We look at the complete transportation picture
There’s more to transportation planning than meets the eye. Sure, cars and trucks ‘own the road,’ but there are many ways to get around town. By foot. By bike. And of course, by car.
The concept of complete streets is based on the assumption that roadways and transportation corridors be designed to accommodate all potential uses and transportation modes. It’s the idea of looking at a road from the outside in, to accommodate non-motorized transportation (walking, biking, roller blading), people of all walks of life (elderly, handicapped, children), and traditional transportation (public transit, cars and trucks). By considering all users, our streets are safer and communities more livable.
Incorporating more complete streets throughout the Merrimack Valley helps achieve many goals outlined in our Regional Transportation Plan, such as:
- Improving the multi-modal transportation system.
- Improving air quality by reducing polluting transportation options.
- Reducing traffic congestion and number of single-occupancy vehicles/trips.
- Creating safe routes for people to travel.
- Increasing quality of life with more healthy transportation choices.
- Increasing economic competitiveness by increased quality of life and enhanced visitor experience.
Complete Streets Projects
We walk our talk. Our commitment to meeting the variety of transportation needs of our diverse Valley communities is reflected in these complete streets projects. From bridge trails to safety audits, we’ve got the Merrimack Valley covered.
South Main Street reconstruction, Haverhill
One of the top priorities for this two-mile road reconstruction project is to increase pedestrian safety and access by updating existing and building new sidewalks while addressing safety concerns at key intersections.
Whittier Bridge TrailThe first of its kind in Massachusetts, this trail will connect Newburyport, Amesbury and Salisbury via the Whittier Bridge on I-95, which crosses the Merrimack River. The trail connects the Storey Avenue Park & Ride lot in Newburyport to the Ghost Point Trail in Salisbury, adding to the substantial bicycle and pedestrian network provided by these communities.
Bus on ShoulderUnder consideration is a dedicated lane for buses on I-93, a creative solution to addressing congestion and air pollution by increasing transit mode share in the region.
Border to Boston TrailThis 26-mile, off-and on-road multi-use trail will provide an important connection between five Merrimack Valley communities.
[Photo credit: Essex National Heritage Commission]
Winter Street Safety Audit & Corridor AnalysisThese two studies by MVPC address different issues on Winter Street in Haverhill. One recommends a revitalization strategy, including improvements to the aesthetics, pedestrian environment and business environment. The second study focuses on safety concerns at one specific intersection.
Merrimack River Trail
Undertaken in partnership with the Essex National Heritage Commission with a grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the report recommends a trail alignment to include both off-road and on-road segments that together will provide the linkages necessary to establish a truly regional trail system.
