The most pressing topic at the recent commission meeting was the extensive redesign of the C Highway, a project that addresses long-standing safety concerns on a stretch of roadway that has not seen updates since 1955. The proposed plan aims to enhance the corridor’s safety by introducing traffic-calming measures such as a reduction in travel lanes. This design strategy is expected to slow down traffic, reducing vehicular speeds that have been a persistent issue for the area. Additionally, the project includes the installation of new sidewalks and repaving the roadway, which together with the raised crosswalks, will improve pedestrian safety.

Air quality sensors will be installed to gauge the impact of these improvements on the environment.

Community engagement was a focal point during the meeting, with the commission emphasizing the project’s development through a collaborative process, involving multiple community meetings and a pilot phase in October 2020. Discussions at these events covered a range of topics, from air quality and stormwater management to design principles.

The improvement commission also tackled concerns about traffic and safety in the neighborhood surrounding the highway. The Public Works Department presented plans to introduce speed humps on side streets and reconstruct sidewalks, with a target completion date by the end of 2026. The prospect of construction-induced traffic flow issues was a concern among meeting participants, prompting discussions on how to minimize disruptions. Signage and safety measures, particularly for roundabouts and bilingual signage, were also deliberated to accommodate the area’s diverse population.

As the meeting progressed, the conversation turned to the allocation of space for bike lanes, a subject that elicited disparate views. While some participants questioned the necessity of bike lanes due to low cyclist numbers, others focused on the broader goal of creating safer roadways for all users, including cyclists. The infrequency of buses was another point of contention, with attendees voicing concerns about its effect on the community and the commission acknowledging the need for improvement.

Residents also shared their perspectives on the construction’s potential impact, with some expressing skepticism about the need for four lanes on Cummins Highway, especially given the recent pandemic’s effect on traffic patterns. The number of crashes on the highway was a concern, prompting suggestions for additional traffic control measures, such as stop signs or lights at key intersections.

During the discussion, the implementation of multilingual communication emerged as a issue, with the commission assuring that while standard state-mandated traffic signs would be installed, supplemental signs would be provided to aid comprehension among non-English speakers. The design of the rotary and the access to the Sonoco gas station was also debated, with the commission explaining that the gas station entrances would be maintained, and a median would be constructed to prevent left turns onto the highway.

Pedestrian safety, especially for those with disabilities, was another key area of focus. The Disabilities Commission has been involved in the project, and there was a push for raised crosswalks that are even with the sidewalks, improving comfort and accessibility. In addition, there were discussions about reaching out to the Disabilities Commission or the project team in case of concerns with road design or sidewalks.