DRAFT Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update: February 23, 2018 version

TRAVEL MODE

POLICY OR PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION

GUIDING PRINCIPLES ADDRESSED

Near-Term Recommendations

All Amend the Comprehensive Transportation Plan annually to include new transportation network enhancements as they are identified during the development review process. The CTP should be updated annually to take into account new developments, completed projects, and changing conditions. This amendment may include updates to figures and tables in Chapters 2, 3, or 4 , as determined by Town staff based on the types of enhancements to be added. Continue to follow efforts promoting the Triangle Bikeway , and work with NCDOT to ensure proper connections to Town bike facilities on Airport Boulevard. The proposed Triangle Bikeway is envisioned to run roughly parallel to I-40 to connect Raleigh, Cary, RDU, RTP, and Morrisville. This facility will greatly impact mobility in Morrisville and the surrounding region. Town staff should continue to actively engage in regional bicycle and pedestrian planning efforts to advocate for local needs, and partner with other local communities and advocacy organizations to raise awareness of the plan and seek public support. Additional modifications may be needed once the alignment for the Triangle Bikeway has been finalized. Evaluate all unsignalized greenway trail crossings to determine whether crossing enhancements such as high-visibility crosswalks or signage should be added. Crossing enhancements are cost- effective ways to mark pedestrian and bicycle crossings that may not warrant a traffic signal. Town Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works staff should collaborate to determine how best to identify which locations should have enhancements added. Incorporate the streamlined nomenclature for multi-use paths described in Chapter 4 to all Town documents, plans, and ordinances. The CTP classifies multi-use paths as either greenways or sidepaths, depending on their function and location. Incorporating this language within all Town ordinances, documentation, and signage can provide clarity and certainty throughout the community. Prioritize the construction of greenway connections between existing facilities and adjacent neighborhoods. The construction of short connections has the ability to greatly improve connectivity through cost-effective minor improvements, rather than major investments. Increased connections to the greenway system can provide crucial recreational connections, as well as increased functional mobility throughout the community for neighborhoods built in a curvilinear manner, encouraging active transportation for short trips. Following the completion of the Town’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, revisit the non- motorized recommendations within the Comprehensive Transportation Plan to determine if adjustments should be made to better accommodate the vision of that plan. Amend or update the plan’s recommendations to reflect the priorities of the Parks and Recs Master Plan if necessary, including greenway connections, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and prioritizing connectivity to community parks. Advance the recommendations of the Active Kids Strategic Plan. Support development of strategies such as creating a Safe Routes to School Program, walk and bike to school days, and safety audits. Also promote the concept of complete streets through better coordination between Town staff. Update section 5.8 of the UDO to specify the provision of supporting amenities for bicycle and pedestrian facilities that the Town desires within developments. In order to encourage and support active transportation within the community, it is crucial that new development provide the necessary amenities, including bicycle parking areas, bicycle racks, benches, and shade or covered areas. The UDO should be amended to require the provision of these amenities in certain areas. Include the construction of curb and gutter and street trees in all projects that include sidewalks. While no standalone sidewalk projects are recommended in the Morrisville CTP, many of the roadway recommendations include the construction of sidewalks as incidental improvements. Additional improvements, such as curb and gutter and a planting buffer, can aid in creating an inviting pedestrian environment and creates separation between the vehicle travel way and the sidewalk to increase safety. These improvements are consistent with the NCDOT Complete Streets Design Guidelines. Strengthen language in section 5.8 of the UDO for pedestrian connectivity in new developments. In order to provide greater pedestrian circulation and access, it is crucial for sidewalks to connect to multiple right-of-ways rather than a single point. The UDO should be amended to require sidewalk connections to connect the development to the public right-of-way along multiple lot frontages. Review the EDCM and UDO to account for recommendations made in the Plan for multi-use paths. Updating the Town of Morrisville Comprehensive Transportation Plan provides staff an opportunity to review the EDCM and UDO for potential amendments based on recommendations in the Plan. 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. Conduct an audit of all existing crosswalks for ADA accessibility. Develop an inventory of existing crosswalks, and identify the level of improvement needed for each location.

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Transit

Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Roadway

Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Roadway

Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Roadway

Roadway

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