GDOT Annual Report 2023-2024

2023-2024 Annual Report Department of Transportation

TRANSPORTATION

By the Numbers

Sidewalks

Federal Funds Leveraged $46.6 M

15,000

Feet of Sidewalk Repaired

164

Feet of Curb and Gutter Repaired 2,600

Authorized Staff

Accessibility

1,277

Potholes Repaired

61

Points - Average Street Condition out of 100

68 50

Accessible Ramps Replaced New Accessible Ramps Added

Repaved 45

Street Segments

25.7

Lane Miles of New Pavement

Streets

Residents Surveyed 3,252 31 Public Outreach Events

GoBORO Transit Plan Community Engagement

2023-24 Highlights

Department Services Transition This year, the Greensboro Transit Agency moved under its own department with the appointment of the City’s first Transit Department Director, Reginald Mason. As part of a realignment of jobs formerly housed in the Field Operations Department, more than 60 street maintenance staff members were welcomed to the Greensboro Department of Transportation in January. This change improves efficiency, reduces redundancy and made it easier for the public to understand which City department handles which duties. Planning Designing Transformational Transit Improvements The Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and GTA have worked in collaboration to develop a new long-range vision for the City bus network. Developed with broad based community support, GoBORO proposes a series of “Crossmax” routes offering 15-minute frequencies and one-seat crosstown rides. Thanks to federal funding, the City launched the first route, Crossmax Purple, in March. It connects three colleges, major retail centers, dense residential areas,

and downtown. This first step in making transit more useful, reliable, and convenient has been very popular. Creating User-Friendly Communications Following the adoption of an updated Thoroughfare and Collector Street Plan, the staff are developing a simple online form for the public to request revisions to the plan. It will be unveiled in fall 2024. The Thoroughfare and Collector Street Plan is used to produce street design standards, document right-of way needs, and plan future road locations in the city and wider region. Projects Alamance Church Road Improvements The widening of Alamance Church Road from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to the city limits was completed in spring 2024. The project added a center turn lane, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus shelters. This project was funded by 2008 voter-approved transportation bonds. Pavement Conditions Studied In 2023, GDOT completed a pavement condition survey, which helps the department determine which streets should be repaved each year. On a 100-point scale, with 100 being the best condition, the City’s

September 2023

Downtown Hopper Trolley launched.

Photo credit: NC A&T

NC A&T rolls out self-driving shuttles.

August 2023

July 2023

Anti-speeding yard sign campaign begins.

2023-2024 Year in Review

Downtown Trolley Program Continues

streets averaged 61 points. That ranking is considered “poor condition.”The City will spend $7 million next

fiscal year on road repaving. Safety Programs

The Hopper Trolley, a free downtown circulator route, launched in July 2023 and had a successful first year. Through the end of May 2024, it served nearly 50,000 riders. GTA has now extended the program, with a longer route to Revolution Mill and State Street. Parking Plan Developed In April 2024, GDOT completed a comprehensive assessment of parking in downtown Greensboro with the goal of improving legibility, increasing equity, enhancing effectiveness, and ensuring the sustainability of the parking system. Consultants with Kimley-Horn identified outdated policies, inequitable distribution of parking supply, and the inefficient use of space. More money for maintenance is also needed. The study proposes the City charge for parking in the highest demand areas, provide consistent enforcement to promote turnover and compliance, right-sizing fees, and invest in parking in the south end. Staff will present final recommendations to the City Council early in Fiscal Year 24-25.

City Addresses Neighborhood Traffic Concerns GDOT launched the City’s first Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) to engineer safer neighborhood streets. The program partners GDOT with residents, neighborhood associations and homeowners associations to reduce speeding in neighborhoods and to make residential streets safer for all users. Interested residents in participating in this program may submit applications by August 31. Learn more at gsontmp.org . Expanding Safe Routes to Schools Safe Routes to School encourages elementary and middle school students of all abilities to walk or bike to school. This year the City and Bicycling in Greensboro worked with Jefferson Elementary to help 40 children learning how to ride bikes in an eight-week course after a teacher was awarded a grant to purchase 16 bicycles and helmets. The program, supported with student volunteers, ended with a celebration and each child receiving a bicycle rider’s license.

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October 2023

June 2024

Vision Zero peer city exchange with New York City DOT.

Photo credit: UNCG

B i rd scooter and bike share program relaunches in partnership with UNCG.

March 2024

January 2024

February One Parking Deck opens.

Final Downtown Greenway construction begins.

2023-24 Highlights (continued)

Greenway Nearing Completion In January, Construction began on the final phase of the Downtown Greenway. This portion runs between Spring Garden and Smith streets and will complete the four-mile loop when construction ends in 2025. The Downtown Greenway connects other trails and greenways, as well as businesses, universities and neighborhoods. It would not be possible without strong community support. It is funded with City voter-approved bonds, state grants, and private donations. Streetscape Projects Continue Projects from the Downtown Greensboro Streetscape Master Plan have been under construction this year.

The Eugene-Bellemeade Streetscape has added landscaping, decorative pavers, upgraded streetlights, and pedestrian amenities. Bellemeade Street between Edgeworth Street and Eugene Street was removed from the contract and will not be constructed. The Greene Street Streetscape and two-way conversion is under construction. The stormwater work is underway. Landscaping, new streetlights, and curb extensions for pedestrian safety will be added. The project should be complete by the end of 2024.

These bicycle, highway, roadway, and sidewalk projects were under construction in 2023-2024. See www.greensboro-nc.gov/projects23-24 for full project details.

Projects Under Construction