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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesBikes, Sidewalks May Figure In Greener Transport Plan

Bikes, Sidewalks May Figure In Greener Transport Plan

Public Works deputy commissioner Karole Ovesen-McGregor (left) and resident Magaly Colon look at transportation data.A small group of 20 residents offered remarks and questions Thursday on sidewalks, bike lanes, safety and more as the Department of Public Works sought public input for the Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan (CTMP).

“To be eligible for federal funding we are asked what the territory’s plans are,” said DPW Commissioner Darryl Smalls. The plan is being prepared in conformance with the Federal Highway Administration requirements and procedures. The DPW and consulting firm PB Americas have undertaken the study.

The CTMP is a blueprint for development of the territory’s transportation system through 2030. The mission of the plan is to develop, operate and maintain a transportation system that promotes safe, reliable, cost-effective and efficient movement of people, services, and goods.

Graphs, charts and maps were on easels set up around the conference room at the Curriculum Center in Kingshill. The data was compiled on population growth, numbers of cars, household and employment characteristics, traffic counts, and more.

Radcliff Percy, concerned about safety, asked if a switch to driving on the right side of the road was going to be in the plans. He said new vehicles from the states have headlights that are aimed towards signs on the right side of roads.

Percy said the new type of headlights can not be adjusted for driving on the left, because of the beam pattern, therefore the lights shine directly at oncoming cars. “I know a lot of people who don’t drive at night because it is hard to see,” Percy said.

Smalls the issue would be looked at in crash statistics.

Local resident Magaly Colon said she didn’t see any data on sidewalks and wondered if there are plans for more on St. Croix. Smalls said there may be some separate sidewalk projects federally funded.

The matter of having bike lanes on roads was also brought up. “We have to look at the cost and see about incorporating them in projects,” Smalls said. “There are several projects we are looking at for a healthy green environment.”

One citizen asked why the cut for the Christiansted bypass was made through the side of the hill, saying he thought it would have been more scenic going over the top. An engineer for the project said it was because of the steep grade.

“I think the community as a whole will be pleased when they get to traverse the bypass,” Smalls said. He did not say when the bypass will be complete, but he did say it is in the closeout bid phase.

Other comments were made on parking and public transportation. Residents can view data, goals, and objectives and submit comments on the CTMP at usvitransportationplan.com. Smalls told the group the next public meeting may be in two to three months.

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