Title
NCDOT Complete Streets Updates (30 Minutes)
Dale McKeel, LPA Staff
Ryan Brumfield, NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division
Narrative
For the past few months, NCDOT staff have been working internally on updates to NCDOT’s Complete Streets implementation approach. The Complete Streets Policy <https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/BikePed/Documents/CS%20Policy%208.28.19.pdf> itself is not changing, but NCDOT is proposing changes to the way projects are evaluated and the policy is implemented. A new project evaluation methodology and flowchart were recently released, and the attached presentation provides a summary of the changes and next steps. This information was shared with DCHC MPO staff and officers earlier, and DCHC staff have prepared comments on the proposed methodology, which are also attached.
In 2019, NCDOT adopted a new Complete Streets Policy. This policy strengthened NCDOT’s commitment to including pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities in the construction of highway projects. NCDOT also issued an Implementation Guide that provided more details about how the policy would be implemented. As outlined in 2019, NCDOT would do the following:
• Construct facilities at no cost to local government if they were in an adopted plan.
• Maintain facilities outside of municipal boundaries.
NCDOT’s new Complete Streets Evaluation Methodology provides more details on how the policy will be integrated into the project development process. There are several issues of concern, including:
• NCDOT is clarifying that they will construct facilities at no cost to local government if there is an identified need and they are in an adopted plan. MPO staff are concerned that the process for identifying the need for facilities does not include an adequate requirement for input from local government, references an imperfect demand estimation map tool <https://vhb.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b794cf74db5947abad27bc93e8ce460d>, and does not sufficiently consider future land use and growth areas.
• NCDOT is requiring that all separated facilities (i.e., sidewalks, trails, and sidepaths) have maintenance agreements with local government both inside and outside of municipal boundaries.
Board Action
Board Action: Receive the Complete Streets Updates presentation and provide feedback to NCDOT staff on the changes to the Complete Streets policies.