GDOT Annual Report 2019

D I R E C T O R ’ S C O R N E R

Introduction

Adam Fischer Director City of Greensboro Department of Transportation

This past year, Fiscal Year 2018-19, the Greensboro Department of Transportation (GDOT) enhanced partnerships, developed key strategies and plans with stakeholders, and implemented transportation improvements to further develop a safe, multi-modal and environmentally sustainable transportation system. Greensboro continues to be one of the best places to drive in the country and the world. We’re ranked No. 1 in the nation by Waze and the No. 1 “Awesome City with Little to No Trafc” according to Livability.com, edging out other cities ranked in the top 10 such as Albuquerque, New Mexico; Fresno, California; Dayton, Ohio; Lexington, Kentucky; Birmingham, Alabama and Corpus Christi, Texas. A good multi-modal transportation system enhances a community’s quality of life and is vital to economic prosperity. Situated on the East coast within easy reach of more than half the US population, with a great airport, two Class 1 railroads that connect to deep water ports on the coast, and little trafc congestion, Greensboro is ready and set to go! That economic growth is happening now. When I frst moved to Greensboro almost 30 years ago, there were three major ofce buildings under construction and two new parking decks in downtown Greensboro. Today there are several major mixed-use private developments underway, a world class performing arts center under construction, and we will be building

two new parking decks to accommodate these downtown investments. We’ll also support this new growth through our downtown streetscape master plan. This past year, in conjunction with Downtown Greensboro Inc. and stakeholders, we completed the master plan and we are well underway with several new streetscape designs. Some will be under construction as early as fall 2019. It’s great to be a part of a growing a vibrant downtown. Transportation improvements are also underway across Greensboro. There are sidewalk installations, new bike lanes, new greenways and roadway improvements under construction, including the nearly complete 44-mile Greensboro Urban Loop. All told there are more than $600 million in transportation improvements planned thanks to funding through the 2008 and 2016 voter-approved transportation bonds, and state and federal funding.

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