The City of Midland has big plans for walkability and pedestrian safety downtown. Thanks to a $501,630 grant award from TxDOT, Midlanders can expect to see new intersection crossings and bike lanes by 2020.
Midland was one of 46 awardees across the State of Texas in the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Program. In an announcement Monday, TxDOT shared that TASA projects “are intended to enhance safety for people of all ages and levels of ability, improve mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists, help mitigate congestion and connect important community destinations.”
Recently, the Midland Engineering Services Department identified a need for bike lanes on North Loraine Street and North Main Street. “It is easy to forget that vehicle travel is not the only mode of transportation in Midland. Many people rely on bicycles or a combination of walking and bus to get to work,” said Jose Ortiz, Engineering Services Director.
By leveraging the City’s funding with the TASA grant from TxDOT, Midland is able to provide safe routes for pedestrian and bicycle commuters – along with recreational users. As part of the grant application, cities were asked to contribute funds to the project. Midland has budgeted $125,408.
Midlanders can expect to see grant-funded changes downtown beginning in 2019:
- Bicycle lanes will be added on North Loraine Street and North Main Street from West Louisiana Avenue to West Texas Avenue.
- Pedestrian intersection improvements are planned adjacent to East Illinois Avenue from North Main Street to North Baird Street and adjacent to Texas Avenue from North Loraine Street to North Baird Street.
- A crosswalk with a median will be constructed at East Texas Avenue and East Baird Street between the Municipal Courthouse and the Wall Street Lofts parking garage.
- Additional project improvements include Americans with Disabilities Action (ADA)-compliant ramps, signage, and striping.
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Media Contact: Cristina Odenborg, (432) 685-7263