Transportation and Connectivity

SouthPark’s commercial district was developed during an era when the automobile was the primary focus of transportation planning. As a result, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity received little attention. The surrounding neighborhoods—primarily single-family ranch and two-story homes built between 1955 and 1970—often feature dead-end streets, limited sidewalk networks, and challenging crossings along busy thoroughfares, making it difficult for residents to safely access nearby shops, restaurants, parks, and offices.

During the Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Program (CNIP) public engagement process, residents overwhelmingly identified improved connectivity between neighborhoods and the SouthPark commercial core as one of the community’s highest priorities. Other priorities included projects that enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists while making it easier to move throughout the area without relying solely on a car. Possible project include new sidewalks, urban trails, crosswalks, pedestrian beacons, traffic signals as well as traffic-calming measures or better enforcement of existing traffic regulations to improve both pedestrian and vehicular safety and accessibility.

Projects SPAN has worked on

Advocated for the passage of the Transportation Mobility Sales Tax that will help to fund several transportation projects in and around the SouthPark area.
Helped to develop and implement the SouthPark Loop Framework Plan, which will create a three-mile multi-use loop around the SouthPark commercial district.
Worked with the City and a developer to fund new sidewalks along the east side of Barclay Downs Drive from Carnegie Blvd to Runnymede Lane.
Worked with the City and County to complete Phase 1. of the Backlot Trail- a .3 mile greenway that connects Park Rd. Park to Woodbine Lane and Park Dr. South.
Secured funding for three enhanced pedestrian signals at:
- Sharon Road & Fairview Road
- Sharon Road & Morrison Boulevard
- Fairview Road & Barclay Downs Drive
Secured funding for a pedestrian traffic signal and marked crosswalk at:
- Chandworth Road and Sharon Lane
- Sulkirk Rd. and Sharon Lane
- Carnegie Blvd and Colony Rd.

Worked with the City to design and fund the Sharon Road/Eastburn Road Realignment Project, that will eliminate a dangerous curve on Sharon Rd.
Worked with the City on intersection improvements at Carnegie Boulevard and Colony Road to enhance mobility and reduce congestion.
Worked with SouthPark Community Partners to promote the Skipper– a free ride share program in the SouthPark area.
Worked with developers and the City to fund crosswalks and traffic improvements throughout the SouthPark area.
Worked with CMPD to enforce speed limits.

Through continued collaboration with the City, elected officials, neighborhood organizations, and community stakeholders, SPAN remains committed to creating a transportation network that is safer, more connected, and more accessible for everyone who lives, works, and visits SouthPark.

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