@ Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
should consider converting some of the Downtown’s one-way streets to two-way
flow. However, changing the circulation patterns of several streets at the same time
can be disruptive and therefore it would be best to implement these types of actions
over time. Some of the actions could be implemented now, some in the future, and
some would be best implemented as part of future roadway reconfiguration projects.
Walnut Street Oval
Reconfiguring the Walnut Street Oval would not only afford the City an opportunity
to enhance access to the Downtown from the west (complimenting the Broad Street
Parkway), but it would also provide a tremendous opportunity to both encourage
redevelopment and introduce a more pedestrian friendly appeal to the area.
A range of reconfiguration alternatives were considered. Although each option has
its advantages and disadvantages, the duel roundabout option would appear to
provide the best opportunity to enhance vehicular and pedestrian mobility while
encouraging area redevelopment.
Advancing the roadway reconfiguration, solely as a City improvement project,
would be costly and as result could " ‘
take many years. However, if there ™s TT et ae
was an opportunity for this type of cl TN
roadway reconstruction project to : ae Fifa \ ho
be constructed by the private sector 4, ip ~ == ——$=
as part of a larger redevelopment i"
plan where the City and one or ee |
more property developers worked |
together, this type of projectcould | BI | i
advance much quicker. To advance | ee |
this concept, the City should share | fe) FSr7 | “FT
the reconfiguration concept with j - ee =
interested area property developers cows —-
and initiate discussions with them in an effort to Spark interest in the area's
redevelopment opportunities.
Water Street
If one or more private developers, in collaboration with the City, were to advance a
pedestrian friendly redevelopment plan for the Walnut Street Oval area, it would be
advantageous to provide continuous pedestrian connectivity to the Nashua River at
Water Street. This could be done by ci
converting the western segment of
Water Street to a pedestrian
corridor. Full vehicular access and
egress would be maintained for all
businesses on Water Street by way
of the traffic signal controlled Main
Street intersection, The pedestrian
corridor, which would connect to
Factory Street, would not only
provide access to pedestrians and
bicyclists, but it would provide an
aesthetically pleasing area with
landscaping, benches, and great views of the River.
\whblprof Bedtordhs2700,00 Nashua 4
Circulation StudAreports\Final ReporfiFinal Executive Summary
Report.doc
