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16 <br /> US 70 Multimodal Corridor Study <br /> The Plan Making Process <br /> The following section outlines how public input informed the US 70 <br /> Corridor Study. <br /> 2.1 Steering Committee <br /> The Steering Committee comprised representatives from the City of Mebane, the Town of Hillsborough, <br /> BGMPO, DCHC MPO, Alamance and Orange Counties, VHB, and Rose &Associates. For the duration of the <br /> two-year project, the group met monthly to discuss goals, draft recommendations, and review plan elements. <br /> 2.2 Plan Development Overview <br /> Using research compiled from prior planning efforts, GIS databases, and field observations, the project team <br /> assessed the corridor's current condition, analyzing roadway design characteristics, bicycle and pedestrian <br /> facilities, and environmental and jurisdictional restrictions. After identifying the critical issues revealed by both <br /> data analysis and public engagement events, the team evaluated alternative solutions for public feedback and <br /> plan development. <br /> 2.3 Stakeholder Interviews <br /> As part of the Public Involvement Plan, the project team solicited interviews from groups that possessed <br /> specialized knowledge of the US 70 corridor. Interviews were conducted over the phone during December <br /> 2022. Interview subjects were selected based on their subject matter specialization and ability to complement <br /> the study team, as well as existing data sources. These sources included public safety, education, and real <br /> estate and development perspectives. Major findings from these discussions are identified below. <br /> • US 70 is often used an alternate route to 1-85. <br /> • Wildlife crossings are often seen along the corridor and are important to consider in <br /> further recommendations. <br /> • Vehicle crashes are often seen along the corridor, most notably at West Hill Avenue in <br /> Hillsborough and 5t" Street in Mebane. <br /> • There is an existing pedestrian use of the US 70 corridor, particularly for hiking and biking <br /> activities near Haw River, Downtown Mebane, and Hillsborough's connection to the MST <br /> corridor. <br /> • Speed limits should be considered for lowering in various areas of the corridor. <br /> • There is a safety concern for the corridor, particularly at railroad crossings, including <br /> improvements to the 1-85 connector. <br /> 7 The Plan Making Process <br />