After much debate, public input and several different iterations, city officials say the Broadway corridor redesign plan is nearing completion.
The improvements are part of a $850 million municipal bond package approved by San Antonio voters in 2017, to make lower Broadway a safe multimodal area. The plan's latest iteration was revealed in June and does not require city council approval.
Broadway's multimillion-dollar redevelopment includes features like 10-foot-wide sidewalks, curbs, bicycle amenities, designated areas for rideshare or taxi pickups and dropoffs, lighting, drainage and other traffic improvements.
There will be bike lanes on 60 percent of Broadway itself. From E. Hildebrand to Houston Street, the plan diverts cyclists to less traveled side streets, which has provoked ire from cycling advocates who have been pushing for dedicated bike lanes across San Antonio. Critics say the plan as is prioritizes drivers over pedestrians.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg recently voiced support for protected lanes on Broadway. District 1 City Council representative Roberto Treviño says cyclists would be safer and have more room to ride in bike lanes on Avenue B and North Alamo Street.
Updating the Broadway corridor is part of San Antonio's Complete Streets Ordinance, which was created to promote inclusive design for a multimodal transportation system. The primary objective of "complete streets" is to have thoroughfares that consider the needs of public transit, motor vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians.
What other improvements are included in the latest design? What happens next?
What's the expected timeline for this project? How could changes affect area businesses, residents, drivers and pedestrians?
Guests:
- Roberto Treviño, San Antonio City Council representative for District 1
- Art Reinhardt, interim deputy director of the City of San Antonio's Transportation & Capital Improvements Project
- David Adelman, local developer and board member of the downtown advocacy organization Centro San Antonio
- Russell Hom-Crosier, board president of Bike San Antonio
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Monday, July 8.
