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Discussion of the creation of a linear park/multi-use path concept for SR 120 by introducing a lane diet - Guidance
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Action Required:
Guidance
Description:
Staff has been working hard to creatively connect the river to the Historic Square. As the interest in outdoor recreational activities in Roswell has grown dramatically the need has increased to provide a safe route for pedestrians, runners, cyclists and others to transition from the lower area along the river up the hill to the plateau where the square and other historic and cultural facilities exist.
SR9 may appear to be an option. However, the solution to eliminate the dangerous reversible lanes is years away from offering a safe alternative for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The staff noticed that while there are four travel lanes on SR120 at the square, and four travel lanes at the border with Cobb County, there are six travel lanes in between. We do not believe the square will ever be widened to six lanes. Therefore, this represents an underutilized capacity that could be better used for another purpose.
Staff has studied the SR 120/Marietta Hwy westbound corridor and has created a proposed multi use amenity by using a “lane diet” concept. This concept eliminates an underutilized westbound travel lane between the Bulloch Hall driveway and Willeo Road. There are only two driveways on the north side which can easily accommodate this concept. One driveway serves four homes, and the other driveway serves and electrical substation.
Staff has generated several concepts to show how this can work. Right now we believe the best one encompasses the concept of a “linear park”, and includes a ten foot wide multi use path, two foot bike shoulders for downhill cyclists, benches and street trees.
This multiuse path would act as a spur off of the current Red bike loop, but could one day act as its own sub-loop.
Our concept is that the cycling route would connect to Bulloch Avenue. The Recreation and Parks Department has confirmed that they can pave the gravel portion across the Bullock grounds to better accommodate bikes. Pedestrians would have the option to continue up the hill along SR120 on sidewalk connectivity under design with MARTA funds.
Comments:
The concept also envisions an improvement at the intersection of SR120 and Willeo Road to facilitate safe access across the roads.