Item 2A - Urban Trails Plan and Sidewalk/ADA Transition Plan Update - staff presentation — original pdf

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CITY OF AUSTIN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Urban Trails Plan and Sidewalk/ADA Transition Plan Updates CONNECTING YOU ALL AROUND AUSTIN Agenda Project Introduction • Austin Strategic Mobility Plan • Schedule Urban Trails: • Background of the Urban Trails Program • Goals for the Urban Trails Plan Update Sidewalks: • Background of the Sidewalk Program • Goals for the Sidewalk Plan Update Questions and Feedback City of Austin | Public Works Department 1 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan City of Austin | Public Works Department 2 Project Approach and Schedule Boards & Commissions Kickoff Public and Stakeholder Listening Public and Stakeholder Response to Findings Boards and Commissions Final Input Consultant Award Analysis & Draft Plans Council Adoption Final Plans Spring 2020 Fall 2022 City of Austin | Public Works Department 3 2014 Urban Trails Plan Definition of an Urban Trail A citywide network of non-motorized, multi-use pathways that are used by bicyclists, walkers, and runners for both transportation and recreation purposes. • Hard surface, ADA accessible • Typically 12 – 15 ft in width Urban Trails Plan identified 47 miles of Tier 1 (high priority trails) and 360 miles of Tier 2 Trails As of Spring 2020, 50 miles of Urban Trails exist throughout Austin. Prioritization Criteria • Proximity to Attractors/Destinations • Residential Population of Census Tract within ½ Mile • Connectivity • Community Support City of Austin | Public Works Department 4 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan Urban Trails Policies Urban Trails City Council Policy • Recognize the urban trail system as an integral part of the transportation network • Provide high-quality urban trails that can serve all • Pursue opportunities to connect to and expand the users urban trail system City of Austin | Public Works Department 5 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan Urban Trails Targets Urban Trails Indicators and Targets • Increase the linear miles of Tier I urban trails  Complete 100% of Tier I urban trails by 2029 • Increase wayfinding elements on existing urban trails  Install wayfinding elements on 100% of existing urban trails by 2022 • Improve lighting for existing urban trails  Light 100% of urban trails as defined by a citywide trail lighting plan by 2028 • Increase trail usage • Reduce the response time to address unforeseen trail damage City of Austin | Public Works Department 6 Goals for Urban Trails Plan Update Re-Examine the Proposed Trail Network • Include equity in the prioritization matrix • Preliminary feasibility study of trail alignments • Incorporate short connections with big impacts Update Policies • Review interdepartmental policies for trail permitting • Develop new techniques to sustainably maintain the trail network • Establish new strategies to engage stakeholders City of Austin | Public Works Department 7 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan Sidewalk System Policies Complete the sidewalk system Provide a high-quality, continuous sidewalk system throughout all of Austin to meet existing and expanding demand Make the sidewalk system accessible and comfortable for all Implement sidewalk system projects and complementary transportation investments that increase accessibility to, and comfort using, the sidewalk system Maintain the usability of the sidewalk system Proactively maintain and provide incentives to ensure our existing sidewalk system is functional and clear of obstructions Ensure new development connects to the sidewalk system Promote and incentivize the expansion of the sidewalk system through new development and site redevelopment City of Austin | Public Works Department 8 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan Sidewalk System Targets • Achieve and maintain 95% functionality for very high and high priority sidewalks by 2026 • Achieve and maintain 55% functionality for the sidewalk system by 2026 • Complete 100% of missing very high and high priority sidewalks within 1/4 mile of all identified schools, public transit stops and stations, and parks by 2026 • Assess 10% of the sidewalk system annually • Achieve 4% of Austin residents who walk to work by 2039 (2.3% of residents walked to work between 2013 and 2017) City of Austin | Public Works Department 9 Goals for Sidewalk/ADA Transition Plan Update Pedestrian Network Plan – Equitable, safe, complete system with three primary components • Sidewalks - constraints analysis and retrofit plan to improve coordination of public and private sidewalk construction • Safe Crossings - prioritized citywide plan for crossing improvements that builds on Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School planning and analysis • Healthy/Slow/Shared streets develop, test, and analyze low cost tactical urbanism approach to retrofit low volume residential streets into safe walkable spaces City of Austin | Public Works Department 10 CITY OF AUSTIN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT QUESTIONS + FEEDBACK Craig McColloch, PE, ENV SP Project Manager, Public Works Craig.McColloch@austintexas.gov 512.974.2968 Katie Wettick, AICP Urban Trails Program Manager, Public Works Katie.Wettick@austintexas.gov 512-974-3529 John Eastman, AICP, CNU-A Sidewalk and Special Projects, Public Works John.Eastman@austintexas.gov 512-974-7025