-directional cycling facilities to prioritize cyclists navigating through the roundabout. The entire project also included pathway and street lighting upgrades, along with landscaping and stormwater management improvements to the project area.
Early Station Improvements Project, Ontario
Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario in Canada and the operator of GO Transit, recently completed the Early Station Improvements project. One of the key new features of this project is the addition of secure bike parking rooms at a dozen GO Rail stations in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
These new bicycle facilities offer GO customers a reserved, weather-protected, and higher-security option for storing their bicycles at stations, encouraging cycling as a first- and last-mile solution for transit access and supporting Metrolinx in meeting future cycling mode share targets across the GO Rail network.
Since the launch of the secure bike room program, three rooms have been fully reserved and Metrolinx is exploring opportunities to increase their capacities with additional bike racks, speaking to customer demand for secure bike parking and the success of the program.
Kitchener's Downtown Cycling Grid, City of Kitchener, Ontario
The Downtown Cycling Grid has transformed how people move around by making it safe, comfortable and convenient for people of all ages and abilities to bike downtown. The network connects to popular nearby trails, creating a new way for people to access all that downtown has to offer. For the sections already open, there has been a 164 percent increase in ridership, with 54,781 cycling trips in the first seven months of 2023. The final stage of construction is on track to be completed in 2024, bringing the total network to 10 kilometers of cycling infrastructure for all ages and abilities.
Kitchener’s Continuous Sidewalks and Cycle Tracks, City of Kitchener, Ontario
A typical intersection asks pedestrians to leave the sidewalk and enter into a roadway designed for motor vehicles, with just two white crosswalk lines indicating that people driving are to yield to people walking or rolling. On Highland Road in Kitchener, continuous sidewalks and cycle tracks geometrically shift priority to pedestrians at crossings of minor streets, increasing comfort for people walking, rolling and cycling, and encouraging people driving to slow down and yield.
Ringling Trail Complete Streets Project, Sarasota, FL
The Ringling Trail Complete Streets project transformed a traditional roadway into a vibrant, sustainable urban trail over one mile in Sarasota. With a budget of $2.7 million, this initiative supports bicyclists, scooters, and pedestrians, reducing motor vehicle lanes to enhance community connectivity and environmental stewardship. Sustainable practices were integral, including repurposing materials for safe cyclist barriers. The trail’s connection to the Legacy Trail promotes regional cycling and boosts local business activity, reflecting increased economic vitality. Funded and supported by diverse governmental and local entities, the Ringling Trail exemplifies effective partnerships in urban development, setting the stage for future expansions and serving as a cultural link within the community.
Hollywood Boulevard Complete Streets Demonstration Project, Broward County, FL
The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Hollywood, FL, recently completed the Complete Streets Demonstration project along Hollywood Blvd. This collaborative effort builds upon the vision set by the Broward MPO’s Complete Streets Initiative. This transformative project included the following elements: 12’ sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, transit amenities, pedestrian lighting, refuge islands, mast arms, landscaping and mid-block crossings.
Since the completion of the project, the corridor has seen overall improvements in metrics utilized to measure success. Crashes have been reduced by 50 percent, bike and pedestrian activity has increased by 47 percent, and vehicular speeds have been lowered by 10 percent. In addition, redevelopment has increased in the corridor.
The city is envisioning this project to double the size of their downtown area and provide an economic boost to the city as well as improve the safety of all users and create healthier communities.
Pinellas Bayway/State Road 679, Pinellas County, FL
In September 2023, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven opened a new two-way separated bicycle lane along the east side of the Pinellas Bayway/State Road 679 in Pinellas County, Florida. By physically separating road users, there is a safe and comfortable facility for bicyclists of all ages and abilities. This was included in a resurfacing project alongside a new crosswalk with a midblock pedestrian signal.
By combining these complete streets efforts with a pavement maintenance project, the department was able to reduce costs and expedite safety improvements along the corridor. The project bridged a two-mile gap in the Pinellas Trail, linking community members to the Fort De Soto County Park. In addition to promoting active lifestyles, this cycle track encourages eco-friendly transportation choices, contributing to a greener environment. Additionally, it was recognized as one of the best new US Bike Lanes of 2023 by PeopleForBikes.Org.
BTactical Quick-Build NE 15th Avenue, Broward County, FL
In 2021, the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) created the BTactical Program as part of their Complete Streets initiative. The program is aimed to increase multimodal safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the Broward region through the implementation of Quick-Build projects. Street Plans, a transportation planning company, was engaged by the BMPO to lead the first two phases of the BTactical program. In 2022, the BMPO selected NE 15th Avenue located in the City of Fort Lauderdale for a pilot project. NE 15th Avenue is an important pedestrian and bicycle connector for people in the neighborhood. In May 2022, the project team and over 100 volunteers executed a lane reduction through restriping, a five-foot bike lane with a five-foot buffer area, nine new crosswalks, two pedestrian refuge islands, and over 60,000 square feet of asphalt art. The project lowered average vehicle speeds and delivered safety and accessibility benefits without having to wait years for capital project funding approval.
Redesign of Cycle Infrastructure Around the Pampulha Lagoon, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
The case presents the application of CycleRAP in the redesign of an 11.3km extension of cycle infrastructure around the Pampulha Lagoon, located in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). The project is situated in the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for having one of the highest concentrations of cyclists in the municipality. The redesign was developed by Metrics Mobilidade, as well as the application of CycleRAP, which was supported by iRAP. The method was applied to 27 most critical risk points, based on an assessment of the existing cycle path (baseline) and the proposed redesign scenario, resulting in a quantitative-qualitative comparison of risk ratings. A significant improvement in the redesign was observed, ensuring that all extreme and high-risk sections were eliminated, unlike the previous situation. Although still in the design phase, the application provides objective evidence on how to certify the safety of cyclists in a project.
Olentangy Trail-Arena District Connector Pedestrian Bridge Enhances Regional Trail Network, Columbus, OH
The Olentangy Trail Arena District Connector Pedestrian Bridge in Columbus, OH, was designed by Burgess & Niple (B&N) as part of a city initiative to enhance non-motorized access and link key urban areas. It serves as a vital connection between the Olentangy Trail, Arena District, and Confluence Village, supporting the city's goal of expanding regional trail access. The bridge's construction was spurred by the announcement of a new stadium nearby, aligning its opening with the first Columbus Crew home game at Lower.com Field.
Every game day it is used by hundreds of fans which has resulted in a formal bike-check program staged off the east end of the bridge during home games. This iconic structure fosters urban connectivity, providing safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists, and enhancing the city's riverfront and recreational assets.
Clearcreek Trail, City of Springboro, OH
The Clearcreek Trail advances the City of Springboro’s developing bicycle and pedestrian system by connecting E. Milo Beck Park and Clearcreek Park with a multi-use trail. Three alignment alternatives analyzed topographic constraints, utility conflicts, and ecological resources. Mobile GPS units were used to locate wetlands, streams and threatened and endangered species habitats that impacted alignment options. The final project consists of a 2,450 multi-use path descending the hill south of E. Milo Park into the bottomland portion of the park, before continuing eastward generally following Clear Creek. Future multi-use trail development will connect this trail to the City’s Hazel Woods Park to the west as well as the Great Miami River Trail in Franklin.
Michigan Street Road Diet (Complete Streets/Streetscape Project, Phase I-II), Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works Michigan Street Road Diet Project revitalizes the corridor on Michigan Street from the newly-expanded B&O Trail to the existing White River Trail through the completion of a major low-stress bicycle and pedestrian corridor and addition of connectivity throughout Downtown Indianapolis, including to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a multitude of neighborhoods in between. To further increase pedestrian safety during the conversion of this six-lane roadway to a 2-lane roadway, the project included curb bump-out enhancements, traffic signal modifications, and ADA improvements.
The project was initially slated to take two construction seasons but was completed in one. As part of the River West Strategic Investment Plan, this project is a significant step forward in meeting the goals of continuous connection, safety improvements, and revival of the inner-Indianapolis community.
College Avenue Two-Way Conversion (Complete Street Project), Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works College Avenue Two-Way Conversion project improves safety and connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists along the College Avenue corridor in downtown Indianapolis. The project combines a one-way to two-way conversion for vehicular traffic with the addition of protected bike lanes throughout the corridor. The new protected north-south bicycle facilities connect the existing east-west bike lanes at the south end of the project to the Cultural Trail at the north project limit. ADA improvements, traffic signal modifications, and the addition of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at an existing mid-block crossing were also included in the project to accommodate traffic flow changes and improve pedestrian safety.
The College Avenue Two-Way Conversion project is an important part of achieving the City of Indianapolis’s goals for continuous connection and safety improvements. This project represents a commitment by the City to facilitate community connectivity and empower active transportation.
Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin Avenue is one of the most recognized streets in all of Minneapolis and was established as a transportation route before Minnesota was a state. More than 50,000 people per day make trips along Hennepin Avenue on foot, on bicycles, in transit, and in cars. It is recognized by the City of Minneapolis as a cultural district with multiple theaters, arts institutions, and entertainment venues, and its infrastructure needs provided an opportunity to revitalize the street environment and support the businesses and arts organizations that call Hennepin Avenue home.
The new design of Hennepin Avenue creates a more continuous sidewalk than what existed and moves pedestrians further from vehicle traffic. It also includes curb extensions at cross streets and a narrower Hennepin Avenue to shorten crossing distances. A sidewalk-level protected bikeway is being added along the entire corridor.
36th Street and Wooddale Avenue Improvements, City of St. Louis Park, MN
As part of the city's capital improvement program, the City of St. Louis Park reconstructed 36th Street and Wooddale Avenue. This portion of 36th Street was one of the last remaining gaps in the city’s ‘Connect the Park’ initiative. ‘Connect the Park’ is the city's implementation plan to create more bikeways, sidewalks and trails throughout the community. The individual segments in the plan were identified by a citizen advisory committee as a part of the Active Living Sidewalk and Trail Plan. The completion of the 36th Street two-way cycle track completed a major missing connection in the city, one that brings people over one of the few crossings of Trunk Highway 100 in the city and will connect two light-rail transit (LRT) stations.
Broadway Avenue Reconstruction, City of Rochester, MN
North Broadway Avenue is a major gateway to downtown Rochester and a critical corridor in the city’s transportation system. The 5-lane, former MnDOT trunk highway had originally been built as a vehicle-centric corridor and its infrastructure had significantly deteriorated. The city had the opportunity to design and set in motion a plan to reconstruct Broadway Avenue into a safer, multimodal corridor that would serve as a unique brand identifier for the community. The final design transformed the corridor into an urban roadway that is inviting to all users walking, biking and accessing transit by adding dedicated bicycle facilities, accommodating local buses and future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and enhancing the pedestrian environment. Broadway Avenue is no longer a barrier to people living in the Lowertown Neighborhood looking to access parks, businesses, and places of employment on both the east and west sides.
Capital City Bikeway - Kellogg Boulevard from Jackson to St. Peter, City of Saint Paul, MN
The City of Saint Paul’s Capital City Bikeway (CCB) Network Study identified Kellogg Boulevard as the southern leg and major bikeway of the downtown bikeway network. In order to maximize federal funding opportunities, the corridor was split into three segments. In 2023, the first segment reached substantial completion and now includes a wider sidewalk, a two-way separated bikeway, and new trees and landscaping along the north side of the corridor thanks to a reduced number of travel lanes and narrowed medians. This also provides a shortened crossing of Kellogg Boulevard along the corridor. This project provides a new bike facility through downtown Saint Paul and new connection to three other separated bikeways along Jackson Street, Minnesota Street, and Wabasha Street; as well as a heightened sense of the city’s priorities, giving more space to pedestrians, bicyclists, and green space.
Bryant Avenue South Reconstruction, City of Minneapolis, MN
The City of Minneapolis's Bryant Avenue South multimodal corridor needed replacement after poor pavement conditions marked the end of its useful life. The City of Minneapolis wanted to promote nonmotorized travel, improve pedestrian safety, and support quality of life for those using the corridor. The end result was a roadway that was reconfigured to include one-way vehicular travel, reduced on-street parking, and separated bike lanes on each side of the road. Another critical piece of the project was incorporating Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) and adding green space to a corridor that had been a sea of pavement for decades. The project was identified as PeopleForBikes best bikeways of 2023.
Walnut Street, City of Milwaukee, WI
In 2023, the City of Milwaukee reimagined 1.2 miles of W. Walnut Street through the construction of two, connected projects. Walnut Street is a direct east-west connection between downtown Milwaukee and many traditionally underserved neighborhoods. The street had persistent problems with reckless driving and speeding that both projects worked to address. Together, the projects:
The reimagined Complete Street provides safe and enjoyable access to jobs, entertainment, education and recreation. The City plans to continue work on Walnut Street through four additional projects in the coming years, ultimately creating 3.5 miles of connectivity.
DVRPC and PennDOT Connects Bike-Friendly Resurfacing Program, PennDOT
The Bike Friendly Resurfacing Program utilizes the annual state road resurfacing projects to identify roads that are good candidates for bicycle facilities and implement these bicycle facilities as part of PennDOT’s regularly scheduled repaving program. This program, which has been in place for the past five paving seasons, is a coordinated effort between PennDOT District 6-0, their consultant RK&K, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), the suburban county planning commissions, local municipalities and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. It has resulted in over 35 miles of improved bicycle facilities that have been implemented on state roads, representing a roughly 60% increase in on-road bicycle facility mileage in southeastern PA suburbs. What’s more, the Bike-Friendly Resurfacing Program is readily transferable to other regions.
Tunlaw Road, NW and New Mexico Avenue, NW Multimodal Facility and Safety Improvements, Washington, DC
In Washington D.C., DDOT proposed changes to Tunlaw Road NW and New Mexico Avenue NW to provide a two-way separated bike lane and pedestrian crossing improvements along the 1.5-mile corridor between Calvert Street NW and Nebraska Avenue NW. The project originated from a need to beter serve safety and comfort for people biking and walking, and as an objec??ve from both the Rock Creek Far West Livability Study and moveDC, the District’s long-range transporta??on plan. There are seven uncontrolled crosswalks along the corridor, in which new crossings were introduced and ?ve crossings received pedestrian safety enhancements such as pedestrian refuge islands. Completed in 2023, this project provided a safe bicycle connec??on to American University, promoted slower vehicular speeds, and reduced vehicular con?icts with pedestrians and bicyclists.
Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. Multimodal Facilities Plan and M Street, S.E. Corridor Safety and Bus Efficiency Project, Washington, DC
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Traffic Engineering and Safety Division (TESD) is providing bicycle and multimodal infrastructure across the District of Columbia. These projects have been completed under accelerated schedules to expand the District’s bicycle network. The projects support movedc, Washington DC’s Multimodal Long-Range Transportation Plan, which focuses on safety, equity, mobility, operations, project delivery, sustainability, and enjoyable spaces.
Two prominent projects completed by TESD include Pennsylvania Avenue SE Multimodal Facilities Plan (designed by JMT) and M Street SE Corridor Safety and Bus Efficiency Project (designed by Mead & Hunt). Both projects added protected bicycle facilities and dedicated transit lanes along prominent corridors in the capital. The protected bike lanes utilize concrete traffic barriers and provide enhanced safety for cyclists. The transit facilities include innovative designs for the shared space and multimodal connections. The projects promote healthy and sustainable transportation options while enhancing the livability of local communities.
8th St NE Multimodal Facility Improvements and One-Way Roadway Conversion, Washington, DC
In Washington D.C., DDOT proposed changes to Edgewood Street NE and 8th Street NE to reduce con?icts between bicyclists, trucks, vehicles, and pedestrians. The project converted Edgewood Street and 8th St NE from a two-lane roadway to a one-way northbound roadway with a two-way separated bicycle facility between 7th Street NE and Lawrence Street NE. Two-way motor vehicle tra?c remained between Lawrence Street NE and Monroe Street NE to accommodate the vehicular loading requirements for the Everton at Monroe development. Completed in 2023, the new one-way roadway and separated bicycle facili??es closed the gap in the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT), improved safety on 8th St NE by reducing vehicular con?icts with vulnerable users, provided new pedestrian accommoda??ons, and improved vehicular tra?c ?ow on Edgewood Street NE for pick-up/drop-o? ac??vi??es for two nearby schools.
Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Ingersoll Avenue, a mixed-use corridor extending west from downtown, blends 1920s-era buildings and services with 2020s architecture and hipster haunts. A 4-to-3 road diet in 2010 introduced on-street bicycle facilities and halved crashes on this former streetcar spine.
Initiated by the business improvement district, the ongoing 1.5 mile six-phase streetscape project is halfway complete. Raised protected bike lanes, enhanced transit stops, active pedestrian crosswalks, landscaped planters and pervious paver parking areas framed by curb extensions have been well-received, while maintaining up to 16,000 vehicles per day.
Overhead power lines were buried and traded for a public salsa garden, sidewalk seating, robust commercial growth, affordable housing and a wide array of accolade-earning eateries. Efforts continue towards establishing the state's first Urban Recreation District to maintain momentum and highlight the amenities and activities available for all ages and abilities in the heart of the community and connected to a vast regional trails network.
Yale Avenue Project, Denver, CO
Stolfus and Associates spearheaded a critical project for the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, revitalizing Yale Avenue with road repaving and bike lanes. The improvements were prompted by a tragic accident involving a cyclist, along with traffic studies and community input indicating a need for increased safety. Stolfus designed and installed protected curb and post bike lanes, addressing the narrow cross-sections through curves and ensuring truck compatibility. The enhancements included increased bike lane visibility at intersections for safer crossings. Completed in the fall of 2023 by Cuttler and Road Safe construction contractors, the project connects neighborhoods and parks, fostering safer and more efficient cycling routes. This initiative demonstrates Denver's commitment to a safer, more sustainable urban environment, benefiting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. It serves as a model for community-focused infrastructure projects.
Connecting Auraria–Larimer Street from Speer Blvd to 14th Street, Denver, CO
Larimer Street in downtown Denver wears many hats, travelling from city-close neighborhoods through the heart of downtown and into Auraria Campus. The story of Larimer Street is not static in timeline, design, or implementation strategy, and it tells us why our approach to roadway design can’t be either. The Larimer Street “Connecting Auraria” project was conceived before the pandemic with the goal of providing an inviting and comfortable connection into downtown for the heavy volume of active transportation users. The project’s location made it a natural gateway, and an aging bridge provided the impetus for the project. Covid hit during design, resulting in shifting roadway priorities and the added goals of creating future flexibility for bus transit integration and additional access resiliency across Cherry Creek. The result is a curbless street, separated by mode, that prioritizes vulnerable road users while providing the vehicular connection necessary to keep Denver’s network complete.
Adirondack Rail Trail, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, Upstate NY
The Adirondack Rail Trail will be a 34-mile corridor in upstate New York connecting Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, allowing trail users to enjoy the unique charm and amenities of each community while providing access to miles of breathtaking trails, numerous campsites, and abundant waterways in the Adirondack Forest Preserve lands adjacent to the travel corridor. The corridor will also feature interpretive signage to help visitors understand the history of the railway, the cultures of adjacent communities, and the natural resources of surrounding lands and waters, creating a linear museum. The rail trail provides a blueprint for sustainably developing a picturesque 119-mile travel corridor as both a rail trail and a scenic railroad to bolster tourism and further recreation opportunities.
Construction of the first phase was completed in 2023 which included a 10-mile trail segment from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake that is open all year.
Brattle Street Bike Lanes, Cambridge, MA
In 2022 and 2023, the City of Cambridge Installed separated bike lanes along 1.1 miles of Brattle Street, often considered the most historic street in Cambridge, and one of the most historic streets in Greater Boston. This project provided an all-ages and abilities connection into the heart of Harvard Square, and future extensions will connect with the Cambridge-Watertown Greenway and the rest of the region’s off-street path network. Special attention was paid to the street’s historic character, including the installation of pedestrian crossing islands with wire cut brick, and the use of precast curbs to reduce the number of flexible bollards and related visual clutter.
Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project, Providence, RI
Bowman led the design and construction of the Broad Street Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvement Project in conjunction with the City of Providence Department of Planning and Development. The project included the resurfacing of the Broad Street corridor, construction of ADA-compliant curb ramps and floating bus stops, and installation of a protected two-way urban trail for bicycles in a traditionally under-served neighborhood. The existing traffic signals were evaluated to optimize timings and improve efficiency and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and the existing RIPTA R-Line (rapid bus) using the corridor. The project process included broad public outreach in multiple languages, a demonstration project, and a Street Team comprised of local residents tasked to collect feedback and information about the proposed project. The project helped to reduce speeds on Broad Street and provide a more comfortable environment for people walking and biking.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Improvements along Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Tremont Street is in the top 3 percent for pedestrian crashes on City-owned streets. As part of an on-call contract, HSH prepared conceptual through final design plans and construction services for BTD. The project promotes safe travel for all modes of transportation, focusing on pedestrians and cyclists, while maintaining existing on-street parking.
The project included:
The project construction cost was $8.3M. It was completed in Spring 2024.
The Northern Strand, Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus, and Lynn, MA
The Northern Strand is a 10 mile shared-use path connecting Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus, and Lynn. These five urban communities total a population of over 250,000 residents, 40,000 of which live within biking or walking distance from the Northern Strand. The design included over 20 roadway crossings, several amenities, play spaces, two overlooks, three bridges, raised community garden beds, and equitable access to numerous fields and open space. The Design Team engaged in a robust public engagement plan
to collaborate efficiently with the municipalities, the public, and permitting agencies to meet the aggressive design schedule. Despite the Pandemic, the $14 million dollar construction contract was completed on schedule and within the funding budget, exceeding the expectations of these urban communities.
This Project was a true collaboration between each of the five municipalities, state agencies, advocacy groups, and the public.
Inman Square Safety Improvements, City of Cambridge, MA
Inman Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a vibrant commercial and residential area and is traversed daily by high volumes of people driving, biking, walking, and riding the bus. Historically, the intersection of Cambridge Street and Hampshire Street in the Square was an unusually large, confusing intersection on a major bike route. Improving the intersection safety was identified by City staff, residents, advocates, and stakeholders as a high priority.
A robust and inclusive participatory planning and design process resulted in an innovative design of a new configuration to improve safety of all modes and align with the City’s Vision Zero commitment. The new configuration simplifies the intersection geometry, eliminates excess pavement, introduces seamless separated bicycle lanes with protected bicycle phasing, fully accessible sidewalks and crossing islands, floating bus stops, and public plaza. Reconstruction occurred between 2019 and 2023. Today, over 2,500 bicyclists travelled through the intersection during the weekday peak periods.
Hudson River Greenway, Manhattan, NY
Manhattan's Hudson River Greenway alongside the West Side Highway, once notorious for its congestion and dangers for cyclists and pedestrians, now boasts a safer, dedicated four- mile bike lane from 57th Street to Chambers Street. This lane directly supports New York City's congestion pricing plans and bolsters its resilience strategies by improving micromobility.
To complement this infrastructure, the NYSDOT has strategically deployed five MetroCount RidePod® BP counters that use advanced technology to monitor the greenway's usage. These solar-powered sensors offer over 99% accuracy in all weather, tracking individual movements within the bike path. The MetroCount data, seamlessly integrated with the ATLYST® analytics platform, will offer comprehensive insights into one of America's busiest cycling routes.
By enhancing traffic flow and safeguarding the city's most at-risk commuters, the NYSDOT is making significant strides in affirming the city's dedication to sustainable and self-reliant urban transportation.
Soundview Neighborhood, Bronx, NY
The Soundview neighborhood in the Bronx is a transit-starved community bisected by the Bruckner Expressway and its many ramps, a quintessential example of the effect of the interstate highway system’s negative affects on our communities. After a record year of bicycle crashes in 2022, NYC DOT began a process that lead to a network of protected bike lanes that connect Soundview residents to the subway and ferry, as well as waterfront parks along with the Bronx River Greenway. Starting with Soundview Ave in early 2023, we connected the Soundview Ferry Terminal north with a protected bike lane that narrowed the roadway and included key pedestrian safety improvements. Later that year we took advantage of as scheduled repaving of Lafayette Ave, adding a protected bike lane that significantly reduced the width of a key east-west corridor.
This year we have already started the next phase of the project, crossing the Bruckner Expressway along Rosedale Ave, a 130’ wide roadway with service roads that further separates the super blocks of public housing. The project team creatively took advantage of this space in order to humanize what used to be a forbidding underpass of the Bruckner Expressway we added ADA-accessible bus islands narrowing the roadway, and made the crossing of the Bruckner Expressway service roads safer by tightening radii, slowing turns and creating a key bicycle connection between both sides of the highway. Next year we will continue to work with local community boards to build out additional network that provides access on the north side of the highway.
The NYC DOT Bike Unit Is a resilient group of planners, engineers and thinkers, we believe that small changes can lead to larger changes. Although our designs in Manhattan is much more known, we are very proud of our work in all the communities of NY. Although this is just a start, residents can now see the power of bicycle and pedestrian connections and how they lead to a more livable environment. We hope this lays the foundation for much more work to correct many of the car-centric policies that our neighborhoods face.
George Washington Bridge, New York/New Jersey
The newly rebuilt pathway on the north side of the George Washington Bridge, known as the North Walk, features substantial enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists. As part of the $2 billion multi-year George Washington Bridge rehabilitation program, the Port Authority replaced the old pathway and installed enhanced security fencing, cyclist rub-rails, bright lighting, and improved signage. The agency also replaced the steep access staircases at both ends with new gently sloped ramps. New viewing platforms on both sides of the river offer a spot for pathway users to rest and enjoy grand vistas of the Hudson River. Warm weather and weekends tend to attract the most pathway users (peaking at 3,000 cyclists and 2,000 pedestrians on its busiest day), and the path also experiences its own commuter peak on weekday evenings when an average of 80 cyclists and 60 pedestrians embark on what may be the region’s most scenic commute.
12th Avenue South Complete and Green Street, Nashville, TN
Nashville is challenged with implementing safe multimodal transportation infrastructure within a city that is mostly developed and built around a car-centric environment. To execute Nashville’s vision towards a more multimodal approach to transportation, the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) delivered the 12th Avenue South Complete and Green Street project highlighted by a fully protected bike lane. In partnership with NDOT, LDA Engineering and CDM Smith served as engineer, program manager, and construction manager for this project.
This project is a 1.6 mile corridor consisting of protected bike lanes, 17 transit stop upgrades, green stormwater infrastructure, ADA compliant sidewalks, and pedestrian safety improvements. The 12th Avenue South Complete and Green Street project provides safe multimodal transportation and connectivity for users of ALL ages and abilities. This project includes every aspect of what it means to engineer stronger, happier communities from providing clean water to safe multimodal transportation.
Hub City Hopper Trail, Spartanburg, SC
The Hub City Hopper, in Spartanburg, SC is an extension of the Mary Black Rail Trail and part of the 50 mile Daniel Morgan Trail System. Designed by Toole Design, this urban trail includes a two-way protected bicycle facility, the first of its kind in South Carolina. The trail opened in December of 2022, attracting attention for new development along its corridor well before its completion. The Fitzgerald, a 132 unit luxury housing project, specifically chose a location next to the trail, offering market-rate, affordable, and workforce housing. In addition to the new residential development, the trail extension provides for safer connections for walkers and cyclists to venture directly to locations such as the Rail Trail Dog Park, YMCA of Greater Spartanburg, Spartanburg Community College Downtown Campus, Downtown Main Street, Chapman Cultural Center, and Barnet Park and Amphitheater, not to mention multiple schools, businesses, and residences.
Crystal City Bike Network Build Out: South Clark Street from 23rd Street South to 27th Street South, Arlington, VA
In response to growing demand for protected bikeway infrastructure from local residents and frequent instances of vehicles parking in existing conventional/ buffered bike lanes, Arlington advanced the design of the Crystal City Bike Network in 2020. By coordinating the delivery of capital projects, maintenance/repaving programs, and private development, we have been able to implement permanent infrastructure such as the separated/protected bike lanes along S Clark St from 23rd St S to 27th St S, as well as a fully-protected signalized intersection at S Eads St and 15th St S. This work is helping to link activity centers with our trail and protected bike lane network.
Turner Road Feasibility Study and Road Diet, Chesterfield County, VA
The traffic has been dropping off in recent years along Turner Road between two Urban Principal Arterial corridors (US Route 60 and US Route 360). The County hired Timmons Group to look at whether the existing five-lane section (two through lanes in each direction plus a continuous middle lane for left turners) could be re-purposed. We studied the corridor and evaluated various sections along the corridor that will have the lanes re-purposed for bicyclists and pedestrians. We developed multiple alternatives to be considered (low cost/short term through ultimate) for consideration. This solution involved a strict road diet in between the signalized intersections along with creative ways of re-using and/or sharing the asphalt with pedestrian and bicyclists.
Following the feasibility and safety study, Timmons Group’s traffic engineers provided the design plans for the pavement markings and signage along the two-mile stretch of road. Timmons Group was able to repurpose the road to ensure it was more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
The former four-lane road was upgraded to a two-lane road with bike lanes that provide access to the commercial areas around Midlothian Turnpike and Hull Street Road, as well as neighborhoods along Turner Road, Elkhardt Road, Cloverleaf Drive, and Dell Drive.
The Chesterfield County Bikeways and Trails Plan indicates that Turner Road should include a shared-use path or other improvement to allow more bicycle and pedestrian activity. The implementation of the road diet allowed a significant two-mile portion of the Plan to be completed with no cost to the County or County taxpayers.
Located along the Hampline in the Binghampton neighborhood of Memphis are bike lane delineators made from recycled tires. These tires are found across Memphis and taken to the Binghampton Development Corporation (BDC), where they are turned into delineators by local Memphis industrial artist Tad Pierson. The production costs 40% less per linear foot than competitor products. The delineators were placed alongside Broad Avenue as part of a pilot program in 2021. They have been a huge success for the area. According to surveys conducted in 2022, 93% of business owners reported that the delineators have increased the quality of the neighborhood and created a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. Per the BDC, over 450 tire delineators have been installed to date. The tires are brought to the BDC Business Hub, which provides a low barrier to employment opportunities across the board and teaches both soft and hard skills.
Yager Lane between Tech Ridge Boulevard and Parmer Lane in northeast Austin, Texas was considered a substandard street, without sidewalks, low comfort painted bike lanes, high speeds and limited crossings. The area is part of Austin’s eastern crescent, an underinvested area of the city with many more miles of high injury roadways, including this segment of Yager Lane. The City of Austin, with support from Toole Design Group, designed and constructed 1.3 miles of shared use pathways, protected bike lanes, sidewalk segments, two protected intersections and four pedestrian crossings. Work began in Spring of 2022, finishing in Spring of 2024.
In addition to the Yager Lane project, other helpful neighborhood connections were also constructed in this time frame, including the Copperfield Elementary School Connector Urban Trail. The trail is 10–12 feet wide and .19 miles in length. Three pedestrian crossings were also constructed on either side of the trail at Pegotty Lane and Shropshire Boulevard.
Protected Bike Lanes, Blodgett and Tierwester Streets, Houston, TX
TEI led the design for one mile of Blodgett Street, plus a quarter mile of Tierwester Street. The roadway had previously been used by many speeding vehicles, and the Houston Bike Plan identified it as a segment for a dedicated, on-street bike lane. This project includes a four-to-two-lane conversion that reallocated space for multimodal enhancements.
The roadway improvements include protected bike lanes on both Blodgett Street and Tierwester Street, and a protected all-way stop control intersection. Eight new floating bus stops served by a frequent METRO bus route and TSU campus shuttles were installed, which help transit and bicycle riders safely navigate conflict points. At the Columbia Tap Trail, there is a new, raised crossing with ramps tying into the protected bike lanes on Blodgett Street.
Throughout the design process, TEI collaborated with Harris County Engineering, TSU leadership, WSB, and Clark Condon to ensure the enhancements were coordinated with other roadway, sidewalk, median, landscaping, and placemaking improvements.
The City of Port Townsend, Washington, installed three new edge lane roads (ELRs) in Summer of 2022 and Summer of 2023. Port Townsend has found ELRs to be helpful in creating space for both pedestrians and bicyclists on our streets. Most of our ELRs are on low-volume, neighborhood streets -- though our main street, which was striped as an ELR six years ago, is likely the busiest ELR in the country. In addition to reallocating road width to support vulnerable road users, the ELRs have provided some traffic calming effects. Port Townsend’s ELRs have been so well-received that we recently had a group of residents’ petition for their street to be converted to an ELR. ELRs provide an inexpensive way to provide safer streets for everybody with no environmental impact. We appreciate the flexibility they add to our treatment toolbox!
3rd Street Quick-Build Project, San Francisco, CA
The 3rd Street Quick Build Project delivered a short but impactful protected two-way bikeway that filled a key gap in San Francisco’s network. Third Street carries up to 27,000 vehicles per day, travels adjacent to the SF Giants’ ballpark, and connects the South of Market neighborhood to the north with its growing, connected bikeway network to the Lefty O’Doul Bridge and neighborhoods to the south that are fast developing. Prior to the project, people on bikes could only share lanes with drivers on the 4-7 lane arterial. Within 6 months of project initiation, the bikeway was installed. To the south on 3rd Street, the city’s first sidewalk level bikeway was also constructed, incorporating a new trapezoidal-shaped detectable edge. Additionally, the Giants’ Mission Rock development opened China Basin Park with a new segment of Bay Trail. All three projects connect and make cycling to the ballpark or along the waterfront safer and better than ever. As one cyclist happily exclaimed, “It’s been a game changer!”
Garden Grove Complete Streets Project, City of Westminster, CA
The Garden Grove Complete Streets Project utilized Complete Street planning and design principles to implement active transportation enhancements along Garden Grove Boulevard and adjacent parallel roadways Edwards Street and Trask Avenue in the City of Westminster. This project is a groundbreaking achievement which will greatly improve access and safety for vulnerable roadway users along the corridor. The protected two-way cycletrack follows current best practices in urban bikeway design and aligns with local transportation priorities, serving a corridor that was identified in the City’s General Plan Update (2016) for mobility enhancements. This project is also significant for the numerous partnerships that were required to secure project implementation, which allowed numerous stakeholders to collaborate on a quick-build design project providing numerous benefits for the local community.
Main Street Multimodal Project, Medford, OR
The Main Street Multimodal Project is an innovative active transportation solution that is increasing access, safety, placemaking opportunities, and business vibrancy in downtown Medford.
Since its implementation last Fall, the improvements along Main Street have extended beyond the benefits of improved transportation infrastructure. Local businesses have also noticed a change. For example, the Medford Cowork Collective has seen slower traffic speeds on Main Street and say the bike lanes provide a more accessible and welcoming entrance to their facility. “We’ve noticed that many of our members now choose to bike to our space, and there’s been an increase in pedestrian and cycling activity on Main Street since the introduction of the bike lanes.”
The most innovative project element may be the bicycle roundabout or “bikeabout” located at the confluence of the Bear Creek Greenway access, and coupling/decoupling of E Main St and E 8th St. The bikeabout provides a creative solution for transitioning people biking from the traditional cross section of on-street bike lanes to the two-way parking protected bike lane along Main St.
State Avenue and East Bay Drive Safety Improvements, Olympia, WA
State Avenue is a one-way arterial in Washington’s capital city used by bicyclists, pedestrians, bus riders, and drivers to enter downtown Olympia. As part of the collision analysis for Olympia’s systemic safety plan, staff found this intersection had the highest number of collisions involving bicyclists in the city. Drivers turning right were striking bicyclists going straight.
Staff redesigned the intersection to include green pavement markings, concrete islands, an in-lane bus boarding island, bulb-outs, and updated curb ramps. They also updated the signal to current ADA standards and repaved the intersection, so the markings would stick. To make room for these changes, they removed a left turn lane from the approach to the intersection.
During peak times, drivers do face a greater delay at this intersection, but the safety improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians are a higher priority.
Bike Boulevard Project, Beverly Hills, CA
In March 2024, the City of Beverly Hills installed a 6-month demonstration of traffic circles and curb extensions along a 7-block stretch of Clifton Way, implementing the first phase of the grant-funded Clifton-Le Doux Corridor Mobility Study. This Bike Boulevard project is meant to slow vehicle speeds, reduce cut-through traffic, enhance livability, and improve bicycle/pedestrian access to two LA Metro Subway stations expected to open in the next 1-3 years. The traffic circles are constructed of decomposed granite, engineered rubber curb, and self-watering planters. The curb extensions are constructed of K-72 delineators, exterior paint, and self-watering planters. If the project proves to be successful at achieving its goals, the devices may be upgraded to more permanent materials.
Calle De Las Casitas Buffered Bike Lanes, Green Valley, Pima County AZ
Pima County created buffered bike lanes on Calle De Las Casitas as part of a county-wide pavement repair program in 2023. The pavement conditions on this urban collector had deteriorated, and repaving was required. This roadway is in a mixed-use urban area in a community with many cyclists. This roadway previously had 20-foot wide, shared use, travel lanes. As part of the repaving project, Pima County took this low-cost opportunity to restripe the roadway with 6-foot bike lanes and 3-foot buffers. This project is intended to foster livable, healthy, and sustainable communities by providing a new, dedicated and separate facility for cyclists. Pima County is continuing to create buffered bike lanes on roadways that have wider travel lanes and are being resurfaced and restriped.
The Grand Canalscape is a 12-mile continuous, multi-use recreational trail system along the Grand Canal in Phoenix – providing a unique opportunity for people to safely walk, run or bike along a dedicated off-street pathway.
The Grand Canalscape features a 10 to 12-foot-wide concrete pathway, dusk-to-dawn pedestrian lighting, seating and signalized crossings at major intersections.
There are several pedestrian/bicycle bridge crossings along the route to provide access to the Canalscape pathway from the opposite side of the canal.
The Grand Canalscape improves pedestrian and bicycle access to neighborhood schools, churches and businesses through 25 neighborhood connections and helps integrate the canal into the surrounding communities by incorporating public art and landscaping.
The project was developed through a unique partnership between the City of Phoenix, Salt River Project (which operates the canal) and the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
The City of Carmel’s goal was to redevelop a section of the Monon Greenway into an engaging, multi-modal corridor – Monon Boulevard. The area was transformed from a deteriorated industrial environment to a thriving mixed-use district. The project has led to ten (and counting) recently developed and proposed private development projects along the corridor that include a mix of commercial, office, and residential units and public-owned, free-to-park garages with over 1,700 spaces. There have been private investments of $250 million adjacent to the corridor with 1,500 new jobs created.
The project included an expansion of the existing Monon Greenway from a 10-foot-wide asphalt path to a new 145-foot-wide fully interactive right-of-way that includes dedicated trails for pedestrians and bicycles, gathering spaces, lighting and landscaping, green infrastructure for storm-water collection, detention and water quality, traffic-calmed roadways and raised intersections, and on-street parking.
The Reedy Creek Road complete street project extends from N. Harrison Avenue to Maynard Road approximately 1.2 miles long in Cary, NC. The project widens Reedy Creek Road from a 2-lane rural cross-section to 3-lanes with curb and gutter, center turn lane, 2 roundabouts, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Reedy Creek Rd is a minor thoroughfare which serves two public schools, Reedy Creek Elementary (650 students) and Reedy Creek Middle (830 students) and numerous residential neighborhoods. In 2013, a roadway safety review identified the following safety issues:
Construction began in 2019 during the onset of the COVID pandemic and will be completed Summer 2022. The Project’s Goals are to improve traffic flow and safety for all users along the roadway:
The project provides roundabouts at the intersection of Dynasty Drive & Electra Drive as well as the intersection of Wyatt’s Pond Lane & Reedy Creek School. These will help increase safety by calming traffic and will accommodate the surge in traffic at the school driveway twice a day. The Reedy Creek Road widening project will provide citizens with the amenities they need to live, work, and simply enjoy life.
It’s expected that northeast Calgary will be one of the city’s fastest growing areas in the next 60 years with 125,000 residents living in communities north of McKnight Boulevard between Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail N.E. with extensive industrial and commercial projects resulting in 70,000 jobs in this area.
Airport Trail N.E. is an important transportation corridor running east-west across the northeast quadrant of Calgary and is a significant part of the city's primary goods movement and primary transit network. When completed, Airport Trail N.E. will improve access to and from YYC Calgary International Airport and connectivity to communities and commercial areas in northeast Calgary.
The Airport Trail phase 2 project includes:
Construction continues on the Eau Claire Area Improvements program, which includes the replacement of a pedestrian bridge (Jaipur Bridge), a downtown flood barrier, as well as a reconstructed and revitalized promenade and plaza in a culturally vibrant area of downtown Calgary. 2021 saw the start of construction with site preparation, demolition and rebuilding on all the projects in the area.
Protecting Calgarians and infrastructure from future floods continues to be a top priority for the City of Calgary. Since the 2013 flood, with support from the Government of Alberta, over $150 million has been invested in flood mitigation and resilience projects throughout Calgary. Investing in the future of this area is also a fundamental piece of The City of Calgary’s Downtown Strategy to support and incentivize private investment, generate visits and spending, and provide amenities and services to enhance the quality of life and experience for people living, working and visiting Calgary’s downtown.
Construction of the first short-term North Central Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) improvement in the city of Calgary – the North Pointe Park and Ride Lot Improvements project – began in fall 2021 in the community of Country Hills. Safety and accessibility enhancements such as a new transit-only lane and lot entrance, pedestrian sidewalks and lighting will be added, offering our transit customers reduced trip times, better connections and expanded service capacity.
The improvements are the first step from a functional planning study completed in 2021 which identified short-, medium- and long-term improvements. When completed, the proposed North Central BRT improvements will link the investments that The City of Calgary is making with the Green Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project to provide improved connections to north central communities and support the future transition to LRT along the corridor that will provide a key transit connection from downtown Calgary to the north edge of the city.
In Calgary’s northwest, the 144 Avenue N.W. improvements project will see the construction of a 1.2km extension of 144 Avenue N.W., between Symons Valley Road and 24 Street N.W., a bridge crossing over West Nose Creek and an expansion to the pathway system linked to the 5A (Always Available for All Ages & Abilities) active modes network. While providing benefits for drivers and pathway users, the project will also facilitate east-west transit connections with the future Green Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in the long-term.
The improvements will complete a key missing link for current and developing communities, while bringing improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users. Consideration has also gone to the importance of natural features in the area and collaboration between the project team with environmental experts to ensure that construction and the project as a whole protects the adjacent bio-diversity. The first phase of construction began in late March 2022 and will continue until fall 2024.
In 2018 and 2019, the designs of 37 Street S.W. and 17 Avenue S.W. in the city of Calgary were considered and included as part of the Main Streets program aimed at “making life better every day” for citizens by implementing a comprehensive process to transform our main streets into places where people want to live, work and play.
Construction of Main Streets improvements on both West 17 Avenue and 37 Street is expected to be completed later this year. When complete, the project will provide:
Phase 1 of the Bridgeland Main Street project in the city of Calgary begins this year, with work taking place on Edmonton Trail starting this spring including streetscape improvements and infrastructure upgrades as well as gateway features on Memorial Drive beneath the 4 Avenue flyover. When complete, the improvements for Bridgeland’s Main Street will create vibrant spaces for people to live, work and play with the design of the street reflecting the unique character of the neighbourhood.
Pedestrian improvements such as wider sidewalks with more plants and trees, new lighting to illuminate the road and pedestrian space will provide a safer, enhanced experience for people walking in the neighbourhood. A separated wheeling lane planned as part of the project also includes a safer experience for cyclists intended to making cycling accessible to all ages and abilities.
This spring, construction continues on three interchanges The City of Calgary is building on behalf of the Province of Alberta, over Stoney Trail to provide residents with more connections between communities and create connections to the pathways in north Calgary.
At both Shaganappi Trail and the Harvest Hills Interchange, crews will upgrade the existing interchange by finishing a second three-lane bridge adjacent to the existing north-south bridge, which will provide three travel lanes in each direction when complete. We will also be connecting to the multiuse pathways on the north and south side of Stoney Trail.
The 11 Street N.E. Interchange is a new interchange that will support the anticipated growth in the Stoney Industrial and Keystone Hills areas immediately surrounding Stoney Trail and 11 Street N.E. The design for this interchange will first build a half interchange to provide access to and from the north and accommodate the projected traffic volumes for the next 20 years. In the future, the design for 11 Street N.E. also includes a full interchange that can be built to provide access to and from the south when needed, or when 128 Avenue N.E. is extended.
The City of Calgary is working to make our city more liveable by improving access and connectivity for people who walk, wheel and drive along 19 Avenue S.E. and 28 Street S.E. The project aims to improve the safety and predictability of road use by providing dedicated facilities for all users, adding traffic calming measures and improving key intersections. For people who wheel, the new dedicated lanes will enhance network connections and support local and regional travel. For people who walk, the addition of new sidewalk infrastructure provides better access throughout the two corridors. For people who drive, the new curb extensions narrow the width of the road, promoting slower vehicle speeds. The 28 Street S.E. corridor was completed in 2021, and The City of Calgary anticipates completing 19 Avenue S.E. in 2022.
We know Calgarians value streets that feel safe, are accessible and welcoming to all ages and abilities, offer comfortable travel choices, enhance local destinations through the right public amenities, and are healthy and fun. So, it was important for The City to update its traffic calming policy with a more holistic approach to community improvements resulting in a revised Neighbourhood Streets Pilot Policy to create places where neighbours of all ages and abilities can connect and travel safely and comfortably. “Engaging on policy with residents can be challenging, so by instead engaging on tangible policy outcomes we’ve had meaningful conversations and gained new perspectives for a final document that will guide the planning of our city’s largest asset, our streets,” says project manager, Jen Malzer.
The Dover pilot project looks to complete the community’s active modes networks by filling in walking, cycling, and wheeling connections, addressing speed and design issues, connecting existing pathways and bikeways, and adding placemaking including re-naturalized spaces and community art. Other projects in the program are smaller and more tailored to a specific crossing or locations with high vehicle speeds.
A popular connector between Calgary’s downtown and the Beltline communities has been given a new lease on life as part of the recently completed 5 Street S.W. Underpass Improvement project.
Designed to improve safety and accessibility for the nearly 6,500 pedestrians and 1,200 cyclists who pass through each day, enhancements feature widened sidewalks, upgraded crosswalks, brighter lighting and safety measures, lifecycle improvements to the bridge and walls, as well as landscaping and beautification in the area. Further enhancing connectivity for cyclists, permanent raised cycle tracks were installed in an existing cycle track pilot area.
Creating a unique, vibrant community space for multi-modal commuters, an immersive art installation designed by Canadian artist Jill Anholt is featured on the underpass walls and sidewalks, symbolizing the important relationship Calgary has to water, both past and present.
42 Avenue S.E. is a unique and developing industrial area in southeast Calgary, connected to a diversity of businesses and services such as green spaces, the Calgary Food Bank, local transit hubs, industrial parks and over 10 craft breweries in a 7 km stretch. With a boom in the number of small businesses and active mode users, the 42 Avenue S.E. Complete Streets project focused on providing a safe and comfortable connection for cyclists and pedestrians along this busy corridor.
The project included construction of a new continuous 2.25km multi-use pathway along 42 Avenue S.E. and down 12 Street S.E., completion of missing sidewalk links and connections to Stanley Park and the future Highfield Park Green Line LRT station. Enhancements to transit stops as well as driveway and pedestrian crossings along the corridor were also completed. While improving safety and providing a dedicated space for multi-modal users, the new pathway also completes a missing east-west link in southeast Calgary, establishing connections between communities.
The City of Edmonton supports community-inspired infrastructure projects to enhance safety, livability, and community connection for Edmontonians.
The City of Edmonton takes diverse and creative approaches such as the Vision Zero Street Labs program, where community residents and City staff work collaboratively to install creative, temporary traffic calming measures that help facilitate safe and livable streets.
To honour Canada’s 1st National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Edmonton helped install a commemorative crosswalk designed by a local indigenous youth society. The crosswalk created an enduring relationship and a lasting reminder that truth and reconciliation is a path we must walk everyday.
The City of San Luis Obispo recently installed parking protected bicycle lanes through its downtown corridor. Marsh and Higuera Streets are one-way couplets providing access to the City’s downtown core. Residents and visitors of all ages can now travel through the downtown safe and comfortably on bicycle. Prior to the project, Higuera had no bicycle facility and Marsh Street had a standard class II bike lane. The project reduced the travel lanes on both Marsh and Higuera Streets from 3-lanes to 2-lanes to accommodate the parking projected bike lanes. The bike lanes are separated from the parking lane with a raised concrete median and planter boxes. The project continues to support the various curbside activities including multiple parklets, parking, transit stops and commercial and passenger loading. In addition to the protected bike lanes, the overall project included new ADA curb ramps and new pedestrian crossings with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons.
West Capitol Avenue is the major east-west arterial through the City of West Sacramento connecting industrial, commercial, residential, and downtown land uses along the corridor. The roadway, formerly Historic US 40, had fallen into a state of disrepair. This $12.3 million project, funded by several federal and state grants increased pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety by adding bike lanes, street lighting, and pavement improvements on nearly three miles of West Capitol Avenue from Jefferson Boulevard to the I-80 westbound interchange. The complete streets components included a road diet through a portion of the project and a two-way left turn lane west of I-80, as well as ADA compliant curb ramps, mid-block crossings, and enhanced crosswalks. These added safety features, as well as the implementation of buffered bike lanes, protected bikeways, and creative pavement rehabilitation strategies have brought new life and increased multi-modal usage into this key City route.
The Salinas Downtown Complete Streets Project implemented a road diet on West Alisal Street, between Blanco Road and Front Street, converting a 4-lane road to a 3-lane road with buffered bike lanes. The lane reduction provided critical safety improvements to all roadway users; car drivers are able to use channelized turn pockets and separate themselves from through traffic, bicyclist have dedicated space separated from vehicles, and pedestrians are able to cross West Alisal Street with less lanes of traffic. Everyone’s safety was improved, and the City was able to make these improvements without removing nearly any on-street parking. Additional improvements were made to achieve ADA compliance at the intersections. The City also installed fiber optic communication to network and coordinate its traffic signals for improved operations. This nearly 2-mile project was an element of the Downtown Vibrancy Plan and the Marina to Salinas Corridor Multi-modal Corridor Plan.
The project transformed the Willamette Falls Drive business district by replacing the existing auto-centric improvements with a street section that provides a better balance for bicycles and pedestrians and creates a more inviting storefront atmosphere for restaurant patrons and window shoppers. The project incorporated protected intersections, innovative parking treatments, cycle track and physical separation of restaurants and businesses from the roadway. The section was capped off with the integration of landscaping, street furniture and a state-of-the art holiday lighting and sound system that will enhance the out-of-car experience and promote businesses within the corridor.
Special events in the business corridor have seen a significant boom in participation. Community events such as the Main Street Farmers Market, have spiked in popularity with record number of vendor booths and attendance. The project has revitalized this business corridor and properties that have sat vacant for decades are turning to redevelopment.
The project to reconstruct the Interstate 165 Exit 7 Interchange with U.S. 231 in Warren County was a major step in revamping an outdated design to improve safety and mobility in the area. Formerly the William H. Natcher Parkway, the parkway was upgraded to I-165 in 2019. This required modernization improvements like new entrance and exit ramps, bridge barriers, guardrail, pavement and efficient lighting. Exit 7 is one of three interchanges that needed to be reconstructed from its original cloverleaf interchange design that served toll booth plazas along the route. The toll booths were removed more than 15 years ago, but the outdated design intended to slow down traffic remained. Warren County is a high-growth area in south-central Kentucky and is teeming with economic development possibilities and commercial traffic that require an efficient transportation system. This project provided a safe, modern and efficient transportation link for trucks, passenger vehicles and busses at a nearby fleet location that met today’s toll booth free operation.