The City of Charlotte partnered with Bolton & Menk to develop multimodal pedestrian and bicycle access improvements and a RAISE grant application for the 3-mile, NCDOT-maintained West Sugar Creek corridor. Improving safety and comfort for vulnerable roadway users (people walking, biking, and taking transit) is the primary purpose of the proposed projects.

The grant will fund corridor improvements for walking, biking, and transit access that were recommended in previous corridor planning efforts, including broad public outreach and engagement and co-creation of a shared vision and strategies with stakeholders. These safety improvements will enhance resident connections to employment, services, retail, neighborhoods, parks, a major light rail station, and the 26-mile Cross-Charlotte Trail. This initiative will connect community members within an area of persistent poverty to jobs and services through safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable transportation alternatives. The grant application was selected for a $12 million award by USDOT.

The grant will fund the construction of pedestrian and bike safety and access improvements, including two pedestrian hybrid beacon crossings, sidewalk gap connections, and a 1-mile multi-use path. Through a partnership with Duke Energy, the multi-use path will include pedestrian-scale smart lighting, and the mobility hubs will include electric charging for e-bikes, scooters, and electric vehicles.