The City and project consultant, Alta Planning + Design, began working on the Benton Street Bicycle Planning Study in January 2023 and completed the project in Fall 2024. The study identified the most feasible design to reallocate roadway space to provide 2.7 miles of bike facilities along Benton Street from Dunford Way to Lincoln Street. The goal of the study was to identify bicycle infrastructure improvements that will close bicycle network gaps, increase mobility, and encourage the public to choose more sustainable modes of transportation.
The study includes a final Project Report with potential design concepts that may include parking or lane removal, traffic and parking analysis, and a discussion on opportunities and constraints of the potential design options. It should be noted that the study is only a planning level document and does not include design, environmental review, or construction of any alternative.
At the November 12, 2024 City Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution accepting the Benton Street Bikeway Planning Study and approved the following roadway concepts:
- “Two Lanes, Buffered Bike Lanes, Parking on Both Sides” from Dunford Way to Lawrence Expressway.
- “Two Lanes, Buffered Bike Lanes, Center Turn Lane, Parking on Both Sides” from Lawrence Expressway to Maryann Drive.
- “Bicycle Boulevard with Speed Humps/Cushions, Parking on Both Sides” from Maryann Drive to Lincoln Street.
Staff will be pursuing opportunities for additional funding, which will be required to design, bid, and construct the proposed bikeway improvements.
