What will happen downtown if suggestions from Norwich mobility study are implemented?

If the city follows its consultant's recommendation, the bridges on West Main Street and West Side Boulevard will become two-way.

The recommendation is part of a mobility study being conducted by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. to improve pedestrian and bicyclist conditions in the city.

Senior Transportation Planner Dan Amstutz of VHB told the City Council that the final plan will presented in the fall.

The mobility study was first presented in March to the City Council.

The bridges

There are three options proposed for the West Main Street and West Side Boulevard bridges. The first plan featured the West Main Street bridge becoming two way, and the West Side Boulevard bridge becoming a pedestrian friendly “Bridge of Roses.” The second plan relegated the pedestrian only area on West Main Street, cutting off traffic after the entrances to Thayer’s Marine and the marina. The third option converts both bridges to two-way traffic.

All three options included a public art wall, cutting off North Thames Street with a cul-de-sac, and the creation of open space which could be used as a park, and fewer lanes of traffic, the March presentation stated.

Option 3 has three roundabouts, at Washington St., Washington Square, and W. Main St. and North Thames St. There would still be room for bike lanes on the bridge. The bike lane continues through downtown.

The potential loss of state resources for bridge maintenance if the bridges were converted to pedestrian only is a motivating factor to choose option 3, Amstutz said.

Elsewhere in downtown

In downtown itself, many of the prior suggestions are maintained. For the east of downtown, this includes narrowing the Cliff Street intersection, a curb extension on Main Street by the old YMCA, and a right turning lane on Viaduct Street.

In the center of downtown, Broadway would be reduced to one lane and have angled parking. Bath St. would become two way. The intersection of Franklin Street and Boswell Avenue would be turned into a four-way stop, and have a pedestrian plaza with trees.

Chelsea Harbor Drive would have a signal at Market and Water St., Water St. becomes two way, and Chelsea Harbor Drive becomes one-way, with fewer lanes and a bike lane so it becomes “a part of the park,” Amstutz said.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: What will happen downtown if suggestions from Norwich mobility study are implemented?