The Chattanooga Department of Transportation is looking into opportunities on how to improve the roadway of Wilcox Boulevard to improve safety for all people traveling through the corridor and to create a welcoming public space.
Please complete this survey to provide your valuable feedback.
What does it mean to right-size a road?
Vehicle-Centered Roadway Configuration
In a vehicle-centered roadway, the majority of the space is allocated to personal motor vehicles. Sidewalks accommodate utility poles, street light poles, and street furniture, narrowing the path and reducing the capacity of the sidewalk.
Right-sized Multimodal Roadway Configuration
In the multimodal street, the capacity of the street is increased by a more balanced allocation of space between the modes. This redistribution of space allows for a variety of non-mobility activities such as seating areas, bus stops, trees, and other green infrastructure.
Testing Changes to Wilcox Boulevard
In 2019, the Chattanooga Department of Transportation (CDOT) used barrels to test how a change to the design of Wilcox Blvd. for safety reasons would function. Through this test, as well as computer models, CDOT found that Wilcox Boulevard is a good candidate for road right-sizing, restriping the road from a 5-lane to a 3-lane that includes one travel lane in each direction and a center turn lane.
Road right-sizings have been shown to reduce the number and severity of crashes, calm traffic, and smooth traffic flow without negatively impacting traffic capacity. These types of road right-sizings have also been shown to have long-term economic and community benefits. This change could significantly improve safety and comfort while only adding less than a couple of minutes to rush hour travel times from the bridge to the tunnel.
We need your input on how best to calm traffic and improve safety on Wilcox Boulevard.
Ready to find out more?
For information about the safety improvements, benefits of the roadway configuration change, and feedback we have received about the corridor, please read the E. Martin Luther King Blvd. and Bailey Ave. Project Report.
Sign up to receive updates
CDOT aims to make efficient transportation viable for all commuters - cyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and motorists while enhancing public spaces for all people.
