PROVIDENCE – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza released a draft of a master plan that is intended to improve traffic safety, increase protections for bikers and walkers, lower emissions and improve streetscapes called the Great Streets Initiative.
The draft proposes a network of urban trails to connect Providence’s neighborhoods that would cater to walkers, bikers and include neighborhood greenways. Recommendations also include redesign of street patterns to provide protected bike lanes.
In addition to creating better pathways for people to move about the city, the plan includes intersection improvement recommendations and streetscape improvements, including lighting, recycling bins, street trees, pocket parks, benches and speeding calming tactics, as well as consideration of methods to prevent cut-through traffic.
The draft master plan included more than 100 recommended projects for urban trail installations, suggested traffic calming areas and intersection improvements.
“In Providence, we’re continuously working to improve our unique quality of life and space that has made us one of the top mid-sized cities in the country,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza in prepared remarks. “The Great Streets Initiative will help better connect our residents and neighborhoods by creating more walkable, mixed-use public spaces while encouraging sustainable intermodal transportation options.”
The improvement recommendations followed a period of public input that yielded 275 comments from over 180 attendees of public neighborhood meetings.
“Based on Providence’s median household income, the average Providence household spends approximately 56% of its total income on housing and transportation costs, well above what is considered to be affordable,” stated Providence Director of Special Projects Martina Hagerty in a press release announcing the creation of a master plan draft. “Reducing household transportation costs by making it safer, easier and more convenient for people to use lower-cost transportation options such as walking, riding bicycles, and public transit is one strategy to help make Providence more affordable for residents.”
The full daft master plan may be viewed online.
