DRAFT Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update: July 23, 2018 version

ACTION PLAN

TRAVEL MODE

POLICY OR PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION

GUIDING PRINCIPLES ADDRESSED

Near-Term Recommendations

Where appropriate, consider implementation of access management strategies for both public and private sector improvements. The types of access management improvements for state roadways should be based upon coordination with NCDOT. Access management improvements can be considered in areas with changing development patterns, increasing traffic, or existing safety concerns as potential mitigation measures. Support efforts by partner agencies to promote intelligent transportation systems and transportation demand management improvements. The Triangle region is growing, and the transportation system is feeling the squeeze. The best future solution to mitigate congestion is not to widen every highway, but instead to utilize advanced technology to manage traffic operations, and develop coordinated strategies to manage demand. In 2016, drivers in the Triangle area reduced their commute by over 61 million miles through the use of travel demand management (TDM). TDM efforts are uniquely suited to this region due to the clustering of many large employers that make programs like carpooling, transit, and flexible work weeks extremely beneficial. The Town should continue to work cooperatively with Triangle J Council of Governments, CAMPO, and NCDOT to support current efforts, plan for future needs, and support innovative pilot projects to advance emerging technologies. Ensure design standards to maintain pedestrian activity when building large medians. Proposed cross-sections developed to plan for dedicated bus lanes include wide center median. In the future, the median will be reduced in width to add a dedicated bus lane in the roadway. In the near term, it is essential to design the medians in a way to prevent excessive speeding and dangerous behavior by vehicles. Features such as, but not limited to, landscaping, curb and gutter, crosswalks, and pedestrian havens need to be included in the design to ensure safer pedestrian access. Coordinate with NCDOT to determine the location and scope of recommended intersection improvements, and update or amend the plan accordingly. Several intersection recommendations are identified in this CTP, but for state-maintained roadways the final scope and location of any intersection improvements or realignment projects will be determined through coordination with NCDOT. A comprehensive safety and operations analysis should be completed at all locations to determine the unique needs of each location, and the CTP project list will be updated accordingly as each project progresses to design and construction. Rename the segment of Southport Drive between NC 54 and International Drive. The removal of the proposed Southport Drive Extension, between McCrimmon Parkway and International Drive, from the Plan eliminates the opportunity to connect the existing sections of Southport Drive between Aviation Parkway and McCrimmon Parkway and NC 54 and International Drive. Renaming of the roadway will improve clarity for both the Town and residents by reducing the confusion caused by having two disconnected streets with the same name. Emphasize network connectivity during the review of all development proposals for consistency with the approved collector street recommendations and section 5.8.5 of the Town’s UDO. Collector street recommendations are intended to primarily focus on the location of connection points rather than specific alignments through a proposed development. Develop an access management strategy for Morrisville Parkway. Conduct a study for the Morrisville Parkway corridor to evaluate current curb cuts, intersection safety, and multimodal connectivity. Remain engaged with the identification and prioritization of transit improvements at the County level. As Wake County looks toward major transit improvements with the implementation of the Wake County Transit Plan, Town staff should continue to remain active at the regional level to advocate for local interests. Staff should assist the regional efforts by coordinating local planning activities to the region’s long-range goals. Study potential routing, stop locations, ridership, and costs of a transit circulator with the intent to apply for funding through the Wake County Transit Community Funding Area Program. As Morrisville grows, so does the demand for transit service within the community. The Town should continue to develop plans for a local circulator, including several operational alternatives. Coordination with Wake County should continue to determine the Town’s eligibility for the program, and to maintain communication throughout the planning process. Local businesses, schools, and employers should also be engaged in the development process. Other towns with similar types of transit service include Wake Forest and Statesville. The Town should also explore allocating local monies to use as a match for this program. Advocate and provide for expansion of bus service town-wide. In order to support enhanced fixed- route and express bus service within the Town, staff and elected officials should advocate for expanded service. Additionally, support should be provided for expanded roadway cross-sections to accommodate bus only lanes on select corridors. Develop a plan for implementation and sign template(s) for signage to inform and educate the community about the purpose and rules of a sidepath, greenway, etc. Education and enforcement is a major component of promoting active transportation throughout the community. Informational signage and events to introduce the basics of greenway rules and etiquette will create a confident community that takes pride in their active transportation system and encourages others to do the same. Create wayfinding signage that details the trip length to community destinations by bike or on foot to encourage travelers to step outside their vehicle. This popular way to promote active transportation is a cost-effective measure that can be completed by Town staff, in collaboration with a community advocacy group, or with the cooperation of a local business organization. Similar signage is currently in place along greenways in portions of Raleigh and Charlotte.

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Transit

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Mid-Term Recommendations

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle & Pedestrian

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