Transportation projects

 

The SouthPark commercial area was developed at a time when the car was “king” and pedestrians an after thought. Many of the neighborhoods surrounding the SouthPark commercial core are single-family dwellings on cul de sacs that funnel traffic onto a few roads. Many neighborhoods have no sidewalks and are difficult to cross during peak traffic hours. During the CNIP public engagement process, residents clearly identified the need for greater connectivity between the existing commercial nodes within SouthPark as well as safer ways to bicycle or walk between neighborhoods and to the SouthPark shopping areas. The pandemic has further highlighted the strong desire among residents for other transportation option. SPAN is committed to helping our members advocate for improvements that will help to “stitch together” SouthPark” through new crosswalks, better transit or ride sharing options, enhanced traffic signals, safer bicycle lanes, new sidewalks and new greenway or urban trails (the Loop, the BackLot Trail), While this is a slow process it will result in a stronger, more vibrant area. Below are a few of the projects we have been working on.

SPAN works with members and CDOT to identify and secure funding for projects that will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety in and around SouthPark.

  • Completion of the Loop framework plan that will guide construction of a 3-mile loop around the SouthPark commercial area. COMPLETE
  • Completion of Barclay Downs sidewalk project expected 3Q21. COMPLETE
  • Completion of Phase 1 of the Backlot trail between Park Rd Park and Woodbine Lane. COMPLETE
  • Installed 3 new enhanced pedestrian traffic signals at Sharon/Fairview, Sharon and Morrison, Fairview and Barclay Downs. COMPLETE
  • Traffic plan for 3 major traffic corridors within the SouthPark area (Sharon View, Fairview, Sharon) that would evaluate improvements that would improve pedestrian access and reduce speeding in residential areas adjacent to the commercial core. DEFERRED
    • At the request of members (Gov. Square and Foxcroft East), CDOT deferred funding for a traffic signal at Valencia and Fairview in order to more fully evaluate impact on residential neighborhoods.
    • At the request of residents living on Sulkirk, CDOT installed a pedestrian beacon rather than a full traffic signal at Sulkirk and Sharon. (Under Construction)
    • Petitioned CDOT to install a pedestrian traffic signal and crosswalk at Chandworth rd and Sharon Ln. COMPLETED
  • Secured funding to realign Eastburn at Sharon Rd to remove the curve. PENDING . (https://charlottenc.gov/Projects/Pages/SharonEastburn.aspx)
  • Secured funding to improve Carnegie Blvd/Colony Rd intersection PENDING

Future projects we are working on include extension of backlot trail along Park Dr. South and trail connections between neighborhoods.