What’s Proposed?
We want to make Arctic Avenue safer, more welcoming, and more “main-street” friendly by:
- Calming Traffic
- Narrowing the two 11-foot car lanes down to 10 feet each.
- Using the extra space to add:
- Protected bike lanes on both sides (6 feet wide, with a painted buffer).
- A center turn lane where accidents happen most often, so cars can turn without blocking traffic.
- Boosting Walkability
- Widening sidewalks from about 5 to 8 feet—enough room for shade trees, benches, and window-shopping.
- Adding curb extensions (“bulb-outs”) at busy crossings (like 3rd and 7th Streets) so people spend 30% less time in the road and are easier for drivers to spot.
- Updating Parking
- Swapping some angled spots for parallel parking right at the curb to slow cars and protect pedestrians.
- Keeping angled spots in wider areas to ensure visitors and shoppers still find places to park.
- Making Crosswalks Stand Out
- Building raised, zebra-striped crossings at popular mid-block spots (for example, between Center and 3rd Streets).
- Equipping them with flashing lights people can activate, so drivers know someone is stepping into the crosswalk.
- Adding Streetscape & “Turtle-Friendly” Lighting
- Planting street trees and installing pedestrian-scale lamps for a cozier, small-town feel.
- Using amber LED lights that are easier on our local sea turtles and still brighten the street for people.
Why It Matters
- Fewer Crashes: By slowing cars and giving bikes and people their own space, we expect a big drop in collisions—especially since East Arctic Avenue alone saw 28 crashes in our study.
- Safer for Biking & Walking: Nearly all bike-and-pedestrian crashes on this stretch caused injuries; protected lanes and wider sidewalks will keep families and visitors safer.
- Stronger Local Businesses: A more attractive, easier-to-navigate street will draw more foot traffic to shops and restaurants—supporting our local economy and making Arctic Avenue a place folks choose to linger.
