PARSONS ROAD DIET
PROJECT BACKGROUND
|
The Parsons Ave. Corridor Study (April 2010) was requested by the Greater Parsons Ave. Area Vision Plan (2006). The corridor study completed by Parsons Brinckerhoff (strategic planning firm) recommended Alternative 3 “Road Diet” (with 2 through lanes wider to better accommodate bicycles) after analyzing the three alternatives and receiving comments from the public and City of Columbus.
Parsons Brinckerhoff Corridor Study: Alternative 3 (diagram to right)
Three Lane Section with Wider Lanes for Bikes and Alternating Parking (includes turn lane) |
|
PARSONS PARKING STUDY
Recommendations for Transition Areas & Alternating Parking
PLAN GOALS
1. Calm traffic and enhance the area
2. Reduce accidents and enhance safety
3. Maximize Parsons Avenue businesses success
4. Improve parking access and safety
5. Promote walking by making it easier for pedestrians to cross roadways
6. Promote bicycling by providing bicycle lanes or shared lanes
7. Review transit operations and determine if amenities are needed
- Current Issues: Speed changes from 35 to 25mph at Whittier St.; Most cars travel 6-9mph over limit more often in 25mph zone
- Proposed Solution: 3 driving lanes (including turn lane) accompanied by transitions replacing 4 driving lanes
2. Reduce accidents and enhance safety
- Current Issues: From Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2008, 526 accidents occurred along Parsons Avenue of which the most, approx. 33%, were rear ends, followed closely by 25% Side Swipe, 20% Angle, 11% Left Turn (the remaining accidents were a mixture of head on, backing, pedestrian, & fixed object)
- Proposed Solution: Unrestricted parking on one side and eliminating all or most “No Left Hand Turns”
3. Maximize Parsons Avenue businesses success
- Current Issues: Parsons is a more vehicular-friendly corridor than a pedestrian-friendly corridor & traffic often travels 31+mph past businesses
- Proposed Solution: Reducing speed of traffic should add to visibility of businesses along Parsons Ave. and encourage pedestrians to utilize sidewalks and crosswalks
- See Parson Ave. Business Parking Study below
- Study makes recommendations to where on-street parking should remain to achieve the most parking for businesses while reducing flow of traffic from 4 to 3 lanes
4. Improve parking access and safety
- Current Issue: Restricted Parking during Peak Hours
- Proposed Solution: Unrestricted parking on one side of street
5. Promote walking by making it easier for pedestrians to cross roadways
- Current Issue: “Crosswalks commonly exceeding 40’ in length, which deters people from crossing the streets” (Parsons Brinckerhoff – Parsons Ave. Corridor Study)
- Proposed Solution: Curb Bump Outs at crosswalks shortens crosswalk length, which encourages people to cross the street
6. Promote bicycling by providing bicycle lanes or shared lanes
- Current Issues: No bike lane or shared lanes
- Proposed Solution: Sharrow markings to be added (lanes not wide enough to add separate bike lane)
7. Review transit operations and determine if amenities are needed
- Current Issues: Street infrastructure and road pavement needs maintenance
- Proposed Solutions: Paving of Parsons Ave. & addition of Mast Arm Traffic Lights
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
The Urban Commercial Overlay (UCO) requires new buildings to be constructed with minimal setback and parking behind the building (amount of spaces required are specified by use). To accommodate revitalization in vacant buildings, on-street parking is recommended to remain in-front of the building where possible.
If you have additional questions email Katie O'Lone at katieo@neighborhooddesign.org
