Oxford Street Improvements

CITY OF FORT WAYNE

OXFORD STREET IMPROVEMENTS

September 15, 2023

AGENDA

• PROJECT AREA

• BACKGROUND AND GOALS

• EXISTING CONDITIONS

• STRATEGIES

• SCHEDULE

• QUESTIONS

PROJECT AREA

1 MILE STRETCH OF OXFORD ST. FROM LAFAYETTE ST. TO S. ANTHONY BLVD.

BACKGROUND

In 2021, the City of Fort Wayne adopted the Southeast Strategy Update; a comprehensive sub-area plan for reinvesting in Fort Wayne’s southeast quadrant of the City. In addition to providing policy recommendations that address housing, infrastructure, economic development, zoning, and community pride, the plan identifies projects and initiatives to enhance four commercial corridors and nodes. One of these neighborhood commercial corridors is Oxford Street. Strategies for enhancing this area include: business assistance and programming resources as well as aesthetic improvements such as landscaping, lighting, public art and pedestrian connections along the corridor and to Weisser Park a block north from the project site.

PROJECT GOALS

The Oxford Street corridor reflects a mix of commercial and residential uses. While fewer infill opportunities exist along Oxford Street, the street remains very active and has attracted investors interested in redeveloping older buildings for sale or lease for a variety of business purposes. The Oxford Neighborhood Association has an active presence and is engaged with the residents and businesses along Oxford Street. Our team is excited to capitalize on the existing momentum within the area by helping design and improve the roadway and neighboring streetscape. Our objective is to create a pedestrian oriented and friendly environment for the Oxford Street Corridor with the following goals:

PROJECT GOALS

GOAL 1

IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAFFIC CALMING SOLUTIONS

• NARROW DRIVE LANES

• WIDEN SIDEWALK

• REMOVAL OR ADDITION OF ONSTREET PARKING

• ADDITION OF PARK STRIPS

• ETC.

PROJECT GOALS

GOAL 2

RECONSTRUCTION OF CURBS AND WALKS TO MEET CURRENT

ADA STANDARDS

PROJECT GOALS

GOAL 3

RECONSTRUCTION OF ALL DETERIORATED DRIVE APPROACHES

PROJECT GOALS

GOAL 4

CREATE AN IDENTITY FOR THE OXFORD STREET CORRIDOR

• SPECIFIC PAVEMENT TYPE

• BANNERS

• LIGHTING

• PLANTINGS

• ARTWORK

• GATEWAYS

• ETC.

PROJECT GOALS

GOAL 5

UPDATE PEDESTRIAN SCALE

STREETLIGHTING

PROJECT GOALS

GOAL 6

IMPROVE STORMWATER

DRAINAGE

• RELIEVE DRAINAGE ISSUES NEAR CURB RAMPS

• IMPROVE ROADWAY AND SIDEWALK

DRAINAGE

• INCORPORATE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

• ETC.

EXISTING CONDTIONS

EXISTING CONDTIONS

ZONED RESIDENTIAL ZONED COMMERCIAL

C2 FORT WAYNE

C2 FORT WAYNE

C2 FORT WAYNE

C1 FORT WAYNE

C3 FORT WAYNE

C3 FORT WAYNE

STRATEGIES

ENHANCING TRAFFIC SAFETY, STREET AESTHETICS, AND PEDESTRIAN SPACES: METHODS AND APPROACHES

STRATEGIES

CURB EXTENSIONS OR BUMPOUTS

Bump outs are highly successful in streetscapes where parking and green space are both desired. Planned along roadways and at intersections they help signal traffic to pedestrian crossings or increased activity.

Can help aid in improving stormwater management while adding green spaces to a community.

The ecological functions of the curb extensions along with the ability to slow down traffic presents itself as a potential tool.

STRATEGIES

LANE SHIFTING

This methodology narrows the roadway at certain points to help slow down traffic. The method offers the opportunity to introduce green space and help improve pedestrian mobility and activity spaces.

This methodology, besides helping to slow down traffic, can also help aid in improving stormwater management while adding green spaces to a community.

STRATEGIES

SPEED TABLE

SPEED TABLES AND RAISED CROSSWALKS

Serves as a physical condition in the roadway that alerts drivers to slow down to an oncoming intersection of traffic or pedestrian crossing. Can be decorative to reflect the community as well as adding an additional layer to pedestrian movability.

RAISED CROSSWALK

27% FROM TO 3% DROPPED

Data collected at 7 speed tables demonstrates that the effect of speed tables on high speed vehicles is dramatic. For the study sites, 27 percent of the pre-implementation traffic had a measured speed that was at least 10 mph higher than the posted speed limit. After installation of a speed table, this high speed traffic had dropped to an average of 3 percent of the total traffic.

STRATEGIES

REDUCED RADIUS CORNERS

This method slows down traffic if not bringing traffic to complete stop prior to turning. Reduced radius corners are friendly to pedestrian traffic as it not only extends the pedestrian space but also provides a higher visual plane for vehicular traffic to see pedestrian traffic and vise versa.

Larger radius results in faster turns and less visibility of pedestrians waiting to cross.

Smaller radius in need for vehicles to slow to enter traffic, as well as improved visibility of pedestrians and on-coming traffic.

Removing the slip lane results in shorter crossings for pedestrians, safer conditions at the intersection, and space for landscaping, seating, or other useable amenities.

STRATEGIES

GREEN SPACE / TREES

Trees and vegetation not only help to improve the aesthetics and park like quality of the space but can help scale down the street to help slow down vehicular traffic.

5°15°

Trees can help reduce surface temperature by 5-15 degrees. This can promote effective gathering spaces for congregating, which can further activate the streetscape and foster personal interactions.

(Source: Walkable Communities Inc.)

STRATEGIES

LANE NARROWING

Narrow lanes reduce speeds and minimize crashes on city streets by way of reducing the right-of-way and making drivers wary of traffic and adjacent users. Use the additional space for pedestrian space, cycle facilities, or green infrastructure.

AVERAGE PEDESTRIAN/BIKER FATALITIES AT GIVEN SPEEDS

MPH

30 MPH

40 MPH

It’s surprising to see how a difference of 20 mph reverses the survival rates of people hit by moving vehicles.

STRATEGIES

INTERSECTION TREATMENTS

These treatments ensure that approaching motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can see that an intersection is ahead and that a traffic signal is controlling the traffic flow.

STRATEGIES

GATEWAY TREATMENTS

Gateway treatments alert drivers that they are entering a slower area. This treatment may include signage, entry portals, speed tables, raised crossings, and curb extensions.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT

SEPTEMBER 2023

Public Participation Survey: 9/15 - 10/1

NOVEMBER 2023

Presentation of Survey Results

Input Session on Conceptual Designs: Mid-November

CONSTRUCTION PHASES - ANTICIPATED TO BEGIN IN 2025

LEGEND

CITILINK BUS STOPS

EXISTING PEDESTRIAN TRAIL

LAFAYETTE ST

WEISSER PARK

WEISSER PARK ELEMENTARY

WHITNEY YOUNG EARLY CHILDHOOD

HANNA ST

OLIVER ST

ANTHONY BLVD

PHASE I

JOHN S. IRWIN ELEMENTARY

OXFORD ST

PHASE III

PHASE II

EUELL A. WILSON COMMUNITY CENTER

QUESTIONS