Agenda - 11-01-2018 7-a - NC 54 West Corridor Study

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3 NC-54 Corridor Study was presented before the Town of Carrboro Board of Aldermen. It provided that Board an opportunity to provide comments. No formal comments were submitted; however the following understanding was expressed: • While Carrboro is skeptical about the recommended widening, it understands current operational and intersection improvements in the Town may help address some of the growing traffic and safety issues at this end of the study area. • It also understands future improvements will be needed as traffic continues increasing along the corridor. These improvements are anticipated over the next 20 years and beyond and in future SPOT processes as presented. • Transit may help address the increasing traffic. Coordination between the two current providers — Piedmont Authority for Regional Transit (PART) and Chapel Hill Transit — along the corridor will need to be improved in the future. • Town acknowledges NCDOT does not fund Shared Use Paths due to its current bicycle and pedestrian policy as well as complete streets policy, even if it is NCDOT right-of-way. This is something local jurisdictions must address. OUTBoard Comments - October 17, 2018 OUTBoard provided the following comments: • The OUTBoard opposes widening NC-54, based on the rationale: increase lanes results in more cars on the road, this escalates negative impacts on air quality and subsequent impacts on climate change. • Recommends making intersection improvements first • Adding passing lanes second. • Provide a dedicated transit lane and improve transit services between all service providers along the corridor, this includes: • Better coordinated currently provided services by PART and Chapel Hill Transit • Adding additional services by Go Triangle and Orange County Public Transit • Include Bus Rapid Transit as a preferred recommendation to widening • Incorporate recent advancements in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies at intersections. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no immediate financial impact associated with this item. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends BOCC: 1. Receive the presentation (Attachment 1); 2. Discuss as appropriate; and 3. Identify any comments the Board may have for staff to convey to DCHC MPO.