South Boulevard and South Tryon Street are difficult to walk down.
You know this if you live in or visit the South End and Lower South End areas.
This was further confirmed in a series of walking tours that the Charlotte Department of Transportation hosted along both roads. That effort has continued this week in a series of public meetings centered around how to make them more friendly to walkers and bikers.
Image via city of Charlotte
This isn’t just about being comfortable walking. It’s about safety as well. There have been numerous pedestrian-involved accidents along these two corridors in the past few years, including the tragic death of a 28-year-old woman in January.
Here’s what people are saying so far.
People love the Rail Trail. They also like the intersections that have “pedestrian refuges” in the middle as people cross.
But many intersections are hard to cross, and poor sidewalk conditions and alignment make it hard to walk or bike.
What’s on the table?
Scott Curry of the Charlotte Department Transportation said the city is looking at a number of short- and long-term fixes. Short-term things could include better crosswalks. Longer term, the city wants to work with developers to do major renovations to the pedestrian experience as they redevelop properties.
There’s still time to share your views.
One more public drop-in meeting will be held at the Charlotte Trolley Museum. Wednesday: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The recommendations will be presented Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
Also at the Charlotte Trolley Museum. Check Friday’s Agenda for what they come up with.
