How did this project start?
After we finished the Transportation System Plan in 2022, we knew we wanted to start making that plan into reality. We heard from the community that US 101 and US 20 are areas of town that need some extra help, not only the roads themselves (which can be dangerous for people walking and biking) but also the businesses and homes that are along these highways.
Additionally, the state has committed to providing bike lanes since the passage of the Bike Bill in the 1970s. This project must include bicycle improvements to receive state funds along these two highways.
Will 9th Street pavement need to be upgraded for larger trucks?
Yes, both 9th Street and US 101 will need to be completely resurfaced to handle the increased traffic in the future. This would likely happen at the same time that the road is re-striped to include the wider travel lanes, parking, and bike lanes.
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Will a couplet really be safer? Will this make traffic slower?
Yes, the paired-street or couplet design is safer for all travelers, compared to the current US 101 design. Plus, it is not expected to slow down traffic, even in the summer rush. Here’s why:
- The two travel lanes, parking, and bike lane are still narrower than the current four travel lanes and parking that is on US 101. That means it is a shorter walk across the street, which is safer for everyone but particularly older or younger people.
- There are fewer opportunities for cars to crash with other cars or people walking or biking. As you can see from the graphic below, one-way streets have less going on, which means that there is less chance that people will crash.
- The paired street design will traffic lights/control devices, which would be timed to let people traveling on US 101/9th Street stop as few times as possible. It might be a little slower for the side streets, but we know that it’s hard to cross US 101 now.
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What about parking? Will this design hurt businesses?
Existing parking spaces on US 101 are 7-feet wide, which makes it hard to open your car door, especially with four narrow 10-foot travel lanes. The proposed cross-section (see above graphic) is wider for parking (8-feet) and vehicle lanes (11-feet for each of the two travel lanes). With this design there will be more space to include on-street parking on both US 101 and 9th Street.
The new, walkable design for US 101 will be more business friendly, here are some reasons why:
The sidewalks would be separated from cars by a planted strip (buffer zone) and will be wider (XX-feet) which will allow businesses to put out signs and tables for customers.
There will be more on-street parking spots which support businesses.
There will be increased opportunities for “gateway” signs for the area, which will help create more of a business district like Nye Beach or the Bayfront.
What is a “maker’s space” and how will commercial/industrial uses be protected?
Part of a thriving community includes businesses of all types. We want to encourage our community to stay healthy and active in the future. Being close to the highway and Bayfront, this area is great for commercial and industrial businesses. We want to keep these businesses and also make opportunities for future development that will want to locate here. One idea for a new type of business that is compatible with these businesses is what is called “maker’s spaces” – these are businesses where an artist or similar business can make their product and open up their space to customers. For example, a ceramicist might open up their studio to demonstrate how they make cups and also have a sale.