Phases 2& 3 Online Survey Open – Please provide your input today!
For additional information and to see a presentation regarding the two phases, please visit this blog post.
The survey is open through Thursday, December 16th.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Town of Elon is studying how to improve the safety and multi-modal connectivity of the portions of East and West Haggard Avenues within its jurisdiction that together form a primary east/west route through Elon’s downtown, connecting the City of Burlington to the east and the Town of Gibsonville to the west.
BACKGROUND
The Town of Elon’s adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Envision Elon 2040) includes detailed recommendations for improving the western and eastern gateways into town. As described in Envision, improving the western and eastern gateways along Haggard Avenue are high priorities for improvement, as they make a first impression and help shape visitors’ image of the Town. “Streetscape, public art, and wayfinding signage are among the elements that contribute to creating a welcoming experience” at these gateways, as noted in the Plan.
Conducting a Haggard Avenue Corridor Study was identified as a Top 6 Priority Action Step in the Envision Elon 2040 Plan, to “create a safe, comfortable environment for pedestrians and cyclists along Haggard Avenue with streetscape improvements and a better development edge.” This project specifically responds to Recommendation Item IS-4.2 from this Plan, which states:
“An examination of this road corridor that links the Town of Elon to Gibsonville and Burlington will help define on a segment-by-segment basis ways to introduce safe bike and pedestrian connections, enhance the streetscape, better manage vehicular circulation, and improve the relationship of adjacent development to the street to create a highly accessible and safe place to live, work, dine, or shop.”
LOCATION
East Haggard Avenue (SR 1455) and West Haggard Avenue (SR 1454) are minor arterial roadways with 2-3 lanes and posted speed limits ranging from 25 to 35 mph, that together form a primary east/west route through Elon’s downtown, connecting the City of Burlington to the east and the Town of Gibsonville to the west, as shown on the Project Vicinity Map. E. Haggard Avenue (SR 1454) between N. Williamson Avenue (SR 1301) and NC 87/100, serves as a major thoroughfare for access to Elon University, the old Elon Elementary School, and various local businesses. W. Haggard Avenue (SR 1454) between N. Williamson Avenue (SR 1301) and University Drive (NC 100)/Burlington Avenue serves as a major thoroughfare for access to Downtown Elon, Elon University, and various local businesses.
The complete project area includes the entire length of E. and W. Haggard Avenues in the Town of Elon’s jurisdiction (approximately 2.65 miles). However, to facilitate detailed study, it has been divided into three separate project Phases, with only Phase 1 underway at this time. The three different project phases are shown on the Haggard Avenue Study Phases Map, and described below:
- Phase 1 – Antioch Avenue to York Road (0.75 miles) – Phase One Plan Adopted May 11, 2021.
- Phase 2 – Western Gateway – Antioch Avenue west to University Drive/Burlington Avenue (1.1 miles) – Ongoing
- Phase 3 – Eastern Gateway – York Road east to University Drive/Webb Avenue (0.75 miles) – Ongoing
PROJECT GOALS
Two main elements will be produced for each Project Phase, including a Unified Corridor Plan and Vision as well as a supporting Corridor Overlay Zoning District and Map. Together, these items meet the following project goals:
- Evaluate the potential for reducing the 3-lane section(s) to 2-lanes
- Investigate opportunities for additional on-street parking in and near Elon’s downtown core
- Improve multi-modal access, uses and connectivity (especially bicycles)
- Calm traffic and include complete street elements
- Improve safety for all users
The Unified Corridor Plan will contain Schematic Roadway and Streetscape Designs that follow a consistent theme and provide street level amenities that are user-focused, contextual, functional and integrated.
The Corridor Overlay Zoning District recommendations and proposed Map will be provided to the Town’s LMO consultant and include permitted land use, landscaping, setback, building form/massing, lighting, ingress/egress, and signage development standards.
SCHEDULE / PROJECT UPDATES
The following tasks have been completed:
- May 11, 2021 – Phase One plan was adopted by the Board of Aldermen.
- July 23, 2021 – Kick off meeting for Phases 2 and 3 held virtually
- September 30, 2021 – Stakeholder Committee meeting
- November 18, 2021 – Public Input Session from 5:30 – 7pm online. To access the recording, click here.
- Please complete the online survey for the corridor. The survey is open until Thursday, December 16. For additional information, please view this blog post.
- December 2021 – Existing Condition Analysis/Draft Designs
Upcoming & Future Tasks include the following:
- January 2022 – Stakeholder Design Charette
- February 2022 – Draft Plan Review by SEPI and Elon Staff
- March 2022 – Draft Plan Review by Stakeholder Committee
- April 2022 – Draft Plan Review open to the public
- May 2022 – Public Meeting – Draft Plan Review
- June 2022 – Public Comments Due
- July-August 2022 – Final Plan Adoption
*Haggard Corridor Stakeholder Committee is led by the Town of Elon Planning Department and SEPI Inc., and consists of representatives from the Town of Elon (Downtown Development, Recreation & Parks, and Public Works), Elon University, City of Burlington, Town of Gibsonville, Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC), Burlington Graham MPO, NCDOT and several citizens representing bicycle and pedestrian users.