Agenda - 02-16-1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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History of Planning in Area The current thoroughfare study is the first transportation planning effort to consider the needs for Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro, and the surrounding areas in one comprehensive plan. Prior to this study, three major transportation plans have been prepared for Durham, and two for Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Durham's first plan was completed in 1959. The second thoroughfare planning study was undertaken by a consultant, Harlan Bartholomew and Associates. It was adopted in 1967. The third transportation planning study was prepared by NCDOT under the auspices of the TAC and TCC. This plan was adopted in 1980. Some revisions to the 1980 plan were mutually approved in 1985. The thoroughfare planning process began in Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the early 1960's. A plan was adopted in 1965 and revised in 1968. After a number of unsuccessful attempts to update that plan, in 1979, the two Towns entered into an agreement with NCDOT to take the lead in developing an updated thoroughfare plan for the community. This effort was concluded by the mutual adoption of a new thoroughfare plan in 1984. Objectives of a Thoroughfare Plan Thoroughfare planning is the process public officials use to assure the develop- ment of the most appropriate street system that will meet existing and future . travel desires within the urban area. The primary aim of a thoroughfare plan is to guide the development of the urban street and highway system in a manner consistent with changing traffic demands. Through proper planning for street development, many costly errors and much needless expense can be averted. A thoroughfare plan will enable street improvements to be made as traffic demands increase, and help eliminate unnecessary improvements. A thoroughfare plan is a public document which helps guide citizens in choosing a home and businesses in selecting a site. The thoroughfare plan also aids state and local officials, serving as a guide when making requirements of developers in critical transportation areas. The plan can be used as a guide for advance right-of-way dedications and reservations, which translate into saved public monies and faster implementation schedules. By developing the urban street system to keep pace with increasing traffic demands, a maximum utilization of the system can be attained that will require a minimum amount of land for street purposes and minimize future impacts on development. Also, with an approved thoroughfare plan in hand, plans for acquiring monies (CIP & TIP) can be set into motion well in advance of actual construction. 1.2