Walk Wilmington: A COMPREHENSIVE PEDESTRIAN PLAN Adopted by Wilmington City Council on August 4, 2009
prepared by:
Executive Summary
Executive Summary Walk Wilmington- A Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan is a coordinated and strategic effort to develop a safe, accessible and comfortable pedestrian system throughout Wilmington. This Plan builds on existing assets in the City, including active and engaged City staff, a rich network of sidewalks and trails in many neighborhoods, and a commitment to better accommodating pedestrian travel. It attempts to address challenges that pedestrians face, such as access, connectivity and safety. It strives to improve pedestrian conditions on all roads, including large commercial arterial roads, through specific sidewalk, trail and road crossing recommendations, policy recommendations and changes to the way streets and intersections are designed and built.
VISION AND GOALS The planning process for this Plan included extensive
public
participation,
including
outreach at community events, an online questionnaire
and
a
Steering
comprised of local stakeholders.
Committee Out of this
public process, a vision was articulated stating that “The City of Wilmington will become a pedestrian-friendly
environment,
where
citizens and visitors have safe and attractive alternatives for walking in and around the
Figure 1 Public Outreach Table- Riverfront Farmers city.” The following goals were established to Market help the City achieve its vision: Goal 1: Safety Residents and visitors of all physical abilities will be able to travel safely on foot along and across the city’s roadways, trails, and sidewalks. Goal 2: Transportation Choice Pedestrians, regardless of location, mobility level, age or socioeconomic status, will be able to choose a convenient and comfortable mode of travel to reach their desired destination. Pedestrians will be a strong presence on the streets of Wilmington. Goal 3: Built Environment, Land Use, and Connectivity EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ~ P1
Walk Wilmington: A Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan
Land uses in Wilmington will provide pedestrians with walkable destinations and the built environment will enhance the pedestrian experience and encourage walking. Adjacent land uses will be connected by pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks and crosswalks so that pedestrians can safely and conveniently make trips on foot. Goal 4: Education, Awareness and Enforcement People will have access to educational opportunities to learn about the benefits of walking as well as access to walking resources. Wilmington will raise awareness and enforcement of safe walking and driving practices and pedestrian and motorist rights and responsibilities. Goal 5: Health Citizens will be more physically active by walking on a regular basis.
Improving
their health and reducing their health care costs.
Creating
opportunities
will
more also
walking
improve
air
quality, which will improve the outdoor environment. Goal 6: Economic Development Tourists will be drawn to Wilmington for Figure 2 Pedestrian with Stroller in Forest Hills its comfortable walking environment. Neighborhood Among southern coastal cities, Wilmington will stand out because it’s walking routes are safe and convenient, as well as aesthetically pleasing.
The Walk Wilmington: Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan encourages pedestrian activity by working toward creating a safe and inviting environment for walking. The plan expands upon the foundation created by Choices: The City of Wilmington Future Land Use Plan 2004-2025, the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) 2005-2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, and several other city planning studies and reports.
P2
~ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Walk Wilmington: A Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? According
to
the
North
Carolina
Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division
of
Bicycle
and
Pedestrian
Transportation, Wilmington is number two in the state for large cities with highest numbers of pedestrian crashes, just behind Asheville and just ahead of Gastonia.1 Cost of Crashes In addition to the direct impact to the victims and family of a crash involving a Figure 3 Military Cutoff Road at Mayfaire – No pedestrian crossing facilities available. pedestrian, it is eye-opening when the cost to the Wilmington economy is examined. The numbers are telling- between 1997 and 2005, the cumulative impact of pedestrian fatalities to the city’s economy was $84 million and the impact of all pedestrian crash types combined was over $118 million.2 Cost of Wilmington Pedestrian Crashes (1997-2005) Cumulative Injuries 1997-2005
Cost per Injury1
Fatality
20
$4,200,000
$
84,000,000
Disabling event
45
$240,000
$
10,800,000
Evident injury
207
$71,000
$
14,697,000
Possible injury
240
$35,000
$
8,400,000
29
$4,800
$ $
139,200 118,036,200
Injury Type
Property Damage Only Totals 1 Note:
Total
Costs are 2007 estimates. Incidents occurring in earlier years may have different estimated costs.
1
Source: Table 3. Ten NC cities with highest numbers of pedestrian crashes from 2001-2005, “Pedestrian Crash Facts Summary Report, 2001-2005”, NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, downloaded from: http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/pbcat/pdf/summary_ped_facts5yrs.pdf, July 8, 2008. 2 NCDOT Memorandum: 2007 Standardized Crash Cost Estimates for North Carolina. Brian G. Murphy, PE Traffic Safety Project Engineer, September 3, 2008. Obtained from: http://www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstruct/traffic/Safety/ses/costs/costs.html, September 6, 2008. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ~ P3
Walk Wilmington: A Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan
PLAN ELEMENTS In order to improve conditions for pedestrian safety and comfort, the Plan provides recommendations for 450 miles of sidewalk projects and 182 traffic signal improvements to be installed over the next 20 years. Signal improvements consist primarily of adding pedestrian signalheads to existing traffic signals, although eight new traffic signals are recommended. The plan also recommends that the City pilot test two innovative approaches to improving road crossing safety and comfort for pedestrians and motorists- pedestrian hybrid signals (HAWK signals) and Rapid Flash Beacons. A significant portion of the proposed recommendations are located along roads owned and maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Subsequently, collaboration with NCDOT will be critical to implementing several of the proposed improvements. Short Term (1-5 years): There are 26 miles of high priority sidewalk projects and 90 signal improvement projects that are recommended to be constructed within the next five years. These projects focus primarily on filling in gaps in the sidewalk network and improving road crossings in the downtown area, and improving pedestrian circulation around schools and parks, colleges and universities, and areas near large commercial or multifamily residential development. Mid Term (5-10 years): Approximately 230 miles of sidewalk projects and 50 signal improvements have been identified for the 5-10 year timeframe. These larger scale projects consist of installing relatively long multi-block segments of new sidewalks and pedestrian signal retrofits. They are largely concentrated along the major arterial and collector roadways outside of downtown Wilmington, such as Market Street, College Road, and Shipyard Boulevard. Long Term (10-20 years): Approximately 200 miles of long term sidewalk projects and 28 signal improvement recommendations have been identified in the plan. Sidewalk projects are found along some of the smaller collector and local roadways in the suburban part of Wilmington. Long term signal improvement recommendations are distributed throughout the City and consist primarily of adding pedestrian signalheads to existing traffic signals in areas that are anticipated to experience moderate levels of pedestrian activity. Concurrent with Trail Improvement: A number of signalized road crossing improvements are recommended to be constructed at the same time nearby portions of the Cross-City Trail or other multi-use path improvements are made. Facility recommendations are shown on the Recommended Sidewalk and Pedestrian Signal Improvements maps on pages 7 through 10.
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~ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Walk Wilmington: A Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan
In addition to the specific facility recommendations, the plan provides an entire chapter on suggestions for modifying City policies relating to zoning code regulations, crosswalk marking, sidewalk installation, pedestrian median refuge islands and other elements that are intended to produce
a
more
hospitable
and
inviting
pedestrian
environment.
These
policy
recommendations are supplemented by detailed recommendations for modifications to the city’s technical specifications and standards governing road facility design. A series of three case studies illustrating the effects of these recommended policy and design standard changes is included in the plan. These studies focus on the following road intersections: •
Shipyard Boulevard and Carolina Beach Road
•
South College Road and New Centre Drive
•
Military Cutoff Road and Eastwood Road
The plan also provides a number of programmatic recommendations aimed at encouraging more people to travel as pedestrians, and educating pedestrians, drivers and enforcement personnel about safe behaviors.
FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTATION Many actions, such as facility construction, will require funding to implement. Other actions, such as improved interagency coordination, are more procedural in nature and will subsequently have minimal fiscal impact. This plan identifies potential sources, such as NCDOT funding programs, developer contributions, the city budget and municipal bonds The plan closes with 33 discrete implementation recommendations for the Port City to undertake as it strives to make Wilmington a better place for residents and visitors.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ~ P5
Castle Hayne Rd
tt R
d
Walk Wilmington Co
rn e
liu s
Ha
rn e
Recommended Sidewalk and Pedestrian Signal Improvements
ML K J
r R a mp
23rd St
US 421
Quadrant 1
rid olmes B Isabel H
ML
K
R Jr
am
p MLK Jr Pkw
Ne w Ce
McRae St
Legend
Short-Term Signal Improvement
y
ntre Dr
New Traffic Signal (with Pedestrian Signal) New Hybrid Signal
Signal Improvement Concurrent with Trail Construction
US 17/74/76
un try C
Planned
Other Multi-Use Path
Character Zone
Urban Core
Traditional Suburban
Automobile-Oriented Suburban
Co
lvd
Central Business District
t
Oleander D r
Park
S Greenfield
Ole
Shipyard B
School
9th St
Road
Martin St
13th St
Existing Sidewalk
133
Planned
NC
Existing
an
de
rD
r
W rig
hts
vil
le A
ve
d
Existing
College R
t Wooster S Dawson St
l vd
21
Rd
76/ 4
Castle St
lub
Cross City Trail
17/ 74/
Independence Blvd
Long-term Sidewalk Projcect
US
Front St
Mid-term Sidewalk Projcect
10th St
Short-term Sidewalk Project
17th St
Potential Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections
Randall Pkwy
nB
New Rapid Flash Beacon
Colonial Dr
New Hybrid Signal
ve Kerr A
16th St
Add Pedestrian Signals to Existing Signal
Cinema D r
bo
t
t St
Au du
Chestnut S
Marke
41st St
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signals
Grace St
Covil Ave
Long-Term Signal Improvement
Dr
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signal
10th St
Mid-Term Signal Improvement
y Hills
3rd St
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signal
Barcla
Princess Place Dr
New Rapid Flash Beacon
t
d
Walk Wilmington
le S
ou nd
Lo op
Rd Recommended Sidewalk and Pedestrian Signal Improvements
Quadrant 2
Rd
MLK Jr Pkw
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nR
Mi dd
on
rk Ma
rdo
ati St
Kerr Ave
Go
y
rl Hunters T
Ne
Ringo
Dr
wC
Legend
en
Short-Term Signal Improvement
Dr
Colleg
tre t St
New Hybrid Signal New Rapid Flash Beacon
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signal
en
Mid-Term Signal Improvement
tre
oo
dR
d
Ra
cin e
Dr
Dr
Ea st w
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signal
Military Cutof f Rd
wC
p d Ra m
Ne
e Ro a
Marke
New Traffic Signal (with Pedestrian Signal)
Long-Term Signal Improvement
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signals
Signal Improvement Concurrent with Trail Construction
Add Pedestrian Signals to Existing Signal
ve Kerr A Co
lleg
eR
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New Hybrid Signal
Ra
New Rapid Flash Beacon
nd a
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Potential Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections
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Short-term Sidewalk Project
Mid-term Sidewalk Projcect
Long-term Sidewalk Projcect
Cross City Trail Existing
Planned
Other Multi-Use Path Existing
Wrightsville Ave
Dr
e
Av e
y, 7 wa
us e
Existing Sidewalk Road
School Park
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Character Zone
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Av e
wa
Central Business District
ina
ht re
ve
us e
St
Urban Core
Lu m
Oleander
Pe ac
Wrightsvill eA
Ca
bury
Ca
Salis
6
Planned
r Oleander D
Traditional Suburban
Automobile-Oriented Suburban
Oleander Dr
Walk Wilmington
r ne Bu
lB
41st St
lvd
tt B
C
ra ent
Dr
Independence Blvd
33
Quadrant 3
NC 1
Recommended Sidewalk and Pedestrian Signal Improvements
Oleander
lvd gto llin We
Ho
ve nA
ar d B Shipy
lvd
lly Tr e
e
Rd
Legend
Short-Term Signal Improvement
New Traffic Signal (with Pedestrian Signal) New Hybrid Signal
d er R Riv
aB hR eac
Mid-Term Signal Improvement
n roli
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signal
Ca
New Rapid Flash Beacon
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signal
d
Long-Term Signal Improvement
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signals
Signal Improvement Concurrent with Trail Construction
Add Pedestrian Signals to Existing Signal
n rs o de An rg e eo
r sD ew
Existing
rive C onn Bryan Road Conn
dr
Cross City Trail
Sunnyvale D
An
Long-term Sidewalk Projcect
17th St
G
Short-term Sidewalk Project
Mid-term Sidewalk Projcect
d
Potential Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections
River R
New Rapid Flash Beacon
D
r
New Hybrid Signal
St
Planned
Other Multi-Use Path Existing
Existing Sidewalk Road
School Park
Ri ve
rR
d
College Rd
Planned
Character Zone
Central Business District Urban Core
Traditional Suburban
Automobile-Oriented Suburban
Mo h
ican
Trl
d
ina
r
Recommended Sidewalk and Pedestrian Signal Improvements
Dr
Quadrant 4
eG r ov
College R
g
f
yD
Pin
n Lo
a Le
lls Hi
Dr
wa
Lu m
Oleander
us e
Av e
Walk Wilmington Ca
eD r Gre r e e Rd Holly T
env
ille L
oop
Rd
Legend
Wa yn
ick
Blv
d
Short-Term Signal Improvement
New Traffic Signal (with Pedestrian Signal) New Hybrid Signal New Rapid Flash Beacon
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signal
Mid-Term Signal Improvement
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signal
Long-Term Signal Improvement
Add Pedestrian Signals To Existing Signals
Signal Improvement Concurrent with Trail Construction
d dR un So ro bo son Ma
Masonboro
Loop Rd
Add Pedestrian Signals to Existing Signal New Hybrid Signal New Rapid Flash Beacon
Potential Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections Short-term Sidewalk Project
Mid-term Sidewalk Projcect
Long-term Sidewalk Projcect
Cross City Trail Existing
Planned
Other Multi-Use Path Existing
Planned
Existing Sidewalk Road
School Park
Character Zone
Central Business District
Mo h
Urban Core
ican
Trl
Traditional Suburban
Automobile-Oriented Suburban