Discussion of Shore Drive issues:

4. Unfinished Business
o Shore Drive Road Improvement Updates –

Bikeways and Trails Advisory Committee
Traffic Engineering conducted a study and received a report indicating a high
level of pedestrian/motorist accidents along Shore Drive and the Pacific Avenue
area. They applied for, and received a VDOT grant that will be utilized to install
flashing pedestrian crossing signs. The signs will make motorists aware of the
high level of pedestrian and cyclist activity when approaching the Oceanfront
area. Staff distributed a concept map of the project and sign locations. This
project should be completed within the next six months.
Bruce Drees asked if lowering the speed limit along Shore Drive has ever been
considered. Staff stated that Jason Cosby, Director of Public Works is forming a
committee that will investigate this issue. Several factors are taken into
consideration, staff discussed the components and process for determining road
speed limits.
Staff discussed Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV of Shore Drive improvements
(clarifying that the “Phase #’s” are not necessarily the order that the phases will
be designed and constructed.)
Phase II (Partial) – Shore Drive corridor from South Oliver
Drive/Waterspoint Place to Treasure Island Drive. It will also include
improvements along Shore Drive at the Northampton Boulevard
interchange and to the intersections at Pleasure House Road and
Greenwell Road. The plans are at 35% design and do not include bikes
lanes, however this is early in the design phase. The $10 million project
does not have funding allocated for construction until FY 2013-14.
Phase III (Partial) – Shore Drive corridor from the east side of Lesner
Bridge to Great Neck Road. It includes improvements to the intersections
at Vista Circle/Page Avenue, West Great Neck Road, North Great Neck
Road and Starfish Road. This section will include the flashing pedestrian
signs. The funds allocated for this project include design and site
acquisition. The project is at the 35% design. Construction funding is
proposed to be allocated FY 2013-14.
Phase IV – Shore Drive corridor from Marlin Bay Drive/Sandy Oaks Drive
to the west end of Lesner Bridge. It will include improvements at the East
Stratford Road intersection. This phase is fully funded and design will
start after July 1, 2009 and will be coordinated with the Lesner Bridge
project.
The committee requested staff to develop correspondence to Jason
Cosby requesting on-road bike facilities as applicable when Public Works
develops the scope of work for these projects. The correspondence will
include all three phases and will be submitted to PW prior to July 1. Staff
encouraged committee members to be involved and continue to be active
advocates when budget public hearings are conducted.
Motion: Ned Kuhns made the motion to request that PW consider a
variety of possible on-road bike lane facilities in Shore Drive Road
Corridor right-of-way that is in the best interest of the cyclist and
pedestrians when developing the scope of work/design for this project.
Ross Vierra 2nd the motion; all members in favor.

BTAC June 8 2009 meeting minutes[ 4pg PDF]