Title
Resolution to Approve Restoration of Two-way Traffic on First and Ashley Streets
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval please find a resolution to support restoration of First and Ashley Streets to two-way traffic.
In alignment with City Council's commitment to Vision Zero and advancing initiatives that enhance safety and accessibility of the right of way for vulnerable and at-risk users, the DDA seeks the City Council's support to restore First and Ashley Streets to two-way traffic.
Background:
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) prioritized the First & Ashley project in late 2016, with the goal of improving safety, wayfinding, business access, comfort and vitality. First and Ashley Streets were made into a one-way pair in the late 1960's as a first step to a proposed downtown bypass that was never completed.
In November 2017, the DDA worked collaboratively with City staff to select a qualified consultant team led by Smithgroup JJR and Toole Design Group, with engineering support from Wade Trim. The public engagement component consisted of over 40 one-on-one meetings and eight interactive public presentations and design workshops.
In close coordination with City staff, Toole Design Group led a detailed transportation analysis of existing issues and best-practice solutions. The analysis captured:
A total of 351 crashes on study corridors from 2013 - 2017:
* 11% resulted in injury
* 25 involved vulnerable users (7%)
* 84% of vulnerable user crashes resulted in reported injury (as compared to only 53% of overall injuries)
* Vulnerable users were disproportionally injured
* Angle/Sideswipe accidents account for over 56% of vehicle crashes on First & Ashley (common with multi-lane roadways)
* Nearly 40% of vehicles, more than 3,400 per day, are traveling over the speed limit on these streets
* Over 100 vehicles were recorded exceeding 40 mph in a posted 25 mph zone.
* Speed is directly correlated to likelihood and severity of injury. ...
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