The Downtown North-South Greenway Connector project is transforming Raleigh, North Carolina, by creating a more велосипед-friendly urban environment. A crucial component of this initiative is the development of dedicated bike lanes along West Street, including the North West Street section, significantly improving connectivity for cyclists and promoting sustainable transportation within the city. This project unfolds in phases, each building upon the last to create a comprehensive greenway network.
Phase 1: Establishing Initial Bike Lanes on West and Harrington Streets
Completed in October 2019, Phase 1 of the Downtown North-South Greenway Connector marked a significant step forward. This phase introduced dedicated bicycle lanes on both West Street and Harrington Street, creating a safe and efficient cycling route through downtown. Specifically, a south-bound bike lane was installed on the west side of Harrington Street, while a north-bound lane was established on the east side of West Street. These lanes provided cyclists with a protected path in each direction, stretching from Martin Street to Hillsborough Street, effectively linking key areas within the city center.
Phase 2: Expansion and Adaptations Around Smoky Hollow
Phase 2, finalized in October 2021, focused on expanding the already successful bike lanes on West and Harrington Streets. This expansion was particularly important around the rapidly developing Smoky Hollow area, near the Publix grocery store on Peace Street. To accommodate these new bike lanes and ensure smooth traffic flow, adjustments were made to parking and loading zones along both streets.
The changes implemented during Phase 2 included:
- Parking Adjustments: A total of fourteen time-regulated parking spaces and twenty-eight unregulated parking spaces were removed from Harrington and West Streets.
- Metered Parking Introduction: Forty-five parking spaces along Harrington and West Streets were converted to metered parking, optimizing parking management and availability.
- New Parking Spaces: To compensate for removed spaces, seventeen new parking spaces were created along North and Tucker Streets.
- Loading Zone Modifications: Adjustments were made to loading zones, including shortening a Commercial Loading Zone on Tucker Street, relocating a Mixed-Use Loading/Unloading Zone on West Street, and shortening an evening Taxi Zone on Tucker Street. These modifications ensured that commercial and service vehicle needs were still met while prioritizing bike lane integration.
Design Evolution: Prioritizing Safety and Efficiency
The design of Phase 2 was carefully considered, taking into account various factors and stakeholder interests. On February 21, 2020, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) played a crucial role by recommending a one-way pair of separated bicycle lanes on the inner blocks of West and Harrington Streets. This “split” lane design was chosen after extensive evaluation and public consultation. BPAC also suggested a long-term goal of consolidating bike facilities onto a single street in the future for even greater efficiency.
This recommendation was the result of a thorough process that included:
- Initial Two-Way Cycle Track Concept: An open house in February 2017 explored a two-way cycle track concept on West Street. However, considerations for Bus Rapid Transit needs on West Street, along with physical space limitations, made this initial plan less feasible.
- Harrington Street Testing: A three-day trial of the two-way cycle track concept was conducted on a three-block section of Harrington Street from April 5-7, 2019. This real-world testing provided valuable insights into user experience and practicality.
- Corridor-Wide Open House: Following the Harrington Street test, an open house for the entire corridor was held on June 18, 2019. Feedback from this event highlighted concerns about the number of driveways and crossings, prompting a reassessment of the two-way cycle track as the optimal solution.
- Alternative Options and Public Presentation: Six different design options were presented at a public open house on January 6, 2020, allowing for community input and further refinement of the project’s direction.
Project History: From Vision to Reality
The Harrington Street Cycletrack Project, which forms a significant part of the Downtown North-South Greenway Connector, was identified as a priority in the 2016 BikeRaleigh plan. This plan recognized the need for improved bicycle infrastructure to connect key districts within Raleigh. The project is designed to serve as a vital bicycle link between the vibrant Glenwood South area and the Warehouse District, ultimately connecting to the proposed greenway at Deveraux.
Initially, West Street was considered the primary location for this project. However, factors such as cost-effectiveness and the potential for Bus Rapid Transit development on West Street led to the proposed shift towards the Harrington Street corridor for the main cycle track.
To gauge public opinion and demonstrate the concept, a temporary “pop-up” cycle track was installed on Harrington Street in April. The response from users and survey participants was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating strong public support for the cycle track concept. Following further public input in June, the project moved into the design phase, with more public meetings anticipated in late 2019 to finalize plans.
The project also benefited from community support, with the organization Oaks & Spokes raising nearly $20,000 through private donations to contribute to the implementation of the greenway connector.
To learn more about bike lane designs and classifications, you can explore resources like Bike Lanes Explained. Further information about the advisory body involved in the project can be found at the BPAC website.
The Downtown North-South Greenway Connector, with its dedicated bike lanes on West Street and Harrington Street, represents a significant investment in Raleigh’s sustainable transportation future. These projects not only enhance cycling infrastructure but also contribute to a more livable and environmentally conscious city for all residents.
