AGENDA DATE: 6/21/2023
TITLE:
Title
Free Bridge Lane Update
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Sharing Final Memo from the Free Bridge Lane Conceptual Design Study
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Filardo, McDermott, Hersh-Ballering
PRESENTER (S): Hersh-Ballering
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Free Bridge Lane is a low-volume, unstriped roadway that extends approximately one-half mile from Darden Towe Park to US 250. Along the west side of the roadway, there is a degraded, narrow shared use path. There is a future Albemarle County park site on the east side of the roadway. The 2019 Pantops Master Plan envisioned transitioning Free Bridge Lane from its current condition to a "Green Street" with enhanced bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and elements of stormwater management. Free Bridge Lane was prioritized in the Pantops Master Plan as a "catalyst" project.
Staff engaged consultant services to develop a conceptual design for improvements to Free Bridge Lane that are consistent with the Pantops Master Plan. The consultants prepared two design proposals: a promenade design and a one-way street design. Staff presented the two designs to the public at the Pantops Community Advisory Committee on January 23, 2023. Those in attendance at that meeting spoke largely in favor of the promenade. Staff presented the two designs to the Board of Supervisors at their March 1, 2023 meeting. The Board of Supervisors offered feedback on the two designs and voted to support the development of a Free Bridge Lane Promenade Pilot Program. Community Development and Parks & Recreation staff are currently collaborating to develop that Pilot Program.
Following development of the Pilot Program, staff may return to the Board with a funding request (if necessary) and/or return for a Resolution to Discontinue Maintenance on Free Bridge Lane (if required by VDOT). Staff will update the Boar...
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