Serving as a vital link for transportation in the region and locally, US 74 Independence Boulevard is a major artery that carries high traffic volumes and travel speeds with limited at-grade crossings, overpasses, or tunnels for pedestrian to use while crossing. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Transportation Mobility and Safety Unit worked with VHB to perform a pedestrian safety study along an approximately 12-mile stretch of US 74 (Independence Boulevard) between I-277 in Charlotte and I-485 in Matthews. The summary report produced will serve as a resource for future planning and implementation of transportation improvements by local governments and NCDOT along the corridor. The study will be helpful for current and future projects by providing information needed to improve safe crossings for pedestrians.
The study scope included four key elements: observing existing pedestrian travel conditions, analyzing crash history, conducting public and stakeholder outreach to gain additional local insights about pedestrian travel, and identifying recommendations for development including near-term and long-term safety improvements. Findings from the study identified opportunities for future transit service, land development, and greenway networks for improving connectivity along and across the corridor. VHB and the project team worked with NCDOT Division 10, the City of Charlotte, the Town of Matthews, and Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to develop a cohesive framework for the Study.
