Frequently Asked Questions (Updated June '24)
Why is this project being proposed?
This project is being proposed to make Main Street safer and more accessible for everyone, especially pedestrians and cyclists. Main Street, identified as a High Crash and Injury Corridor by the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) Regional Transportation Safety Plan (RTSP), has shown significant safety challenges, with the segment from Myrtle Street to Delmont Street ranking as the regional top Non-Motorized Crash Corridor among CRCOG municipalities. Additionally, specific high-crash intersections at Charter Oak Street (State Road 534) and U.S. Routes 6 & 44 underscore the urgent need for improvement.
Replacing outdated traffic signals alone is estimated to cost between $5-10 million. By adhering to the Town's Complete Streets Policy, which mandates a redesign that safely accommodates all users, the project qualifies for funding opportunities that could significantly reduce local taxpayer burdens.
Through these improvements, we aim to reduce crashes, support sustainable transportation options, and create adaptable public and commercial spaces. This redesign not only responds to community feedback gathered over the past decade but also integrates recent input to refine our plans for Downtown Manchester. By fostering safer streets and a more inviting environment, we seek to bolster economic vitality and strengthen social connectivity in our vibrant downtown community.
What is the estimated total cost of the project and how is it being funded?
As of June 2024, the estimated total project cost is $15-20 million. The project team is pursuing State and Federal grants, having secured approximately $8.375 million so far, with ongoing efforts to obtain the remaining funds.
What are the next steps in securing funding and progressing the project?
Secured funding includes $7.5 million from the Community Investment Fund for the streetscape project and $875,000 of federal community project funding. In May 2024, the Town submitted an application for USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All funding to secure the remaining necessary funds, pending final design approval.
What happens if the project design changes significantly?
The grant funding is conditional upon adhering to the complete streets design, which includes roadway improvements providing dedicated infrastructure and enhanced safety for all road users, including non-drivers. Significant alterations that compromise these complete streets objectives could result in the forfeiture of funding. The key elements of a complete streets design are outlined in the Town's Complete Streets policy (available online).
Without secured external funding, necessary infrastructure upgrades would need to be financed through local taxpayer bonding. This project presents a rare opportunity to utilize funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and USDOT's Safe Streets for All program, potentially sparing local taxpayers from financial burdens. Any substantial changes to the plan may jeopardize external funding and necessitate covering costs independently.
Are the plans set in stone?
No, the plans are a work in progress, and the Town is interested in hearing from community members about the project. The goal is to make Downtown the best it can possibly be for everyone.
Will the proposal reduce parking available Downtown?
No, the concept plan shows no net change in on-street parking spaces and an increase in off-street spaces. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 public parking spaces available downtown.
Won’t the road diet cause traffic congestion and other delays?
The combination of coordinated traffic signals and new lane configuration has been designed to make vehicular traffic smoother, slower, and safer. Because the signals will be coordinated, a trip through the Downtown by car is expected to take the same amount of time as it does today.
Why is the cycle track included in the plan?
The concept design includes a cycle track with a curb between it and vehicular traffic. The cycle track offers infrastructure for bikes and other human-powered transportation. A dedicated cycle track, separated from vehicles and sidewalks, ensure safe cycling and smooth traffic flow on Main Street. The track would connect to popular trails like the Cheney Rail Trail and Charter Oak Greenway, promoting connectivity and safer access for non-drivers to shop and explore downtown.
Cycling in the current Downtown environment can be unsafe without proper infrastructure in place. Dedicated cycling infrastructure with a physical barrier is considered the safest way to accommodate cyclists.
Does the plan eliminate all angled parking in favor of parallel parking?
No, the plan proposes a mix of angled, parallel, and off-street parking – the same mix that exists today. Most blocks on the western side of Main Street could either be parallel or diagonal. The Town is in the process of engaging with business and property owners to determine which type is preferred on each block.
Will emergency vehicles and large trucks be able to get through a roundabout?
Yes, the proposed roundabouts have been designed to accommodate very large vehicles, even in an emergency.
Will the proposed plan harm Downtown events?
The town is working closely with the Manchester Road Race Committee to ensure changes do not disrupt the race significantly. The Town expects the project to ultimately benefit Manchester’s one-of-a-kind event.
Additionally, nothing in the proposed plan would end or significantly disrupt the car show.
Won’t the project reduce the number of people who travel Downtown and see/visit local businesses?
No, the proposed plan is not expected to significantly change the number of motor vehicles traveling through Downtown. The plan is intended to attract more people downtown and make traveling safer for all.