If a TIP project widens a road from 2 lanes to 5 lanes, the new 5-lane road is not considered a perpendicular barrier. Similarly, as long as there is some space where a pedestrian can walk which is not in an automobile travel lane, the new 5-lane road is not considered a lateral barrier either.
Roads with 5-lanes pose no barrier to pedestrian crossings? Above is a picture of a 5-lane cross section where Avent Ferry Road meets Centennial Parkway. You can see that it is not well suited for either lateral ("sidepaths" are in disrepair/lack of curb ramps/not ADA compliant) or perpendicular (lack of crosswalks on the northern crossings) pedestrian transportation. Is it really that simple?
This section of roadway was recently resurfaced. No bicycle or pedestrian improvements were made. Is NCDOT preventing cities from taking advantage of good opportunities created by resurfacing projects to upgrade and update facilities to meet ADA Compliance, much less the new Complete Streets Policy. Let's make sure if we widen or resurface roads, we're meeting the needs of ALL users in the process.
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