Local

New road projects will improve Charlotte's busiest streets

NOW PLAYING ABOVE

CHARLOTTE — After hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent and months of construction, Eyewitness News reporter Stephanie Coueignoux is investigating how new road projects are improving Charlotte's busy streets.

Traffic has been building on East Boulevard and Selwyn Avenue, where projects are complete.

LINK: UNCC list about 10 most dangerous areas in Charlotte for pedestrians

Having lived in Dilworth for the last 48 years, Ashley Nelson says she's relieved Charlotte officials are taking steps to improve road safety. As an avid runner, and for her husband, a dedicated cyclist, safety is a top priority.

"The traffic has gotten crazy," Nelson said.

As part of a national program called the Complete Street Project, the Charlotte Department of Transportation altered traffic patterns along a 1.5-mile stretch of East Boulevard and Selwyn Avenue.

Improvements include narrowing the road from four to three lanes, and adding pedestrian islands to crosswalks, a center turn lane and bike lanes on either side of the street.

Coueignoux asked the Charlotte Department of Transportation for safety numbers, comparing the number of crashes before and after construction.

CDOT says along Selwyn Avenue, traffic has increased by 5 percent since 2009. Crashes have fallen 15 percent.

CDOT says along East Boulevard, traffic is up 2 percent since 2011. Traffic-related crashes have fallen by 6 percent, and crashes with injures have fallen even further -- by 39 percent.

"I cannot think of a better long-term investment. It's investing in the safety of our community," Nelson said.

City officials say safer streets also attract more businesses and customers.

They couldn't say how much these projects have helped boost the local economy but Kirk Weaver, owner of Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill, says he's seen the results.

"I think a lot of bang for our buck as far as taxes," Weaver said.

City officials say a Complete Street Project is almost finished in the Plaza-Midwood-Commonwealth area which includes part of Central Avenue.

As Channel 9 reported earlier this month, cyclist David Spranger was seriously injured when he was hit by a van along Central Avenue.
 

0