STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Transportation & Infrastructure
AGENDA DATE: September 13, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 2, 14
DEPARTMENT: Department of Transportation
EXECUTIVE: Dr. Robert Perez
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SUBJECT
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A public hearing to receive comments to amend Ordinance No. 13262, “Dallas Central Business District Streets and Vehicular Circulation Plan” to change the operation on Harwood Street between Interstate Highway 30 and Main Street from two-lanes southbound, two-lanes northbound, and a center turn-lane to one-lane southbound, one-lane northbound, and directional bicycle lanes; and, at the close of the public hearing, authorize an ordinance implementing the change - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas Department of Transportation has requested an amendment to the City of Dallas Central Business District Streets and Vehicular Circulation Plan (CBD Plan) to change the operation on Harwood Street between Interstate Highway (IH) 30 and Main Street from two-lanes southbound, two-lanes northbound, and a center turn-lane to one-lane southbound, one-lane northbound, and directional bicycle lanes. This project was launched in 2020 through a partnership between the City of Dallas Department of Transportation, the Better Block Foundation, and Downtown Dallas, Inc. The intent of this project was to add bicycle infrastructure along the Harwood Street corridor between Dallas Heritage Village and Main Street Garden. This effort created dedicated directional bicycle lanes which provide a safe and efficient facility for people traveling on bicycles and scooters. Harwood Street was not amended in 2020 because it was a demonstration project. Since then, it has been determined that the bicycle lanes do not impact the flow of traffic, and the operation of the roadway should be amended in the CBD Plan.
There is a plan to extend the bicycle facilities north from Main Street to Woodall Rodgers Freeway. This proposal would provide continuous dedicated bicycle lanes from IH-30 to Woodall Rodgers Freeway connecting Dallas Heritage Village to Klyde Warren Park and the larger bicycle network (e.g. Union Way and Katy Trail connecting Downtown Dallas to locations in Uptown, North Dallas, West Dallas, and East Dallas).
Staff recommends approval to amend the CBD Plan to change the operation on Harwood Street between IH-30 and Main Street from two-lanes southbound, two-lanes northbound, and a center turn-lane to one-lane southbound, one-lane northbound, and directional bicycle lanes.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On July 6, 2023, the City Plan Commission Thoroughfare Committee acted on this item and followed staff’s recommendation to approve the application.
On July 20, 2023, the City Plan Commission acted on this item and followed the City Plan Commission Thoroughfare Committee’s recommendation.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
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