The study area includes State Route 68 between the Pacific Grove city limits and Asilomar Boulevard, and is divided into two distinct segments: 1) Forest Avenue between the City limits and Sunset Drive, 2) Sunset Drive from Forest Avenue to Asilomar Boulevard. Each segment has different land uses, features and user needs. The ultimate goal of the study is to create a more "complete" corridor that improves safety and serves the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and serves people of all ages and abilities.
The initial outreach phase of the study included presentations to the Transportation Agency Board, TAMC Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee, and Pacific Grove City Council, Traffic Safety Commission, and Planning Commission. A walking audit with project stakeholders was conducted in September and community workshops were held in November to take inventory of existing conditions along the corridor. The input and data collected culminated in an existing conditions report and needs assessment that identified a variety of needs including:
- Lack of continuous sidewalks and bikeways
- Difficulty crossing Forest Ave and navigating two five-way intersections on Sunset Dr.
- Careless or agressive driver behavior
- Lack of streetscaping and landscaping amenities, including wayinfinding signage and lighting, particularly on Sunset Dr.
A series of conceptual design alternatives for the corridor were developed based on the needs assessment and with input from the community. A second series of community meetings were held to discuss the draft conceptual designs. With input from the three partner agencies, the conceptual designs were revised to address issues raised by the public.
The introduction of the public draft version of the study report is attached to this agenda item, and the full report is accessible online: http://bit.ly/2bpdIqf
The draft study report includes the existing conditions and needs assessment, along with chapters on recommendations and on implementation. The recommendations chapter includes the revised conceptual designs for addressing needs and concerns at seven key locations; an inventory of sidewalk gaps along the corridor; and a set of other, miscellaneous recommendations for improving conditions. These include:
- Continuous sidewalks, curb extensions, and enhanced pedestrian crossings
- Protected bike lanes and cycletracks
- Streetscape improvements
The chapter on implementation includes cost estimates for recommended improvements; a list and discussion of the most promising ways to fund the improvements; and a list of recommended next steps to advance implementation of the study.
In addition to the TAMC Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee, the study report will be presented to Pacific Grove's Traffic Safety Commission on September 13. Subsequently, the draft report is scheduled to be presented to the Transportation Agency Board on September 28 and to the Pacific Grove City Council on October 5.