Public Road Strategic Corridor Plan

Pedestrian Improvements for April 2019

Select links on the right to view enlarged corridor maps

Public Road NorthSouth Map March 2019

View enlarged maps of the pending corridor work. (Note: these are large jpg files)

This construction project will implement the second phase of the Public Road Strategic Corridor Plan, and involves intersection improvements along Public Road from Simpson Street to Waneka Parkway.

This implementation project upholds the Corridor Plan’s ideals:
Vision statement: Public Road is an inviting place that is safe and accessible to everyone.
Corridor plan goal #1: Update the infrastructure to meet the changing needs in downtown.
Corridor plan goal #2: Maintain a family-friendly and business supportive walking environment.

Below is a brief list of pedestrian/corridor improvements by intersection happening in March and April. 

Simpson
* Traffic signals removed and replaced with a 4-way stop (completed)
* New pedestrian bump-outs and ramps on west corners
* New ramps on eastern corners
* Concrete crosswalks
* Install Walk and Wheel Bike Corral demonstration on NE corner
* Existing northbound and southbound turn lane will be removed, allowing for additional parking spaces to be installed
* Possible driveway width standardization to better accommodate pedestrians

Cleveland
* Rebuild south pedestrian ramps
* New pedestrian bump-outs and ramps on NE and NW corners

Cannon
* Rebuild pedestrian ramps

Chester
* Rebuild pedestrian ramps on southeast corner (northeast to be rebuilt in the fall)
* Possible driveway width standardization to better accommodate pedestrians

Emma
* Traffic signals removed and replaced with a 4-way stop (completed)
* Curb taper reduction to improve bump-out symmetry and provide additional parking
* Driveway width standardizations to better accommodate pedestrians
* Rebuild pedestrian ramps
* Turn lanes will be added eastbound and westbound
* Install sharrows (shared bike lane markings) on Emma

Kimbark
* New pedestrian bump-outs and ramps on all corners
* Driveway width standardization/reduction at post office
* Possible driveway width standardization to better accommodate pedestrians

Spaulding
* New pedestrian bump-outs on all corners
* Remove turn lanes on Public Road
* Remove two-way left turn lane south of the intersection
* Close the alleyway on the west side of the traffic signal south of the barber shop
* Standardize driveway widths to better accommodate pedestrians
*(4/18/19 update) Traffic signals will be removed and replaced with a 3-way stop.

Waneka Pkwy
* Rebuild pedestrian ramps

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Public Road traffic signal removal to begin the week of January 21, 2019

The first implementation phase of the Public Road Strategic Corridor Plan will begin the week of January 21. During this week, contractors and City staff will turn off traffic signals at Emma and Simpson Streets and install 4-way stops signs. The traffic signal heads will be covered and will no longer operate. Public notice of the changes will be made in early January before the traffic signals are turned off. 

The second implementation phase will begin in March 2019. At that time, the traffic signal poles will be permanently removed and new pedestrian bump-outs, crosswalk ramps, and sidewalk repairs will be completed in the Public Road corridor. This second phase is scheduled for completion in late April 2019.

Please watch these two short videos:

Video #1 - Have you heard about the changes on Public Road?
Please watch the short video below on why the traffic signals on Public Road are going to be removed. (Note: This video intentionally does not have narrated audio to allow viewers to process information at their own pace.) 

Video #2 - The rules of the 4-way stop
Please watch the short video below on how to use a 4-way stop intersection. (Note: This video intentionally does not have narrated audio to allow viewers to process information at their own pace.)

Watch this video: The rules of the 4-way stop

Animation2 screenshot_4way stop

Watch this video: Public Road changes

Animation1 screenshot_Have you heard about the changes

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Project Background

In February 2018, 17 Lafayette residents were chosen from a pool of 28 applicants to serve on the Friends of Public Road Working Group (FPRWG). This working group was assembled to provide input to the project consultant and the Public Works Department for the development of a Public Road strategic corridor plan.

The purpose of the Public Road Strategic Corridor Plan is to:

  • Address aging infrastructure/traffic signals in the Public Road corridor that need to be removed, replaced, or upgraded
  • Facilitate safe travel and access by people using all modes of transportation – walking, biking, accessing transit, and driving
  • Accommodate the existing land uses in the corridor while keeping in mind the future land use changes that are anticipated in the LURA Downtown Plan

The corridor plan will build on the goals outlined in the LURA Downtown Plan and will include opportunities to enhance the experience for people walking, biking, accessing transit, and parking in the corridors.

Presentations to City Council

As a result of the October 16, 2018 final presentation, City Council directed Public Works to proceed with the plan as presented.

View project outline (coming soon!)
View project timeline (coming soon!)

Watch These Videos

The following six (6) video clips outline essential information on existing conditions that have provided direction to the FPRWG preparing the plan. Residents are encouraged to watch these videos prior to submitting input on the plan in order to help provide context for the project.

Why a Corridor Plan?

1 video screenshot

Friends of Public Road Working Group

2 video screenshot

Current Traffic Control

3 video screenshot

South Public Road Traffic Data

4 video screenshot

Local vs Through Traffic Data

5 video screenshot

Safety and Crossing Data

6 video screenshot

Frequently Asked Questions of the Corridor Plan Study

View a list of FAQ’s to help answer questions and provide background information on the corridor plan, data collection and existing conditions.

Share Your Input by Noon on August 10, 2018

If you were unable to attend the July 30 Public Open House and would like to comment on the plan, share your input by completing a form. Comments will be accepted through Noon on August 10. 

Prior to completing the form, please review the two corridor plans by selecting the links below.

View the Public Road Corridor Plan NORTH of Emma
View the Public Road Corridor Plan SOUTH of Emma

Role of the Friends of Public Road Resident Working Group (FPRWG)

The FPRWG met monthly from February through July, and provided direction and input to the City’s project consultant, Fox Tuttle Hernandez Transportation Group. These members brought varied backgrounds and diverse points of view on possible transportation improvements from a residential and local business perspective. The consultant has utilized this resident input as guidance for the final plan that will be presented for City Council consideration in August.

Thank You to Our Working Group Members

Andre DeBakker Gerry Morrell Richard Ross
Anji Redmond Jeremy Simon
Roger Wilcox
Brian Graham Kate Williams Ron Spaulding
Cheri Spickard Linda Rook Vicki Trumbo
Debbie Cook Pete d'Oronzio Vicky Uhland
Gail Reeder Rich Deeming   

Vision statement:
Public Road is an inviting place that is safe and accessible to everyone.

Corridor plan goal #1:
Update the infrastructure to meet the changing needs in downtown.

Corridor plan goal #2:
Maintain a family-friendly and business supportive walking environment.

FPRWG Meeting Summaries

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February 3, 2018 - Outreach Walking Tour & Request for Working Group Members

On February 3, FTHTG will host a Walking Tour of Public Road to introduce residents to the project and provide information to residents interested in participating on the working group (Friends of Public Road Working Group). For those not interested or able to join the tour, FTHTG will provide a brief presentation prior to the walk, and paper applications will be available to apply to serve on the resident working group. Applicants are not required to attend the Walking Tour.

Saturday, February 3, 2018
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Start/finish at the Starkey Building/Festival Plaza
311 S. Public Road

The group will be walking from Festival Plaza north to Simpson St., then south to Emma St., then returning to Festival Plaza. The length of the walk is less than a mile and will be held at a casual pace with various discussion stopping points along the route.

public road working group flyer

Role of the Friends of Public Road (FPR-WG) Working Group

APPLY FPR-WG button1 Opens in new windowThe FPR-WG will provide input and feedback to Fox Tuttle Hernandez Transportation Group (FTHTG) during the corridor design process from diverse points of view, as well as offer advisory input on possible transportation improvements. FTHTG will use this resident feedback to prepare final plans for City Council consideration.

The city manager will approve a group of 13 individuals with varying backgrounds and interests. Participants will include people who live, work, own property, own businesses, or frequently travel along Public Road.

Working group members will be expected to:

  • Attend all monthly meetings (one meeting/month March-June) that will be two hours in length starting at 6:00 pm. (Final dates to be determined.)
  • Review materials prior to working group meetings.
  • Engage in a constructive dialogue with other members of the group, the consultants, city staff, and other constituents in the Lafayette community about changes in the Public Road corridor.

How to apply:
Access the online form at www.cityoflafayette.com/FPRapplication and submit your application by February 11, 2018.