For Immediate Release
Public Works Workshop on the Downtown Carson Street Parking and Pedestrian Improvements Plan Set for March 14
The Carson City Public Works Department will give a presentation and conduct a workshop March 14, 2013, to answer questions and take public comment regarding proposed plans to create a pedestrian-friendly environment on Carson Street through the downtown area. The presentation will begin at 6:30 PM in the Community Center, Sierra Room, on Thursday, March 14, 2013. The public is invited to ask questions of Public Works staff regarding the project and provide comments regarding the conceptual plans.
The plans include using striping to reducing travel lanes from four to two, generally between Fifth Street and Ann Street, and add on-street parking. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $30,000.
Downtown business representatives approached the city supervisors last year and requested consideration of a plan to stripe Carson Street through the downtown area to allow on-street parking. The purpose of the plan is to create a pedestrian-friendly environment to help make the downtown a destination for residents and visitors. The goal of the conceptual plan is to support the downtown businesses by making it easier for potential customers to get out of their cars and shop in the downtown area, maintaining and enhancing its commercial viability as the freeway bypasses the downtown.
The conceptual plan would require no construction other than striping the pavement and removing the existing fence at some locations along the sidewalk. All existing landscaping would remain in place. Generally, parallel parking would be striped along the sidewalks and a single travel lane would remain in each direction, and turn lanes would remain. A graphic on the back of this notice shows a sample block with the conceptual street-section layout.
Traffic counts on Carson Street south of William Street:
2009: 28,887 ADT (Average Daily Trips)
2012: 18,724 ADT (35% less than 2009)
The last year less than 19,000 ADT's were counted at this location on Carson Street was 1972.
Roop Street and Stewart Street have been improved and have the capacity to carry additional north-south traffic to relieve demand on Carson Street. Stewart Street south of William Street had 9,857 ADT in 2012, with capacity similar to Carson Street.
The Regional Transportation Commission has studied the possibility of reducing Carson Street to two lanes through downtown and determined that it could adequately accommodate traffic at Carson City's buildout population (more than 30 years from now).
Studies show there is a reduction in pedestrian crash risk when crossing two- and three- lane roads compared to roads with four or more lanes.*
Studies show there is a reduction in vehicle crash frequency as a direct result of reducing travel lanes from four lanes down to two lanes with a turn lane.*
* Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Potential benefits of the plan to stripe additional parking:
Creates a safer, more pleasant pedestrian environment
Parking space area could be used by adjacent businesses for outdoor seating patios or special events
Emphasizes shopping opportunities to motorists
Provides additional parking for downtown businesses (adding approximately 80 spaces)
Relatively inexpensive and reversible way to implement a portion of the long-term vision to improve the downtown and prevent relocation of existing businesses.
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