On June 25, 33 people met with Brandon LeCrone, Manager for the City’s Western Hills Viaduct replacement project. LeCrone updated Coalition members about the latest design for the viaduct and explained that due to decreased federal funding, the new design eliminates some of the features from the original plan. For example, the bridge will feature only one 14-foot multi-use lane for pedestrians and bike traffic. Vehicular traffic has also been reduced from 4 lanes to 3 lanes each way. The new bridge will be on one level.
Coalition members raised concerns about pedestrian signals, slowing down highway traffic as it enters our neighborhoods, and appropriate fencing to keep pedestrians safe. LeCrone said many of these issues have not been addressed yet because it’s too early in the design process. They are preparing to lay the footers for the new bridge, but the pedestrian safety features come at a later phase.
LeCrone encouraged Coalition members to stay in touch with the Department of Transportation and Engineering and with our elected officials throughout the process to get what we need for our community. Click here for the City’s slideshow. You can compare the current design for the new Western Hills Viaduct with the previous design by clicking here. Full notes of the meeting can be found here.