Goal 2
EASY, ACCESSIBLE MOBILITY
Provide multiple convenient, safe and affordable travel options for getting to and around Center City.
BIG IDEA: Fund and construct remaining Uptown CyleLink segments connecting to existing greenway and trail networks
Why is This Important?
For several decades, cities were primarily designed for drivers, and streets were built to move cars into and out of downtowns as quickly as possible. Charlotte’s freeway and road network, followed similar patterns, creating barriers between Center City neighborhoods and between Uptown and adjacent areas. As a result, some Center City streets are wide, with multiple vehicle lanes and fast-moving traffic. These freeways and roads divided neighborhoods from one another and from Uptown, isolating communities and making it more difficult for residents to access amenities and opportunities in other nearby areas.
These factors create a challenging environment for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and others using the streets and sidewalk spaces. It also means that driving to and parking in Center City is often still the most convenient option. Raising the share of trips taken by other modes has multiple benefits for the city, including improving the street environment and lowering carbon emissions.
Getting to and around Center City should be safe, comfortable and affordable for travelers of all ages and abilities. Center City has a rich concentration of jobs, schools, cultural hubs, health care providers as well as parks and public art. Charlotteans must have affordable options for travelling to the urban core to access these resources for wellbeing, enrichment and economic opportunity.
Creating a network of connected mobility options will give people more choice and flexibility when they travel. Center City’s multi-modal transportation network will include options for driving and ridesharing; taking light rail, bus or autonomous shuttle; or walking, biking or riding a scooter. Less driving could allow land that is currently devoted to automobiles – including freeways, roads, ramps, interchanges and parking lots and decks – to be used community-oriented uses, while supporting easy, accessible mobility. While we will not eliminate the need for automobiles entirely, the growth in mobility options moving forward must be dramatically less auto-centric.
CENTER CITY CONNECTIVITY
Center City’s multi-modal network is maturing, expanding, and better connecting the city. (see Figure 5.2.A). The following are general observations and recommendations which are reflected in the strategies and recommendations that follow.
Light rail and streetcar access: Permanent rail infrastructure significantly expanded the areas of Center City that are considered “walkable” to transit. Proximity to rail and transit hubs should be a primary consideration when evaluating redevelopment opportunities.
Connections: As the transit network is built out, there are more areas where multiple fixed rail lines intersect, with more planned. These multi-line stations should be envisioned as part of mobility hubs that should include expanded bus service, shared mobility options, community amenities, built within vertical mixed-use developments.
Connectivity Corridors: Key corridors within the Center City boundary function as connective tissue for major destinations. These streets and corridors are opportunities to activate the public realm through redevelopment, programming, and multi-modal accommodations, like transit stops with amenities and real-time data.
Breaking Through Barriers: Interstate 277 (I-277) functions as a major barrier encircling Uptown, as does the Norfolk Southern Rail Yard in the North End. Smaller-scale interventions, such as improved underpasses and shared bikes and scooters should be located at key intersections connecting Uptown to the greater Center City. Investment in transformative projects that can truly overcome the I-277 barrier should be built along major corridors such as West Trade, North College, North Caldwell, and South Church Streets.
Linking Greenways: Center City is flanked by two north-south regional greenway corridors, the Cross Charlotte Trail and the Seam Trail. When complete, these trail corridors will stretch a combined length of over 80 miles, connecting multiple towns, major employment centers, retail hubs, and hundreds of thousands of residents to Center City. These greenways should be linked across Center City to support affordable, low-carbon transportation options and cement Center City as the heart of the regional trails system.
How Can We Achieve This?
STRATEGY 2A: BALANCE TRIPS TO AND WITHIN CENTER CITY AMONG DIFFERENT MODES INCLUDING BUS, RAIL, WALKING, BIKING AND DRIVING
Meeting climate and energy goals, as well as creating a safe and welcoming urban environment, requires a transportation system that is not overly dependent on automobiles. More travel modes mean more flexibility, affordability and access for more people while lowering carbon emissions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
2a-1 Collaborate with the Planning Department and the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) to establish ambitious Center-City specific goals for the share of trips taken by different modes, including walking, biking, transit and shared/micro mobility.
2a-2 Partner with major employers and other private organizations to develop tools and incentives to support transportation choice and to achieve mode share goals. Establishing a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program can include:
› Discounted or free transit passes
› Organized rideshare systems
› Reducing or eliminating free parking and maximizing use of existing supply via technology, marketing and promotion.
2a-3 Launch a coordinated marketing and promotional campaign to promote transit and reduce the stigma associated with bus ridership.
2a-4 Complete implementation of the Uptown CycleLink (protected bike network) project to enhance the city’s all ages and abilities (AAA) bicycle network.
› Provide more e-scooter corrals and bike parking
› Launch education and marketing programs about the safety and accessibility of the network.
2a-5 Plan, design and construct clusters of amenities such as shade structures, water fountains, bike racks, and bike repair stations to encourage walking and biking year-round.
2a-6 Expand the bike-share network and availability of electric bikes through Charlotte Joy Ride (formerly B-Cycle).
› Focus on existing and planned greenway and transit networks to enable and encourage first mile/last mile commuting options.
STRATEGY 2B: PLAN FOR AND INVEST IN THE COMPREHENSIVE, FLEXIBLE, ACCESSIBLE TRANSIT SYSTEM AND MOBILITY HUBS
As Charlotte grows, it will be critical to have a transit network that moves people in, out and around the urban core without causing congestion and delays. Center City is the core of Charlotte and of the proposed “Transformational Mobility Network (TMN)” recommended by the Charlotte Moves Task Force, which will transform how people and goods move throughout the City.
RECOMMENDATIONS
2b-1 Update the 2011 Center City Transportation Plan to include the policies, recommendations and actions of the priority transportation networks that will be described in the forthcoming Strategic Mobility Plan, which will support the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, this Center City 2040 Vision Plan, and ongoing plans/studies including the Strategic Mobility Plan, the Silver Line (Project Design, Rail Trail Plan, and TOD Plan), the Uptown CycleLink study, and the CATS Center City Bus Priority Study.)
2b-2 Construct the Silver Line through Center City including seven stations at or near:
› Pecan Avenue
› Central Avenue
› The intersection of the Silver and Blue Lines (11th Street)
› North Graham Street
› Gateway Station
› Morehead Street
› Suttle Avenue
2b-3 Complete Phase 3 of the Gold Line in West End from French Street to the Rosa Parks Community Transit Center along Beatties Ford Road as well as expansion east from Sunnyside Avenue down Central Avenue to Eastland.
2b-4 Complete the CATS Bus Priority Study and implement recommendations to reduce waiting time and improve the speed and reliability of the bus network that serves Center City employment and activity centers.
2b-5 Redesign the Charlotte Transportation Center as a safe and welcoming bus and mobility hub that is part of a high-density mixed-use development with affordable housing, space for small, local businesses, and cultural civic facilities.
2b-6 Prioritize projects that overcome barriers to transit ridership through tactics including:
› Providing seamless connections between transit modes and lines at mobility hubs and other priority destinations
› Increasing options for first- and last-mile trips through shared mobility like scooters, bike share etc...
› Improving headways (reducing waiting time between buses) and response time
› Designing and building high-quality bus stops and shelters with real time digital interaction
› Providing accurate and current bus and train arrival and departure times
› Increasing on-board amenities.
2b-7 Design and build Charlotte Gateway Station as the multi-modal hub of the regional commuter transit network as part of a dense, mixed-use development with service for:
› Silver Line light rail
› Inter-city and express commuter bus routes
› Gold Line streetcar
› Future Red Line commuter rail and high speed rail
STRATEGY 2C: DESIGN AND MANAGE STREETS AND CURB LANES FOR ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
Redesigning roadways can improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, prevent crashes, and make transit faster and more convenient. The curb lane must work for many users, particularly in response to the rise of rideshare systems (e.g., Uber and Lyft) and online shopping deliveries.
RECOMMENDATIONS
2c-1 Incorporate Complete Streets principles (design for all travel modes) and emphasize safety in the planning and design of roadways by re-allocating space for all modes of travel, such as transit priority or bus-only lanes and bike lanes. Provide on street e-scooter corrals and bike parking where feasible and appropriate.
2c-2 Leverage the CDOT Strategic Mobility Plan and amend the Uptown Street Enhancement Standards Map to identify priority streets for redesign and/or management consistent with pedestrian and bicycle-friendly principles, including:
› Design streets to function more as public spaces that reflect local character and history and are animated with a variety of activities and programming
› Ensure safety of pedestrians, cyclists and those using mobility devices such as scooters
› Create places to gather and interact
› Provide alternative transportation options
› Function as a complete network.
2c-3 Prioritize pedestrian and bicycle-friendly roads that are near neighborhood destinations, such as parks and shopping and service centers and connect residential areas to employment centers, including:
› East 9th Street in First Ward
› Davidson Street in First and Second Wards
› South Mint Street in Third Ward
› North Poplar Street in Fourth Ward
› 11th Street in First Ward
› Smith Street in Fourth Ward
2c-4 Identify streets and blocks to limit or eliminate vehicle traffic during certain days and/or times, such as community events and pop-up markets, and establish a policy and criteria for no-vehicle periods.
2c-5 Develop a comprehensive curb lane design and management system for Uptown and Center City neighborhood nodes that:
› Prioritizes pedestrian safety
› Balances the needs of commercial corridors, including loading/unloading goods and waste management, with a pedestrian-friendly environment
› Designates and strategically locates shared drop-off/pick-up zones
› Provides on-street parking in strategic locations
› Encourages the use of smaller commercial delivery vehicles
› Minimizes conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles
› Offers flexibility during non-peak hours and days
› Allows for emerging mobility tools and systems including autonomous and electric vehicles.
2c-6 Encourage slower vehicle traffic through “traffic calming”, roadway design, additional signals, signal timing and other tools.
2c-7 Transform traditional “workhorse” streets that carry large numbers of vehicles into and out of Uptown during peak times to become safe, comfortable multi-modal corridors, consistent with CATS plans to use these streets as future bus priority corridors:
› 3rd Street
› 4th Street
› College Street
› Church Street
› Graham Street
› McDowell Street
› Stonewall Street.
2c-8 Conduct a readiness assessment / feasibility study to analyze Center City's ability to incorporate technologies and infrastructure to support autonomous vehicles, electric vehicle charging and other emerging smart technologies.
STRATEGY 2D: MANAGE PARKING TO SUPPORT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION AND IMPROVE THE STREET ENVIRONMENT
While parking is an important amenity, devoting too much space to it negatively impacts the street environment, encourages driving, and causes situations where pedestrians, buses and cars can come into conflict (such as parking garage entrances at sidewalks). Redesigning existing parking structures can make them more pedestrian friendly and useful to visitors and tourists.
RECOMMENDATIONS
2d-1 Develop a comprehensive, phased plan for updating single-use parking decks and lots in Center City to support traveler choices and comfort and provide additional amenities, including:
› Shared parking
› Storage for private and shared bicycles, scooters and other micro-mobility devices
› Public amenities including restrooms
› Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
› Solar readiness
› Capacity for rooftop gardens, public/private open space and other green infrastructure
› Active ground-floors
› Public WiFi.
2d-2 Eliminate parking minimums for new development. And, once the Region and City has built out a more comprehensive transit system, consider establishing parking maximums.
2d-3 Implement shared parking in Uptown at Gateway Station, Charlotte Transportation Center and other Center City park-and-ride mobility hubs for uses in and around these station areas.
2d-4 Study the feasibility of parking district programs and permitted on-street parking in Center City outside Uptown and South End, including an assessment of political, community and business-owner support for residential and neighborhood permit programs.
STRATEGY 2E: IMPROVE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOODS
Many Center City neighborhoods and communities are divided by roadways – most notably Interstate 277 (I-277) – and other barriers such as rail lines or large uninterrupted blocks. Restoring or building connections between communities supports “10-minute neighborhoods” where people can meet their needs close to home (such as groceries, banking and other essential needs). These connections also make it easy for people to use alternate modes of travel and supports access to jobs and amenities.
RECOMMENDATIONS
2e-1 Reimagine I-277 to reduce or eliminate barriers between Uptown and adjacent neighborhoods. Work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to identify and evaluate opportunities to reconnect neighborhoods and improve mobility, including:
› Reclaiming public land from the I-77 and West Trade reconfiguration to accommodate a new mixed-use development
› Adding a signature pedestrian and bicycle bridge over I-77 and West 5th Street
› Capping I-277 to provide a seamless connection between Uptown and South End.
2e-2 Develop metrics and decision-making criteria for:
› Evaluating I-277’s current impacts and assessing the opportunities in transforming the freeway to reconnect Uptown and nearby neighborhoods
› The success of a robust transit system
› Transformed multi-modal streets
› Reducing the need for solo car trips and parking
2e-3 Plan and build the Silver Line Rail Trail as a premier trail, public space amenity and connection to other active transportation facilities, including the Cross-Charlotte Trail and Uptown CycleLink.
2e-4 Redesign and implement Complete Streets principles on key corridors that connect Uptown and Center City transit stations with surrounding neighborhoods:
› Morehead Street
› East Trade Street / Elizabeth Avenue
› Statesville Avenue
› Graham Street.
2e-5 Improve pedestrian and cyclist experience between Uptown and other neighborhoods by improving underpasses, sidewalks, greenways, bikeways, and bridges that provide safe, comfortable and welcoming connections, including:
› Blue Line Rail Trail extension north of 12th Street
› East Trade Street and Elizabeth Avenue
› West Trade Street and West 5th Street
› North Graham Street and I-277
› West 4th Street and I-277
› West Morehead Street and I-77
› South Mint Street
› South McDowell Street
› East 10th Street
› East 7th Street
› The Cedar Yards/Foundry area.
2e-6 Explore the use of autonomous vehicles to connect neighborhoods to transit stations and Uptown, including:
› North End neighborhoods to Blue Line stations
› Carolinas Medical Center and Medical School Campus to Uptown.
2e-7 Convert Brevard and Caldwell Streets in Uptown to two-way streets.
2e-8 Extend the Stonewall Street past Bank of America Stadium, under the rail lines to connect to Cedar Street in the Third Ward.
2e-9 Rebuild and reconnect 10th Street between Fourth and First Wards.
2e-10 Construct the Euclid Avenue bridge across I-277 to Stonewall Street.
2e-11 Better connect major destinations and encourage walking by activating the pedestrian experience and adding amenities to transit stops along Connectivity Corridors, including:
› Tryon Street
› Trade Street / Elizabeth Avenue
› Brevard Street
