Sidewalk Retrofit Program

County Retrofit Program

On July 1, 1997 the County began a similar locally funded program for County-maintained roadways which include both the construction of sidewalks and the paving of existing unimproved shoulders to provide needed safety separation. This initiative was more formally adopted as a part of the August 29, 2006 adopted Countywide Transportation Plan. Future sidewalk, bicycle, and trails projects have been identified. Implementation will be prioritized based on visual needs assessments which are performed by the engineers and inspectors in areas of community development / cultural resources such as schools, local businesses, parks, hospitals, libraries, adjacent urban communities and industrial parks that exhibit pedestrian concentrations.

I would like a bike path, sidewalk, or improved roads for bicycling in my community. What do I do?

The first step is to gain support within your community for this project. Request your homeowners association sponsor this project (they will have to pay for 20% of the cost of the project as a local share) and then make an application to the Department of Public Works & Transportation to have the project included in the Capital Improvement Program. Applications are accepted each summer before the subsequent fiscal year budget cycle. Competition for projects can be high and there is no guarantee the project(s) will be funded. Communities are encouraged to define the project scope, determine the project cost, and obtain any necessary right-of-way (if required) prior to the application process. Contact the Engineering Services or Construction & Inspection Divisions if you would like to have a representative come to your community to discuss a future project.

How can you protect yourself and others when driving or walking?

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or crossing at intersections, but pedestrians must give drivers enough time to stop safely. Here's what else you can do:
• Be Alert. Whether driving or walking, don't assume that others see you.
• Slow down. A few extra seconds can help save a life - maybe your own.
• Wait for the intersection to clear, watching for motor vehicles and bicycles before stepping off the curb.
• When walking at night, wear reflective or light-colored clothing.
• Teach by example. Children may not understand the risks and are especially vulnerable. Show them how to be safe.

Maintenance

The County began planning its' federally mandated ADA curb cut project in Aug 1992. All new developments are now required to comply with handicapped accessibility standards. The Department of Public Works & Transportation is responsible for the maintenance of the numerous miles of sidewalks in both the State and County-maintained right-of-ways, which includes damage caused by normal wear and tear or age. Asphalt patching is done as a temporary measure for holes or cracks in sidewalks. In cases where the sidewalk is raised, an asphalt ramp will be put in to eliminate the potential tripping hazard.

I would like a bike path, sidewalk, or improved roads for bicycling in my community. What do I do?

The first step is to gain support within your community for this project. Request your homeowners association sponsor this project (they will have to pay for 20% of the cost of the project as a local share) and then make an application to the Department of Public Works to have the project included in the Capital Improvement Program. Applications will next be accepted in the summer of 2000 for funding in the years 2002 and 2003. Competition for projects is keen and there is no guarantee the project will be funded. Communities are encouraged to define the project scope, determine the project cost, and obtain any necessary right-of-way (if required) prior to the application process. Contact the Engineering Services or Construction & Inspection Divisions if you would like to have a representative come to your community to discuss a future project.

Crosswalks

Unjustified and poorly located marked crosswalks may cause an increased expense to the taxpayers for installation and maintenance costs which may not be justified in terms of improved public safety. Indeed, such crosswalks may tend to increase the hazard to pedestrians and drivers alike. In conclusion, it is appropriate to restate that marked crosswalks will continue to be a useful traffic control device. But, it is important that the general public recognize what marked crosswalks can and cannot do. It is also important that public officials not install them, unless the anticipated benefits clearly outweigh their associated risks. In general, marked crosswalks have the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

1. May help pedestrians orient themselves and find their way across complex intersections.
2. May help show pedestrians the shortest route across traffic.
3. May help show pedestrians the route with the least exposure to vehicular traffic and traffic conflicts.
4. May help position pedestrians where they can be seen best by oncoming traffic.
5. May help utilize the presence of luminaires to improve pedestrian nighttime safety.
6. May help channelize and limit pedestrian traffic to specific locations.
7. May aid in enforcing pedestrian crossing regulations.
8. May act, in a limited manner, as a warning device and reminder to drivers that this is a location where pedestrian conflicts can be expected.

Disadvantages

1. May cause pedestrians to have a false sense of security and to place themselves in a hazardous position with respect to vehicular traffic.
2. May cause the pedestrian to think that the driver can and will stop in all cases, even when it is impossible to do so.
3. May cause a greater number of rear end and associated collisions due to pedestrians not waiting for gaps in traffic.
4. May cause an increase in fatal and serious injury accidents.
5. May cause a disrespect for all pedestrian regulations and traffic controls.