Richmond, VA—Changes are on the
horizon in Carytown, ones that city officials say will make the area safer for
pedestrians.
Public
Information Manager of the Department of Public Works Sharon North explains what
the new project will entail:
"We'll be doing a
project that will involve putting in some stop bars, wheelchair ramps, some
curb extensions."
The curb extensions will
extend sidewalks into existing parking spaces, making the distance pedestrians
have to walk to cross the street shorter.
Other upgrades in
painted "stop" lines on the pavement, so drivers can more easily spot
pedestrian crossings.
Tight parking on both
sides of Cary Street
and a large amount of foot traffic are the main reasons the project is needed.
It is estimated to cost $650,000.
Sharon North explains, "There
hasn't been an extreme problem there, but we do want to make sure that , when
you have an area that has so much foot traffic, it is easy for people to get
across the street, and it is easy for motorists to see them."
Brick sidewalks will
also be created to make Carytown more attractive.
Ninety percent of the
project is federally funded, and the state is funding the remaining ten
percent. The project is slated to begin in July, and be completed in December.
Stay with 8News for
updates.
Copyright 2013 by Young Broadcasting of Richmond
