Agenda - 10-19-2010 - 8a - Laserfiche WebLink

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NC 54 /1-40 GGRRIDGR STUDY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 9 Transportation Strategy Table ES-2 presents the phased multimodal transportation recommendations associated with the eco; ;x;e;;cled nr lc!l deyelop.m.ent plan: The recommendations are divided into short-term, mid-term and long-term strategies. These are described in detail in the full report, with supporting data in a series of appendices. In general, the short-term roadway strategies consist of a series of geometric modifications at selected intersections to improve traffic flow and operational efficiency. These phased improvements serve as interim components of the ultimate intersection design to make the most efficient use of the roadway. Commonly referred to as a "superstreet," this strategy reduces delay and supports anticipated traffic growth in the corridor through at least 2025. The critical intersection along this corridor is the Farrington Road intersection, which causes significant congestion due to its proximity to the 1-40 interchange. Beyond the short-term modifications that provide additional capacity for a time, in the mid-term, a direct access flyover ramp from eastbound NC 54 on the west side of Farrington Road to eastbound 1-40 is needed to maintain functionality of the Farrington Road/NC 54 intersection. Other modifications to the interchange are also identified in the intermediate term. Longer term, with the recommended nodal development, a more complete redesign of the 1-40 interchange at NC 54 will be needed, involving construction of additional ramps providing direct access from the interstate into the proposed Leigh Village light rail station area. Transit is an integral part of this overall strategy. In addition to the planned light rail system, a network of premium Bus Rapid Transit lines, expanded local bus service, and additional park-and-ride lots are recommended for the corridor. The key park-and-ride strategy is the relocation of the existing commuter lot at the Friday Center to a parking structure near the I-40/NC 54 interchange in the vicinity of the proposed Leigh Village development. This location would capture commuting trips entering the corridor at that location, and the parking garage would eventually support additional development capacity at the planned light rail station area in Leigh Village. This facility would become an intermodal hub, with transit, bicycle and pedestrian access in addition-to-park and ride. While it will not eliminate trips from the corridor, it shifts their location to a point where impacts on intersections will be reduced and a street network is planned to help better disperse traffic than at the current park-and-ride location. From a bicycle and pedestrian network standpoint, the recommended plan fills in gaps and improves safety and access along NC 54 through geometric modifications and the creation of a 10' to 15' shared use path adjacent to the roadway along the northern side. This is a critical gap in the corridor, and high speed traffic precludes an on-road solution for the section east of the Friday Center. A 15' path would allow more comfortable use in both directions for pedestrians and cyclists, but 10' is the minimum width for safety. Additional non-motorized transportation recommendations are identified throughout the corridor, including along Barbee Chapel Road and at US 15-501. AUGUST 2010---DRAFT FINAL REPORT 6