Middle Street & Lafayette Road Bicycle & Pedestrian Corridor Project
The goal of this project is to make travel along a critical section of Route 1 safer and more appealing for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages. Initially identified in the City's Safe Routes to School Action Plan in 2010, this project was also highlighted as a high priority in the City's recently completed Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
The project, which received funding from a NHDOT Safe Routes to School Grant, evaluated options for creating an on-road bike route along Route 1 between the High School and Downtown. Pedestrian crossings at the intersections along this corridor were also assessed to determine where improvements might be necessary to improve safety and accessibility. The City is working with an engineering team led by Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. on this project.
For more information please contact Juliet Walker, the City of Portsmouth's Planning Director, 603-610-7296 or jthwalker@cityofportsmouth.com.
Project Schedule
- Public Information Gathering Meeting (November 19, 2014)
- Public Meeting to Review Design Alternatives (February 12, 2015)
- City Council Presentation of Preferred Alternative (April 6, 2015)
- Complete Engineering Study (April 2015)
- Complete Preliminary Design (September 2015)
- Demonstration Projects of Proposed Designs (September 23, 2015)
- Presentation to Parking & Traffic Safety Committee (October 6, 2016)
- Public Meeting (June 8, 2017)
- Complete Final Design (July 2017)
- Construction (September 2018)
Project Documents
- Base Map of Study Area
- Press Release 1/26/14
- Press Release 11/7/14
- Press Release 1/22/15
- Preliminary Design Alternatives presented February 12, 2015
- Concept A – Two-Way Protected Bike Lane (Cycle Track) on one side with parking lane on one side between travel way and bike lane
- Concept B – One-Way Protected Bike Lane on two sides with parking lane on one side between travel way and bike lane
- Concept C – Unprotected Bike Lanes on two sides with parking lanes on both sides against the road edge
- Press Release 9/10/15
- Press Release 9/27/15
- Preliminary Engineering Design Plans (September 2016)
- Evening Parking Counts (April 2017)
- Preliminary Engineering Design Plans (updated June 2017)
- Final Engineering Plans (November 2017)
References / Case Studies
- How to use a bike box
- Learn more about cycle tracks, protected and buffered bicycle lanes by reviewing this guide from NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials).
- Review these videos of buffered and protected bicycle facilities in other communities: