South Common’s shared use path in Lowell. Image courtesy of the City of Lowell.
Intersection safety is another key issue that Lowell is addressing. For example, the Lord Overpass Project will redesign a busy interchange to help all users navigate it more safely. One street will be converted into a boulevard which will help slow traffic and include exclusive bus and bicycle lanes. For people walking, better sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic islands will make crossings easier, and improve the user experience along the road.
Lowell is also considering roadway safety across the city by auditing other existing roadways to identify possible improvements. The audits will help the city prioritize future projects, targeting funding to the projects that will help them best achieve their goals.
There are many other Complete Streets projects in various stages in Lowell. And using their new framework, the city will integrate Complete Streets into the planning and design processes for future projects from the beginning. Lowell’s staff will continue to provide updates to City Council and expects that the council’s commitment to Complete Streets will continue despite recent elections leading to turnover in the makeup of the council.
For more information on Smart Growth America’s Technical Assistance program and how your community can request assistance from SGA on a variety of land use, development, and transportation challenges, please visit our technical assistance home page to learn more.
Complete Streets tool description >>
Lowell: next steps memo >>
Lowell: Progress report – one month >>
Lowell: Progress report – six month >>
Lowell: Progress report – twelve month >>