Refine: Analysis
Exploring Alternatives
The next step in the Analysis phase was to explore a range of transportation and land use options for Franklin Street. We considered various combinations of intersection configurations, street cross-sections, and street alignments that best meet project objectives. Options included:
New connections to Lancaster, Oxford, Federal, and Newbury Streets
Intersection configurations including signals, stop-controls, and roundabouts
Various pedestrian crossing treatments
Two-way and one-way, grade separated cycle tracks
Various sidewalk widths
On-street parking
Various median and esplanade treatments
Various street alignments and resulting parcel configurations and land use opportunities
The June community design workshop gave us a chance to connect with hundreds of members of the community to hear ideas about these types of options from varied viewpoints. And this feedback provided solid principles to work with in terms of refining options for the street design and land use concept.
Testing Alternatives
The last step of the refine phase involved evaluating these options for the future street design and land use concept against the project’s goals and objectives.
How did various potential street cross-sections with differing vehicular lane configurations, bike facility designs, on-street parking arrangements, intersection treatments, and sidewalk widths stand up to projected transportation demand? How would they impact future development opportunities, strengthen connections between existing land uses and the street, and provide opportunities for landscaping and green infrastructure? And how do the alternatives support the advancement of City Council goals around equity, sustainability, and advancing Vision Zero?