Agenda - 02-24-2011 - 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Brady Alternatives 43 September 20, 2010 Page 6 of 6 The suggested downtown TDM study would include the following components: • Signals — synchronization, timing, and dedicated turns • Turn lanes — right or left turn lanes at certain intersections • On- street parking — the impact of removing on- street parking on Churton Street to create room for turn lanes and wider sidewalks • Traffic calming • Creation of loading zones • Potential of redesigning off - street parking lots The results of this study are likely to be small projects the Town could undertake itself or request discretionary funding from NCDOT rather than large scale TIP projects that require years of planning and preparation. Other alternatives not modeled: • Assess the impacts and viability of extending US 70 -A to the west to connect with Exchange Park Lane. • Conduct a community railroad crossing assessment. • Conduct a Feasibility Study for the alignment of Eno Mountain Road and Mayo Street (TIP U- 3436). The items listed above that could not be evaluated using the TRM lend themselves to a different tool or methodology. Planning Department staff is considering the effectiveness of developing and maintaining a finer grained local model that could inform more local decisions, but contain the same database as the TRM. Staff cannot recommend this option yet because they don't know whether such a tool could be maintained with current staffing, or whether the benefits would outweigh any maintenance costs. Investigation of this option will continue. If a local model proves untenable, a low technology sketch analysis can also be conducted using the same information a model would use, but skipping the equations and producing a more conceptual result. The community rail crossing assessment was also recommended in the recently adopted Rail Station Small Area Plan as a necessary component in advance of any new rail crossings being requested or consideration of closing existing crossings. This analysis would include impacts of rerouting traffic, convenience of access, safety during emergencies, and many other factors. The request to assess the condition of the Eno River and railroad bridges on South Churton Street to determine an appropriate replacement schedule can be made directly to the Bridge Division of NCDOT and should provide the Town with some advance warning of repair work for the bridges sufficient to integrate bicycle and pedestrian improvements.