Livable Streets Plan
Improve the Pedestrian Environment


This is one of the 5 in 5 strategic goals for downtown Raleigh

View the estimated timeline for these and other Livable Streets projects

Background:
Many of the other goals of the Livable Streets plan hinge on attracting people to downtown, and to enhance the experience of those of us who work or live here. The quality of the pedestrian environment is key to successfully connecting restaurants, entertainment, parks, workplaces and residences in downtown. It is so critical to the success of the many efforts underway that it became one of the 5 in 5 strategic goals. The basic objectives are two:
Consider return to two-way operation for several sets of one-way streets in downtown. One-way pairs were at one time an innovative way to increase the traffic-carrying capacity of dense urban streets, but in the age of ring highways and major thoroughfare corridors, the need for traffic capacity on secondary downtown streets is not as great as in the mid-20th Century when most of these one-way pairs were implemented. One-way systems also increase traffic speed at the expense of pedestrian safety and also make it more difficult for the first-time visitor to navigate. Several paris of streets are under consideration for return to two-way travel, and each will be re-designed as this change is implemented to maximize the efficiency of the street while emphasizing the comfort and convenience of the pedestrian.

News:

Implement pedestrian area improvements. This effort concentrates on making connections between the Livable Streets of downtown Raleigh and surrounding neighborhoods and commercial areas. Often a pleasant pedestrian environment ends abruptly at an area where large open parking areas or industrial uses separate it from neighborhoods beyond. Also, pedestrian connections linking the new Triangle Transit Authority regional rail stations with other downtown activity centers is important.
  • Winter 2006 - City to undertake major public realm study in downtown as part of Comprehensive Plan revision.
  • Fall 2006 - City contracts with consultant to undertake wayfinding study, intended to improve ability for pedestrians and motorists to find their way to key parts of downtown
  • July 2006 - Fayetteville Street Phase 2 opens with Hargett and Martin Streets converted to two-way traffic
  • Summer 2005 - Conversion of Hargett / Martin Streets to two way traffic approved as part of Fayetteville Street Project.
  • Summer 2004. Phase II of Fayetteville Street plan to begin late summer, will include conversion of Hargett/Martin to two way traffic, with widened sidewalks. Phase II will also result in a land use plan including pedestrian improvements and transit oriented design.
  • Summer/Fall 2004- City of Raleigh undertakes comprehensive survey of sidewalk conditions in the southern end of downtown, with repairs underway. Survey of northern end of downtown to begin Fall 2004.
  • Spring/Summer 2004. Progress Energy undertakes comprehensive inventory of downtown light fixtures, with repairs made as needed.
  • November 24, 2003 . Public meeting scheduled on plans, including Hargett / Martin conversion, Dec. 2, 7 pm City Council Chambers
  • October 6, 2003 . A study of the conversion of the Hargett-Martin one-way pair has been made part of the scope of work for the Fayettevile Street Renaissance design contract with Barbara H. Mulkey Associates / Cooper-Carry Associates. A public meeting to discuss the design implications is scheduled for 6-8 pm October 15, 2003 in the Urban Design Center.
  • September 19, 2003. The Raleigh City Council has approved a recommendation to begin negotiations with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to develop plans to convert Morgan Street permanently to two-way traffic between Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street. The street has operated as a two-way street since the beginning of construction of the Hillsborough Street Bridge Replacement. The anticipated cost of construction is $250,000. NCDOT has agreed to participate.