Feedback from hundreds of citizens through the public engagement process in 2019 led to several project changes, such as:
Wider sidewalks: 6-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of the road (between MacVicar and Gage) were preferred by the public instead of a 10-foot-wide shared-use path on one side only and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the other. This provides more distance between homes and sidewalks with less overall right-of-way.
Wider crossing zone: In response to feedback, we are adding a slightly raised and wider crossing zone on 12th Street at Blue Cross and Blue Shield between their campus and the parking lots on the opposite side of 12th. This adds safety via a clearer delineation of the crossing zone.
Flexible cycling options: In response to feedback, the design utilizes a combination of shared-use paths and on-street bike lanes for cyclists rather than only including one or the other. This provides travel options for cyclists at varying levels and abilities.
Additional turn lanes: In response to feedback, turning lanes have been added at Gage, MacVicar, Lane, Washburn and Topeka. This provides two travel lanes on 20 percent of the corridor, thus improving traffic flow, particularly around larger intersections and especially during rush hour.
Removing stop signs: In response to feedback, stop signs are being removed at the MacVicar and Oakley intersections, as they are no longer warranted by national traffic standards. This sign removal will improve traffic flow.