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North Higgins Streetscape Improvements Final Design Presentation December 2nd, 2009 ---PAGE BREAK--- Background Missoula Downtown Streets Project – 2005 Missoula Greater Downtown Master Plan ---PAGE BREAK--- Circulation Framework Balanced Transportation Modes Premier Investment Environment ---PAGE BREAK--- Circulation Framework ---PAGE BREAK--- Pedestrians Memorable and economically vibrant downtowns provide great pedestrian access, convenience, safety, and delight. To ensure that downtown Missoula thrives, improvements to the pedestrian environment must be of highest transportation priority. ¾ Clark Fork Riverfront Loop ¾ Retail/Commercial Loop ¾ Arts and Culture Loop ¾ Neighborhood Connections ---PAGE BREAK--- Protected Bikeway System Protected bikeways along Higgins Avenue and Broadway Street to provide for local downtown circulation. ¾ Wide bike lanes located between the sidewalk and on‐ street parking ¾ Either single‐direction or bi‐ directional travel ¾ Special intersection treatments that minimize auto‐bicycle conflicts ---PAGE BREAK--- Action Plan The action plan identifies projects and regulatory updates the City, County and managing agencies need to champion and support in order to create immediate development momentum. ¾ Catalyst Projects ¾ Regulatory Updates ¾ ‘Green’ Transportation Projects ¾ Quality of Life Projects ---PAGE BREAK--- Higgins Avenue Demonstration Project ---PAGE BREAK--- Higgins Avenue Demonstration Project Higgins Avenue north of Broadway should be reconstructed as a demonstration project to: ¾ Update the previous Downtown Streets project design consistent with the Higgins Avenue three‐lane option. ¾ Highlight the design benefits of a three‐lane street section. ¾ Test and document bike safety techniques and benefits of protected bike lanes for future expansion south along Higgins Avenue. ---PAGE BREAK--- Higgins Avenue Demonstration Project Protected bike lanes on both sides of the street Preservation of on‐street parking Landscaped curb extensions, pedestrian‐scale lighting, and street trees Tabled intersections and new crosswalks Existing North Higgins Section Proposed Three-Lane Protected Bike Lane Section ---PAGE BREAK--- Higgins Avenue Demonstration Project Existing North Higgins Avenue Block Proposed Three-Lane Protected Bike Lane ---PAGE BREAK--- Stimulus Funding ARRA $1.25 M HB 645 $0.20 M Total $1.45 M Project must be obligated by February 2010 and substantially completed by September 2010 ---PAGE BREAK--- Project Elements Sidewalk Improvements Enhanced Street Crossings Protected Bike Lanes Left‐turn Lanes Period‐style Street Lighting Landscaping ---PAGE BREAK--- Project Elements ---PAGE BREAK--- Project Elements ---PAGE BREAK--- Project Elements ---PAGE BREAK--- Benefits and Impacts Improved Aesthetics and Downtown Character ¾ New landscaped planting beds ¾ Replacement of marginal street trees with healthy vegetation ¾ Decorative Streetlights ¾ Pedestrian‐Friendly Walkable Streetscape Premier Investment and Shopping Environment ---PAGE BREAK--- Benefits and Impacts Maintenance and Modernization ¾ Complete pavement overlay ¾ New pavement markings ¾ Storm drainage upgrades ¾ ADA accessibility improvements ---PAGE BREAK--- Benefits and Impacts Improved Safety for All Users ¾ New streetlights will improve lighting on sidewalks, crosswalks, bikeways, intersections, and roadways. ¾ New curb bulb‐outs will improve pedestrian visibility and shorten crossing distances. ¾ Protected bikeways and bike lanes will improve bicycle safety and reduce the number of bikes using the sidewalks. ---PAGE BREAK--- Benefits and Impacts Improved Safety for All Users ¾ Left turn lanes will improve vehicle access and operations. ¾ Driveway consolidation will reduce the number of conflict points between bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles (alternate access will be provided using alleys or side streets). ---PAGE BREAK--- Benefits and Impacts Short Term and Long Term Impacts ¾ Short‐term noise and air quality impacts during construction due to heavy equipment and project activities. ¾ Traffic delays and lane closures over duration of construction to ensure safe work environment for contractors and project staff. ¾ A net loss of three parking spaces on Higgins to allow room for curb bulb‐ outs and bikeway. ---PAGE BREAK--- What’s Next? Final Plan Review by the City and MDT – December Advertise for Bids – January Project Award – February Construction – March‐September ---PAGE BREAK--- What to Expect During Construction Traffic delays and lane closures ¾ One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open ¾ Parking will remain on at least one side of the street Temporary sidewalk routing ¾ Access to business will be maintained during construction ¾ Contractor will be required to complete one side of the street before starting on the other Regular construction coordination meetings ¾ Contractor will be required to communicate and coordinate with business owners Construction will take approximately six months and may include work at night and on weekends (with City approval). ---PAGE BREAK--- Questions? Thank You!